Finding Strength in Action: Ciara Kelly on Returning to Work After Loss
The journey through grief is a deeply personal and often arduous one. For many, the prospect of returning to the routines of daily life, particularly work, after a profound loss can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Ciara Kelly, a familiar face who has recently navigated such a difficult period, has bravely shared her experiences and insights on how the simple act of “keeping going” has become a vital coping mechanism.
Her sister, Dara, sadly passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on February 10th. The funeral service was held on Valentine’s Day, a poignant date for remembrance, before Ciara made her return to her professional life just days later.
Now, having completed her first week back, Ciara has reflected on the experience, offering a powerful message of hope and resilience. She shared her thoughts as part of her ongoing “one hundred days of walking” series, a personal project that seems to have provided a framework for her introspection.
“It’s been a weird week for me this week, to be honest,” Ciara admitted. “I went back to work and tried to go back to life and normal things, I guess, and I feel okay because it’s kind of gone okay.” This simple acknowledgement of feeling “okay” in itself signifies a significant step in the grieving process.
The core of Ciara’s message revolves around the power of action. She explained her realisation: “I was thinking about it, and I was thinking sometimes it’s the action of actually doing that makes you realise you can do it.” This sentiment speaks to a fundamental truth – that our perception of our own capabilities can often be revised by the very act of attempting something that seems daunting.
“Sometimes you’re not sure if you can do it or not,” she continued, “and then you do it and you can.” This is a relatable experience for anyone who has faced a challenge they doubted they could overcome. The internal monologue of uncertainty can be powerful, but the external act of perseverance often proves it wrong.
Ciara elaborated on this point, making it clear how this realisation has personally benefited her: “Does that make sense? That makes sense to me anyway. Sometimes, when I think I can’t do that, and I just try, and then it turns out that you [I] can, then that makes me feel better.” The validation that comes from successfully navigating a difficult situation, even a seemingly small one like returning to work, can be incredibly therapeutic.
She summarised this principle by stating, “So, the keeping going basically there’s a merit in it.” This isn’t about suppressing grief or pretending everything is fine, but rather about finding a constructive path forward, one step at a time. The consistent effort, the act of showing up and engaging with the world, can foster a sense of accomplishment and reinforce one’s own strength.
Ciara concluded her message with a warm wish for her followers, expressing her hope that they too had found moments of joy during their week. This thoughtful sign-off demonstrates her continued connection with her audience, even during her personal struggles.
Her words arrive shortly after she publicly expressed her gratitude for the immense support she has received from her followers since Dara’s passing. The outpouring of kindness and understanding has clearly been a source of comfort during this incredibly challenging time. The shared experience of grief, even from a distance, can create a powerful sense of community and solidarity.
Ciara’s openness about her return to work and her reflections on the merit of “keeping going” offer a valuable perspective for anyone grappling with loss. It highlights that while grief is a complex and often isolating experience, the act of engaging with life, however small the steps may seem, can be a crucial component of healing and rediscovery. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to find strength even in the face of profound sadness.
