Up, Up, and Away

Grief Recovery Series:  By Patricia D. Freudenberg, Certified End-of-Life Coach

Up, Up, and Away is more than just a whimsical phrase from a childhood balloon ride—it’s a powerful metaphor for what many experience during the early stages of grief. In the immediate aftermath of a profound loss, emotions can feel so intense, so unanchored, that it’s as though you’re floating away—detached from reality, unable to take the next step forward. You may feel like you’ve left the ground entirely.

This sensation of being emotionally airborne is common, especially when the person you lost was an integral part of your daily life. You might find yourself disconnected, overwhelmed, or numb. These are real, valid feelings. And they deserve to be acknowledged with compassion and grace.

But here’s a gentle shift in perspective: what if “up, up, and away” could also represent an eventual uplift? A pause, a breather, a bird’s-eye view that gives you the space to process before you land again.

Leonardo da Vinci once said,

“Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer… A prolonged stay in the same place impedes our power of thought.”

In grief, this means giving yourself permission not to “fix” everything at once. As a certified end-of-life coach, I often encourage people not to immediately rush into rearranging furniture, making big decisions, or sorting through belongings. If possible, take a month—or even just a few weeks—to allow emotions to rise, settle, and speak to you. This can help you process the initial shock before taking practical steps toward healing.

This newsletter is especially for those in the early onset of grief. It may not apply to every loss, but if you’ve lost someone who was deeply woven into your everyday life, this message is for you.

When we surrender to the idea that it’s okay to float a little—to be “up in the air”—we can eventually come down with more clarity, groundedness, and grace. You won’t drift forever. In time, you’ll find solid ground beneath your feet again. And when you do, you’ll carry the legacy of your loved one not as a weight, but as wind beneath your wings.

Prompt for Reflection: Have you given yourself permission to pause? If not, what would it look like to create space—emotionally, physically, or spiritually—before moving forward?

Recommended Reading: If you found this message comforting or thought-provoking, you may appreciate my book: Live Your Legacy: A New Spin on Mourning This heartfelt guide introduces Legacy as the seventh stage of grief—”the light at the end of the tunnel.” It empowers readers to honor their loved ones by living with purpose, intention, and emotional equity.

Available now on Amazon⬇️

Live Your Legacy: A New Spin on Mourning

(Click the link above to explore or gift a copy to someone in need of encouragement.)

All rights reserved. © Patricia D. Freudenberg, Certified End-of-Life Coach