When Seasons Change: Navigating Grief Alongside Gratitude in the Loss of a Friendship

Here’s the real deal.

Recently I had to let go of a relationship that was no longer serving me. I hesitated to share this story here — I try to keep this space light and encouraging — but it keeps pulling at me. I hope you find clarity in what I share, perhaps for a relationship or situation in your own life.

This decision was not mine alone. It involved my husband and I, and several families we’ve grown close with and built community alongside. It was not a choice any of us took lightly or found easy, because we genuinely care deeply about the family that we had to say ‘goodbye for now’ to.

Relationships in the season of parenthood, particularly when our kiddos are little, hit different than we were all young. Parenthood shifts the way we relate, asking us to consider not only our own boundaries but the environments and energies we bring our children into. It’s not just about our own tolerances, but also modeling healthy relationship dynamics built on love and compassion and respect. Sometimes that means honoring a deep sense inside that says, “something just isn’t right here.” Being responsible for co-creating community means also considering the well-being of other families.

My heart still aches with grief missing this family, for the time we shared, and for what I had hoped for, for the good times, and beautiful ways we supported one another. My daughter misses playing with their daughters, so I’ve had to hold her through this loss of friendship, too. Which is a whole lesson inside of all of this– teaching our children how friendships may come and go and serve us well in some seasons and trusting when it’s time to say goodbye.

I also hold myself accountable for my own bullshit and role I played — there were times I could’ve shown more authenticity, curiosity, or clarity. Ultimately, though, the separation came down to deep value mismatches that felt too significant to ignore. This call took courage and devotion to honoring my own family’s needs for safety, regulation, and cohesion.

So here I am, entering winter – the season of rest. Inside of a 9 year, the year of the snake, representing release and shedding, al while many planets are in retrograde and entering new signs and eras inviting inquiry into our own shadows, darkness, and beliefs.

While endings are always heavy, I hold faith and feel blessed to know that it is all for all of our highest and best. I am already learning and growing so much through this process, as I trust all the families involved are, as well.

If you feel called to surrender what’s stirring in your heart right now — in relationships, in choices, in inner knowing — I hope you find trust in that process. Remember: gratitude and grief can coexist. Release can be love. You can honor the complexity of relationships, hold compassion, and still choose what is right for you and your family.