I grew up very blessed. Before the age of 20, I have never experienced a real and very personal loss. When you are out there living your life and experiencing new things, the reality of the world can seem to slip away. Even if it is only for a moment.

But a moment is all it takes to lose someone, and for a person who has never had to grieve, I was suddenly grieving two people at once and it was something I had never expected or thought about. It's been a year since losing my best friend, and about 10 months since losing my grandfather and it has been a real whirlwind. But in that year I have learned so much and these are some of the things that I have realized.

1. You can't force yourself into feeling better

2. It's not OK to shut people out for too long of a period.

3. Everyone grieves differently.

4. It's normal to feel alone and to want to be alone.

5. Grieving is the final act of love that you can give to your loved one and no one else get to feel it except you.

6. It is OK to seek out professional help if you need it.

7. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty for how you grieve or how long it takes.

8. Sometimes you just need to be alone and have a good day.

9. No amount of begging, pleading, or praying will bring them back.

10. It will never be OK that they are gone.

11. But you CAN get through this.

12. Don't try to go at it alone.

13. A good support system is everything.

14. Losing someone makes you reevaluate your whole life. Even if you don't realize it.

15. There is no "instant fix" to take away your pain.

16. Sometimes the hardest part of grieving isn't letting go, but learning how to start over.

17. You learn to truly appreciate life and the people in it.

18. Your loved one is still watching over you. At least I believe so.

19. It's OK to be mad, scream, yell and hate what has happened. But you CANNOT let it consume you.

20. Everything is going to be OK. In time...