As Long As There Is Love, There Will Be Grief
Photo by Zoran Kokanovic on Unsplash.
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PROJECT OF THE WEEK
As Long As There Is Love, There Will Be Grief
(A gentle reflection on why some things hurt more than we expect)
There’s a quote I came across recently from Heidi Priebe that stopped me in my tracks:
“As long as there is love, there will be grief.”
At first, I nodded along, thinking about loved ones, family, friends, people who’ve shaped my life in big and small ways. That kind of grief makes intuitive sense. We love deeply, so of course we grieve deeply when something changes or ends.
But the more I sat with this quote, the more it expanded. I started thinking about all the little losses, the ones that sneak up on you. The ones that don’t look like grief at first, but still leave a heaviness in your chest.
The Grief Behind the Critique
Not long ago, someone emailed me about a small spelling mistake in one of my blog posts. They were kind. It wasn’t harsh or rude. But it still stung.
And I found myself wondering, Why does this tiny thing feel so big?
Then it hit me: Because I love writing these blogs. Because I care. Because I pour energy and intention and heart into every single one.
It’s not really about the typo. It’s about being seen in a moment where I wanted everything to be just right. And when something you love feels even a little bit bruised… that’s grief, too.
The Projects That Don’t Make It
This has been a season of loss for many, personally, professionally, and everything in between.
I’ve spoken with clients and colleagues who’ve poured themselves into meaningful work, grant proposals, research, programs, and projects that mattered deeply, and then… the funding disappeared. The timeline changed. The rug got pulled out from under them.
And yes, it’s “just a project.” But it’s also not. Because when you’ve attached your energy, your values, your vision to something, and it gets taken away, it’s more than disappointment. It’s grief.
Not just for the thing itself, but for what it could have become. For the lives it could have impacted. For the part of you that came alive in creating it.
Letting Go of the Things You Still Love
Over the past two years, my own work life has shifted dramatically.
I spend most of my time coaching now, which I truly love. It lights me up. I see growth, resilience, creativity in the people I work with every day.
But before this, I did a lot of hands-on organizing. I used to witness transformation in a very physical, tangible way. Spaces clearing, systems taking shape, people breathing a little easier. And sometimes I miss that part.
There’s grief in that too. Grief for the version of me that lived in label makers and bins and carefully folded linen closets. Grief for a part of my work that meant a lot, even if it made space for something new.
Getting Started
The Bittersweet Beauty of Change
You might be in a season of transition, too.
Maybe your kids have left for college, or graduated and moved out. Maybe you’ve retired from a job that defined your days for decades. Maybe you’re stepping into something new, something exciting, and it feels like you should only feel joy.
But the truth is, even joyful changes come with grief. Because we grieve the lives we’ve loved, even as we embrace the next one.
What This Taught Me
That quote from Heidi Priebe keeps echoing in my mind:
“As long as there is love, there will be grief.”
So if something hurts right now, if you're feeling the weight of a transition, a lost opportunity, or a small comment that landed a little too hard, maybe it’s because there’s love there, too.
Grief is not a sign that something went wrong. Grief is a sign that something mattered. That you cared. That you showed up.
And to me? That’s a beautiful thing.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.