Grief in summer: moving gently through a high-energy season
Summer often arrives with longer days, warmer weather, and a cultural emphasis on relaxation, travel, and celebration. While these seasonal rhythms bring joy to many, they can also highlight feelings of absence and disconnection for those who are grieving.
The contrast between personal loss and the outward energy of summer can feel especially stark. At the Dorothy Ley Hospice, we recognize that grief doesn’t take a vacation. It shows up in every season, including the one most associated with happiness and ease.
When summer highlights what’s missing
The brightness and social energy of summer can intensify grief. Outdoor gatherings, vacations, and family events often come with strong memories and expectations. For someone who is grieving, these same experiences can feel painful, or even impossible to attend. Watching others enjoy the season can increase feelings of loneliness, and the pressure to appear “okay” can be exhausting. Grief in the summer isn’t wrong or out of place. It’s just less visible in a season that tends to spotlight joy
Memories that surface with the season
Many summer activities and traditions—family trips, reunions, time spent outdoors—can bring up strong memories of a loved one who has died. These triggers may come unexpectedly or show up year after year.
Summer is often socially full—barbecues, weddings, travel traditions, festivals. If you’re grieving, these events might feel overwhelming. You might want to stay connected but also feel the need to pull back.
Here are a few things that can help:
- Say yes only when it feels manageable.
- Give yourself permission to leave early or take breaks.
- Let trusted people know where you’re at emotionally.
- It’s okay to protect your time and energy. Grief asks a lot of your inner resources—tending to yourself is essential.
If you’re open to it, try reflecting on these questions:
- What do I need most right now?
- Are there summer memories I want to honour?
- What helps me feel more grounded when grief feels intense?
Creating simple, meaningful rituals
Rituals don’t have to be elaborate to be meaningful. They can provide structure, comfort, and a way to stay connected to the person you’ve lost. Some summertime rituals might include:
- Lighting a candle at sunset in their honour
- Planting a flower or small garden in their memory
- Preparing a dish they loved and sharing it with others
- Taking a walk in a place that reminds you of them
- Starting a new tradition that reflects something they valued
There’s no wrong way to grieve in the summer
Summer can be both beautiful and difficult. It’s a season that invites openness and activity, but it’s also a time when grief can quietly resurface. Your experience doesn’t have to match what the world expects.
Whether you’re spending this summer grieving, remembering, adjusting, or simply getting through the day—know that it’s okay. You’re not alone. Grief moves in its own time, and your care for yourself matters just as much as the care you offer others.
Discover our services
Our services are available at no cost to clients living with illness, their families, caregivers, and those experiencing grief. If you live in the Etobicoke area and are interested in our services, please complete our referral form or contact us to learn more.