As I celebrate my 50th birthday, I reflect deeply on the lessons I’ve learned through grief, especially after losing my sister. Her death marked a turning point in my life, one that reshaped my understanding of loss, love, and resilience. In those early days, my world felt shattered, but with time, I’ve learned that healing doesn’t mean forgetting; it means finding ways to carry our loved ones forward with us.
Grief is not a destination, it’s a journey — a journey I continue to walk every day. Along the way, I’ve learned that although the pain of loss never fully disappears, it transforms. It becomes a source of strength, connection, and understanding. Through Dragonfly Vibes, I’ve found a way to channel my grief into something meaningful: creating thoughtful gifts that offer comfort and help others feel less alone.
These 50 lessons are what I’ve learned about grief, life, and resilience. I hope they offer comfort to you as you navigate your own path through loss:
On the Nature of Grief
1. Grief doesn’t follow a timeline.
2. It’s okay to not “move on.”
3. Healing is not linear; some days are better than others.
4. Grief changes over time, but it never truly ends.
5. Accepting the unpredictability of grief can help us cope with it.
On Embracing Emotions
6. Feel every emotion, even the hard ones.
7. Tears are healing.
8. Happiness can coexist with sadness.
9. It’s okay to laugh and find joy, even in grief.
10. Silence can speak volumes.
On Finding Support
11. Grieving doesn’t have to be a solitary journey.
12. Accept help when it’s offered; it’s a gift to those who care.
13. Surround yourself with those who understand, even if they aren’t family.
14. Therapy and support groups can be powerful resources.
15. True friends don’t judge the way you grieve.
On Self-Care and Reflection
16. Take time to care for yourself.
17. Journaling can be a powerful release.
18. Nature has a way of soothing sorrow.
19. It’s okay to say “no” when you need time alone.
20. Celebrate small moments of peace.
On Honoring Loved Ones
21. Carrying on their legacy can bring comfort.
22. Cherish the memories, even if they bring tears.
23. Small rituals can help keep their memory alive.
24. Speak about them openly, even if it’s painful.
25. Know that they are still a part of you.
On Finding Purpose
26. Grief can shape us in meaningful ways.
27. Loss has a way of revealing what matters most.
28. Helping others can bring unexpected healing.
29. Turning pain into purpose can be life-changing.
30. Embrace what grief has taught you.
On Life After Loss
31. Life after loss is different, but it can still be beautiful.
32. Embrace change as a part of growth.
33. Let yourself experience happiness without guilt.
34. The people we’ve lost wouldn’t want us to live in sadness.
35. Every moment of life is a gift.
On Continuing the Journey
36. Grief isn’t something to “overcome” — it’s a lifelong process.
37. Finding peace doesn’t mean forgetting.
38. You can carry love for someone even after they’re gone.
39. Grieving changes you, and that’s okay.
40. Healing is a lifelong journey that brings strength.
On Building Dragonfly Vibes
41. My sister’s memory is the heart of Dragonfly Vibes.
42. Connecting with others through shared grief brings peace.
43. Creating gifts for those grieving is an honor and a comfort.
44. It’s fulfilling to offer solace to others through our products.
45. Knowing that I’m not alone in this journey is a gift in itself.
46. Dragonfly Vibes is a space where grief is met with compassion and understanding.
47. Every product we create is an act of love, meant to offer comfort.
48. Sharing my grief through Dragonfly Vibes has helped me heal.
49. Dragonfly Vibes represents hope, resilience, and connection.
50. Building Dragonfly Vibes has been my way of transforming pain into purpose.
Closing Thoughts
As I reflect on these 50 lessons, I am reminded that grief is not a journey we take alone. It’s a path we walk with others — with the memory of those we’ve lost, with the people who support us, and with the knowledge that healing is possible, even in the darkest moments. If you’re grieving, I hope these lessons provide comfort and a reminder that you are never alone in your journey.
Thank you for being part of my journey, and for allowing me to be part of yours. Here’s to embracing all that life holds — both the joyful and the difficult. Let’s continue to walk this path together, finding strength and beauty in every step.
If you'd like to explore more ways to support your healing journey or help someone else, please visit us at www.shopdragonflyvibes.com.
With love and gratitude,
Amy Fabian-Crump
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