The fifth stage of grief is acceptance. This does not mean you are happy or have forgotten your loss. It means you have come to terms with what happened and how it has changed your life. You are no longer in denial, anger, bargaining, or depression. You are ready to move forward with your life, even if it differs from what you expected or hoped for.
Acceptance does not happen overnight. It is a gradual process that may involve some setbacks and relapses. You may still feel sad, angry, or guilty sometimes, but these emotions will not overwhelm you or prevent you from living your life. You may also experience moments of joy, gratitude, and hope, which will become more frequent as you heal.
Acceptance does not mean you must like or agree with what happened. It means that you acknowledge it as a part of your life story and that you can learn from it. You may find meaning, purpose, or growth in your loss or accept it as something that happened to you. Either way, you are not letting it define or hold you back.
Acceptance is not the end of grief. It begins a new phase of your life, which may still involve suffering and other emotions and experiences. You may still miss your loved one, but you will also cherish the memories and the legacy they left behind. You may still face challenges, but you will also have new opportunities and goals. You may still feel pain, but you will also feel peace.