Life has a way of blending both joy and sorrow, often in the same breath. It reminds us that our emotions aren’t simple or linear—and that’s completely normal.

The International Day of Happiness is a chance to pause and reflect on what happiness means, especially when we’re grieving. It may seem strange or even wrong to smile, laugh, or feel moments of joy while carrying the weight of loss. But here’s the truth: joy can live alongside grief. And choosing happiness during tough times is not a betrayal—it's a sign of strength, love, and life.

Can You Be Happy While Grieving?

Many people feel guilty when they begin to experience even a glimmer of joy after losing someone close. They may think it’s a sign they didn’t care enough—or fear what others might say.

But grief and happiness aren’t opposites. Feeling joy doesn’t mean your pain is gone or that your love has faded. It simply means you’re still human, still healing, and still deserving of light in your life.

Some people even feel guilty for surviving when their loved one is no longer here. These feelings are natural—but they don’t have to keep you stuck.

Inspiration from The Grief and Happiness Handbook

One book that beautifully explores this emotional balance is The Grief and Happiness Handbook by Emily Thiroux Threatt.

Emily experienced profound loss—losing two husbands in her lifetime. Her grief journey was long and painful, but rather than remain in the darkness, she chose to share what she learned with others. Her story, her book, and her work through The Grief and Happiness Alliance have inspired many, including myself.

If you’re navigating loss, I wholeheartedly recommend her book and community. There’s so much comfort in knowing you’re not alone.

Key Lessons from Emily Thiroux Threatt

Here are three valuable takeaways from The Grief and Happiness Handbook:

1. Choose Joy — Even When It Feels Hard

Grief brings a wave of mixed emotions. Emily reminds us that it’s okay to feel joy during sad times. In fact, joy doesn’t erase your grief—it coexists with it. When you allow yourself to smile, laugh, or feel hope again, you’re not “moving on,” you’re moving forward.

2. Find Strength in Gratitude

Practising gratitude can shift your perspective. It doesn’t mean ignoring your pain—it means noticing the small things that still bring comfort. A cup of tea. A warm hug. The memory of your loved one’s laugh. Gratitude gives you space to heal.

3. Honour the Past, Embrace the Future

You don’t need to “let go” of someone you love to keep living. Emily encourages us to hold on to the memories while also welcoming change. Life after loss may be different—but it can still be meaningful.

Embracing the International Day of Happiness

This International Day of Happiness, give yourself permission to feel all your emotions. It’s okay to grieve and still laugh. To cry and still hope. To miss someone deeply and still find reasons to smile.

Let’s use this day to:

• Reflect on the beauty of emotional complexity

• Celebrate moments of joy, however small

• Honour those we’ve lost by living well

• Support each other with kindness and compassion

Grief and happiness are not opposites—they are part of the same human story. And by holding both gently, we can begin to heal.

A Gentle Next Step

If you’re finding it hard to balance grief with the desire to feel happy again, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.

✨ Read the article 'Is Unresolved Grief Holding You Back?' and take this free self-assessment quiz to explore how you’re coping with grief.

✨ Download my free guide: 10 Common Mistakes When Handling Your Grief

✨ Book a free discovery call for support tailored to your needs.

And if you're looking for a warm, welcoming space, come join my FREE Facebook community—Handling Grief. It’s a supportive place where we share tips, stories, and encouragement.

Let’s honour both grief and happiness—because you deserve space for both.