Standing Through Grief: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Rediscovery

Grief is not a season. It’s not something you pass through and leave behind. It’s a lifetime journey — a new reality that reshapes you from the inside out. My name is Latifah B., and my journey with grief began on March 16, 2022, when I held my only child, Iman, in my arms as she peacefully transitioned from this world.

Iman was 20 years old — vibrant, wise beyond her years, and filled with light. Her passing was natural, and I was blessed — yes, blessed — to be fully present with her in her final moments. As she took her last breaths, she looked at me and whispered, "I love you." That moment, one would assume, should have shattered me. But instead, I felt peace.

I knew she had completed her purpose in this life. She had not been harmed. No one was responsible. She left this world with love, with dignity, and in my embrace. For me, Iman's transition was not the hardest part. It was pure. It was spiritual. It was love in its most raw and powerful form.

But what followed — learning to live without her physical presence — has been the hardest part of my life. Surviving grief has been a daily battle, and standing through it has become my life’s work.

Relearning Life After Loss

Every moment since Iman’s passing has been a first. My first birthday without her. My first holiday. My first laugh. My first decision. Grief isn't linear — it’s a cycle. It sneaks up on you in waves. And each choice I make, each step I take, is layered with her memory and the reality of her absence.

In the process, I have been forced to relearn and redevelop my relationship with myself and the people around me. I have tried everything from meditation and prayer, to exercise, self-care routines, and intentional social outings like concerts, festivals, and lounge nights — not to escape the pain, but to create space for joy amidst the sorrow.

I’ve traveled to Guatemala, Mexico, Texas, Georgia, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Florida, Colorado, Chicago, and New York — seeking peace, clarity, and pieces of myself along the way.

From Grieving Mother to Guide

In navigating my grief, I realized that many people are silently suffering, unsure of how to heal or where to start. That’s why I created a workbook titled “Standing Through Grief.” This isn't just a book — it's a companion. It's filled with journal prompts, daily challenges, meditations, exercises, and more, designed to help others move through their grief with intention and compassion.

You can purchase it at www.Latifahb.com. Whether you are grieving the loss of a child, a partner, a parent, a friend, family member, or even your old self — this book is for you.

The Journey Continues

I am still walking this road every single day. My grief has not disappeared, but I’ve learned to stand in it — to face it, feel it, and grow through it.

In my quest for healing and closure, I traveled to Tulum, where I tried 5-MeO-DMT, a powerful plant medicine used in sacred ceremonies for deep emotional and spiritual healing. It was not a fix — but another step on this difficult, ever-evolving journey toward self-discovery and peace.

Join Me

This journey is not easy, and it is far from over. But I invite you to walk with me — to follow my story of healing, spiritual development, emotional awareness, and mental resilience. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I am committed to showing up for myself, and for others walking this path.

If you’re navigating your own grief, know this: you’re not alone. We can stand through it — together.

With love and resilience,

Latifah B.