Lessons from Loss: What Grief Can Teach About Living

Thomas Brag from Yes Theory shares what losing his mother taught him about life, pain, and growth. Through grief, he discovered lessons that go beyond his personal story, truths about how to live, heal, and find meaning again. I could relate to him, and share his thoughts, so here they are.

1. Life is not fair, but it’s still worth living

Fairness isn’t promised. The sooner you stop wishing life worked differently, the sooner you can start focusing on what you can control. Acceptance is the first step toward peace.

2. Face your pain instead of running away

Pain doesn’t go away when ignored, it grows. Facing it directly turns it from something that breaks you into something that teaches you. He calls this emotional alchemy: turning hurt into growth.

3. Build energy, not happiness

Happiness comes and goes, but energy can be built through taking care of your body and mind. Sleep, food, exercise, and rest give you the strength to handle anything life throws at you.

4. Don’t try to do it alone

Healing requires people. Let others in when you’re struggling. Vulnerability and connection are what remind you that life still has light even when you can’t see it yourself.

5. Take one step at a time

When life falls apart, the future looks impossible. In those moments, you only need to take the next small step forward. Bit by bit, you rebuild yourself.

6. Let pain transform you

Suffering can destroy you or shape you into someone deeper and stronger. Loss can awaken creativity, compassion, and purpose, if you allow it to change you.

7. Take care of your health, it’s the foundation of everything

When you’re sick or burned out, all other problems shrink into one: getting well. Physical health affects emotional strength, without energy, even hope fades.