Our beloved family dog, Teddy, recently passed away. (The photo I have shared is not even a month old, how quickly things can change)  Many of you know that Teddy wasn’t just a pet—he was family, a part of every cherished memory and all the boys have ever known. His absence has created a void in our hearts. As someone who speaks often about authenticity, I felt it was important to share this, as I know grief is something we all face, in various forms.

Grief has been a quiet companion for many of us. For me, it began as a young girl, when my wonderful mum went into hospital to have my baby brother—and came home alone. The silence that filled our house was deafening, and though I didn’t fully understand it at the time, I could feel the sadness all around me.

Since then, grief has visited me many times. I’ve lost grandparents, my father, and more recently, my incredible mum. Each loss has shaped me, as it shapes all of us. We all experience grief in our own way, and each of us carries it differently.

What I’ve come to realise is that grief doesn’t just affect our personal lives—it touches every part of who we are, including our work and our relationships. Yet, we often feel the pressure to “move on” and show up strong, as if nothing has changed. But I’ve learned that it’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to feel grief and to take the time we need to heal.

Grief has taught me that vulnerability is not weakness, but strength. We don’t have to hide our pain to be strong. In fact, by sharing our grief—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a setback, or an unexpected change—we create space for connection and understanding. We don’t need to pretend everything is fine. We can show up as we are—real, raw, and human.

If you’re going through a difficult time, please know that you are not alone. Grief doesn’t discriminate and it’s something we all carry in different ways. It’s okay to lean on others, to share what you’re going through and to allow yourself the space to grieve in your own way. It’s in these moments of vulnerability that we find compassion and strength, both in ourselves and in each other.

So, if you are carrying grief—big or small—know that it’s okay to feel it. Allow yourself to take the time you need, and remember that sharing your experience, your pain, and your healing is one of the most powerful ways we can support one another. Through our shared humanity, we build deeper connections and a stronger sense of empathy.