Every year on Aug. 30, National Grief Awareness Day reminds us that loss touches everyone and that none of us have to go through it alone. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the death of a dream or the fading of the life we once had, grief is a part of being human.

Grief shows up in ways we don’t always expect. Patients often picture a Hollywood-style process where emotions flow perfectly, people instantly connect and healing happens on a schedule. But like any great movie, the reality is far more human and far more hopeful.

Here’s what I’ve learned about grief in my years as a therapist:

Grief isn’t linear

One of the first things I tell people is that grief doesn’t move neatly from one stage to the next. You might feel acceptance one day and frustration the next.

Anger often shows up more than sadness, because it can feel easier to express. The “seven stages” of grief are still a helpful framework, but they aren’t a checklist.

Instead, they remind us that grief is a mix of emotions that rarely come and go in order.