Fall--and the necessity of loss

Every fall, we see the leaves… fall. Plants stop producing and die. We begin to add more clothes as the weather becomes cooler. We lose access to the baking summer sun.

Loss is a universal experience, yet it often feels profoundly isolating. Whether it's the end of a relationship, the death of a loved one, or the fading of dreams, loss touches everyone at some point in their lives.

I’m here to tell you, as you age, loss becomes a lingering friend. The friendships you have made may fade, people may move to live in different situations, and the people you love will--yes--die. This is the cycle of life, the deep nature of impermanence.

While loss--especially by death--brings acute grief and mourning, the impermanence it reflects is part of our existence. It can be, over time, part of strengthening our resilience. Why--and how?

Loss often catalyzes personal growth. It forces us to confront our emotions, reflect on our values, and reassess our priorities. In the aftermath of loss, we may find ourselves more resilient, empathetic, and attuned to the needs of others. The process of grieving can be transformative, pushing us to explore new avenues of self-expression and to connect more deeply with those around us.

Loss can inspire powerful narratives of hope, resilience, and healing, illustrating the profound connection between suffering and creative expression.

Loss challenges our perceptions of relationships. It can highlight the importance of open communication and the need to cherish connections while they last. The end of a relationship, whether through separation or death, forces us to reflect on what we value in others and how we show our love. This reflection can lead to healthier relationships in the future, built on a foundation of honesty, gratitude, and mutual respect.

Perhaps the most profound aspect of loss is the opportunity it presents for finding meaning. Many people find that their experiences of grief lead them to reevaluate their life goals, pursue new passions, or engage in acts of service that honor what they have lost. This search for meaning can transform pain into purpose, allowing us to carry forward the legacies of those we’ve lost or the lessons learned through hardship. Each season of the year, each season of life, is a necessary companion for growth.

How do you find meaning in grief? How do you help it metabolize into resilience? That’s part and parcel of our work here--whether we’re coaching, training, or supporting organizational change.