The axiom, “The Topic is Universal, the Experience is Individual,” was coined by my good friend, Angie Robinson, within the context of her podcast, The Practically Perfect Leader. While her original discussion centered on self-awareness and leadership development, I discerned a broader connection, particularly in relation to the complex domain of grief.

Though Angie’s primary focus pertains to themes of business leadership and team cultivation, I have often noticed a remarkable resonance with a broader audience, including those navigating the intricacies of grief. This idea of a subject having a universal connection with so many while maintaining individual experiences as suggested by Angie, I believe can unexpectedly converge with the deeply personal experience of grief.

In my interpretation, the phrase “The Topic is Universal, the Experience is Individual” serves as a nuanced and efficient explanation of the paradox inherent in grief—being a shared human experience while manifesting uniquely for each individual. This conceptual framework encapsulates the duality of grief, wherein common threads unite us, yet the lived experience remains profoundly personal and distinctive.