Fathers day is the day you desperately wish you could skip.

If you lost your father last year, or the year before, or any time in the past — I’m writing this for you.

Take a deep breath. Exhale the tension you’ve been holding. Inhale again... slowly. Now, read this.

I know you're not having the same kind of day as everyone else. It feels unfair. You're carrying a broken heart, and the physical ache of grief is impossible to ignore. The rest of the 364 days, you might find ways to distract yourself — but today, grief shows up at every turn. Father’s Day sale messages from brands. Social media posts dedicated to dads. It’s a little too much.

I’ve come to believe that with grief, 'fight or flight' doesn’t apply. Running away isn’t an option. The only way out is through. So today, do it your way:

1. Share – Want to talk about him? Call someone. Say, “I miss him.” Tell a story. If you’re alone, email me.

2. Feel – Want to cry? Let it out. Cry as much as you need. No shame.

3. Escape (briefly) – Need space from the heaviness? That’s okay. Try screen-free distractions: indulge in self-care, watch your comfort show, put on some music while you move, or treat yourself to a salon or spa visit.

A few more things you can do today (only if you feel up to it):

4. Create – Write a letter to him. Say everything you wish you could. Or just journal what you're feeling — even if it’s messy or doesn’t make sense.

5. Revisit – Look at old photos or hold something that belonged to him. Sometimes, memory has a way of wrapping you in a quiet kind of comfort.

6. Honor – Do something he loved doing. Make his favorite dish. Play his favorite song. Watch a movie you used to watch together. Smile if it makes you smile. Cry if it makes you cry.

7. Connect – Reach out to someone else who might be missing him too — a sibling, a parent, a friend. You don’t have to say much. Sometimes just being there helps.

8. Rest – This day can be heavy. If your body says nap, rest, or do nothing — listen to it. Grief takes energy.

There’s no right way to grieve. There’s only your way.
However today unfolds — it’s okay.

This day will pass. And in a year, it will come again. But for today, give yourself permission to do whatever you need — even if that means simply letting it be.

Above all, remember: grief is your love speaking. Every ache, every tear, is proof of the bond you shared. In time, you’ll find moments of peace between the waves.

Until then, hold yourself gently. You are not alone.
Know that I’m holding your hand.

-Loveleen