This week has been hard. A family member I love dearly passed away, and honestly, I’ve fallen behind on everything. But instead of forcing myself to catch up, I decided to sit with the grief and create something gentle—something that might help someone else too.

Grieving looks different for everyone. Sometimes it’s loud and overwhelming. Other times it’s quiet, like a weight that settles in your chest and doesn’t go away. For me, the best thing I can do is create—something with my hands, my heart, and my memories.

If you're going through a loss, or if there's someone you miss deeply, this project might help you hold on to the good, while gently releasing the pain.

You can do this in a journal, a sketchbook, or just on a blank piece of paper. There’s no wrong way to do this.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A page or surface to create on

• Photos, drawings, stickers, dried flowers, or items that remind you of them

• Pens, markers, watercolor, or any creative tools you like

• (Optional) A soft candle or a calming playlist

Start with a memory collage:

Add things to your page that remind you of them. It could be their favorite colors, a flower they loved, a quote they used to say, a doodle of a place you went together, or just words that bring you comfort. Let your heart guide you. Let it be messy, let it be colorful, let it be honest.

Then, write them a letter.

Even though we can’t speak to them face-to-face anymore, this is a way to stay connected. Write from the heart. You can tell them what you’ll miss, what you love about them, what made them special. Share a memory or something you didn’t get a chance to say. Let your feelings pour onto the page.

This letter can be something you return to whenever you're missing them. Read it on the hard days. Remember the love. Keep them close.

Whether you create this page today, next week, or months from now—do it when it feels right. There’s no timeline on healing. This is just one option that helped me, and maybe it’ll help you too.

Be gentle with yourself.
With love,
Devyn