What Día de los Muertos Taught Me About Joy, Grief & Being Present
Nov 01, 2026
There is something incredibly beautiful about being reminded that life is meant to be LIVED, not just survived. ❤️
I had the opportunity to spend time in Mexico City, immerse myself in the beauty of Día de los Muertos, and honor a tradition that celebrates life, love, remembrance, and the people who remain part of our stories even after they're gone.
The colors, the Catrinas, the ofrendas, the flowers, the celebrations, and the love woven into it all were such meaningful things to experience.
What I found especially moving was how a tradition centered around remembering those who have passed could be so full of LIFE. Joy and grief existing together. Love continuing beyond loss. Families making space to remember, celebrate, and stay connected to those they hold dear.
And it made me reflect on something I talk about often, both personally and professionally.
We get so caught up in trying to get through life that sometimes we forget we're supposed to be experiencing it.
We worry about things that may never happen. We hold onto things that are hurting us. We postpone happiness until we've lost the weight, made more money, found the relationship, healed completely, or finally have everything figured out.
Meanwhile, life is happening RIGHT NOW.
Experiencing this tradition reminded me to be more intentional about how I show up in my own life. To be more present. To appreciate the people I love. To make memories. To laugh a little louder. To stop treating joy like something I have to earn.
And as a therapist, it reinforces something I deeply believe: Our mental health journey isn't just about reducing symptoms, overcoming struggles, or healing from the past. It's also about creating a life we genuinely enjoy being part of.
A life with more peace. More connection. More self-compassion. More meaningful moments. More room to simply BE.
And listen, I'm still practicing all of this myself! Because knowing how to live intentionally and actually doing it are two different things. We're all human, and we're all learning. ❤️
If you're in a season where you're simply trying to make it through the day, I want you to know that I see you. And I hope you'll remember that your current circumstances don't have to define the rest of your story.
There is still time to make changes.
There is still time to heal.
There is still time to reconnect with yourself.
There is still time to create memories you're excited to look back on.
And there is still so much joy you haven't experienced yet.
I would love the opportunity to help guide and support you through that journey. Whether you're navigating anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, difficult life transitions, or simply trying to find your way back to yourself, you don't have to figure everything out alone.
Día de los Muertos is a beautiful reminder that the people we love and the memories we create matter long after a moment has passed.
And my hope for you is that while you're here, you give yourself permission to create a life full of moments worth remembering.
Honor those who came before you. Cherish those who are beside you. And please, don't forget to celebrate the person who is still here living this life: YOU. ❤️
With love, Nancy Chopin
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) & Relationship Coach
➡️ www.itiswellpsychotherapy.com
$5 Wellness Downloads: https://www.itiswellpsychotherapy.com/mental-health-resources
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