Grief, it’s more than the loss of a loved one.

When we think of grief, we often associate it with the loss of a loved one—a parent, partner, friend, or pet. And while this is certainly one of the most profound and recognized forms of grief, it’s not the only kind.

Grief can show up in many forms, sometimes in places we least expect. It’s not just about mourning someone who’s gone—it’s also about mourning parts of ourselves, our lives, or the roles we once played.

Grieving Who We Were Before Marriage: Marriage is a joyful commitment, but it can also mean saying goodbye to your independent, single self and adjusting to a new identity as someone’s partner.

Grieving Who We Were Before Parenthood: Welcoming a child is an incredible experience, but it also marks a farewell to the freedom and spontaneity of your pre-parent life.

Grieving Who We Were Before a Career Change: Even a long-awaited promotion or a shift to your dream job can bring a sense of loss—of old routines, familiar colleagues, or even the comfort of knowing exactly what to expect each day.

These forms of grief aren’t hypothetical to me—I’ve experienced all three in the last five years.

When we made the difficult decision to shut down Millennial Network Group, I lost more than a business. I lost a significant part of my social life, the opportunity to meet new people regularly, and the deep fulfillment that came from being active in the community.

At the same time, I was adjusting to life as a newlywed, married to my wife Rachel just before the world shut down during the COVID pandemic.

The isolation that followed was a stark contrast to the vibrant social life I’d been used to. Then, in June of 2020, we welcomed our son, Theodore—a beautiful blessing that came with its own set of adjustments, including letting go of who I was before becoming a dad.

Each of these changes was positive in its own way, but they came with a deep sense of loss. Losing the rhythm of my old routines, the relationships tied to my career, and even parts of my identity hit harder than I anticipated. And all of it was compounded by the unique challenges of living through a global pandemic.

What I’ve learned is that grief isn’t limited to sorrow over loss. It’s also the process of adjusting to change. It’s letting go of what was, even as we embrace what’s next. And both feelings—the joy for what’s new and the sadness for what’s been left behind—can coexist.

So, let’s open the door to conversations about these kinds of grief. Let’s make space for the full range of emotions we experience when life shifts—even when the change is positive.

Because your feelings are valid.

Grief isn’t something to “fix”—it’s something to feel, process, and eventually grow through.

Have you ever experienced grief in an unexpected way?

Let’s talk about it in the comments.

You’re not alone.

-Ben