Podcast

In this episode of Journey to Grateful, I explore a powerful quote about grief from an unexpected source—a well-known public figure who reminds us that loss is a universal experience. No matter our background, status, or profession, grief connects us in profound ways, yet remains deeply personal. This quote highlights both the shared emotions and the unique journey of grief, inviting us to shift our perspective and see it as more than just sorrow. Tune in to discover the surprising inspiration behind today’s conversation.

Anxiety is something many of us have encountered—whether through personal experience or by supporting someone who struggles with it. But when anxiety intertwines with grief, it takes on a sharper, more intense form, often catching us off guard. For some, significant anxiety doesn’t surface until they face a profound loss. In this episode, I’ll explore an insightful article on anxiety in grief, shedding light on the ways it shapes our journey through loss—often without us even realizing it.

As I originally planned this episode, the calendar still read 2024—but life, in the best way, had other plans. An incredible opportunity led me to expand my career in a direction I’ve long been passionate about, and saying “yes” to it brought a renewed sense of purpose, much like when I launched this podcast in 2021. Now, on the other side of that decision, I feel grounded in a way I haven’t for some time.

But as we step into a new year, I want to revisit a profound part of grief that caught me off guard in my first year of loss—the constant struggle between “before” and “after.” It’s not just a passing thought; it’s a lens through which we unconsciously filter our memories, marking moments as either before or after our loved one was gone. In today’s episode, we’ll explore why this distinction becomes so significant and how awareness of it can help us navigate grief with grace and confidence.

In this episode, we’re talking about something we all say but rarely do: cherishing every moment. It’s a mantra we’d all agree is worth living by, but let’s be honest—how often do we really pause and take in the moment we’re in? Sure, we notice the big milestone moments, but what about the seemingly insignificant ones? Like a casual coffee date with friends, just enjoying their company in that easy, taken-for-granted way.

Those are the moments we need to move to the top of our “to-do” list—to fully appreciate them as they’re happening. Because after losing someone dear, your days can quickly fill with "what-ifs" and "should-haves" that linger far too long. So, let’s explore how to truly cherish those everyday moments, big or small, and why it’s such an important, albeit challenging, goal to pursue.

As I glance at the calendar, I realize it’s that time of year again—though somehow, it seems to have arrived more quietly this time. With grief, it usually announces itself well in advance, looming heavily overhead and filling the air with a sense of oppressive anticipation. I’ve walked this path four times now, starting at the end of 2020. I wouldn’t say it gets easier or harder, but it does become different.

Does it still loom? Yes, in its own way. Is it as oppressive? Not like that first year. This is holiday grief, and sadly, it’s something everyone will face at some point in their lives. There’s no clear guidebook for navigating it, no perfect way to manage the milestones it brings.

In this episode, I’ll share my experiences and some suggestions others have shared with me about how to walk through moments like these. At the very least, I hope to offer some insight into what you might expect as you face your own holiday grief.

You might have seen the title of this episode and wondered how the idea of pivoting connects to grief. Today, we’re exploring what it means to pivot—not just in life, work, or relationships, but specifically in how we navigate grief.

Grief can sometimes make us complacent—too comfortable with the routines we’ve established to cope. We might find ourselves stagnant, unwilling to take steps forward to face our loss in healthier ways. That’s when a pivot can make all the difference. Adjusting how we approach, manage, or confront our grief can help us move out of that rut and open up a new perspective—a path toward healing.

Have you ever just not felt like trying? Like trying to be "on" all the time or not wanting to go out and be around people? To be the person they expect you to be? That feeling might come after a hard day or a tough week for most people. But for those of you walking the difficult path of grief—whether it's a fresh journey or a long-worn road—I’m sure this hits close to home.

Today, I want to talk about what it's like to keep "trying" while grieving and how it can feel like you're constantly falling short. I also want to share a few simple things you can do when you feel like you just can’t anymore. The title gives away one of the most effective strategies, and I'll explain why it's so crucial for us to start thinking about it right now.

The way you see things can either fill your life with hope or leave you feeling hopeless—I really believe that. When we choose to dwell in our sorrow, pain, or anger, it’s no surprise that the reflection we see in the mirror looks defeated, with no smile and no hope for the future. Now, I’m not saying we shouldn’t feel those emotions—definitely feel them and let them wash over you. But don’t let them define who you are or drain all the color from your life, leaving only gray. Let’s take some time to dive deeper and explore how we can use the power of color to help lift ourselves up through grief.

In this episode, we're diving into a topic that evolves with time and experience: "Lessons Taught Through Grief." This idea varies for everyone and is shaped by each person's unique story, past experiences with loss, and where they are in life. I think it's essential for all of us to reflect on this occasionally, as it can be both therapeutic and eye-opening. It helps us understand where we are on our grief journey and how much we appreciate life, death, and our ability to move forward. Sharing these lessons with others can offer valuable guidance for their experience with grief, helping them understand what to expect and how to cope. So, join me as I share my story and the insights I've gathered from friends and family about what grief has taught them.

We've all heard the phrase "New Normal" more times than we can count, especially since the pandemic hit. When the whole country went into lockdown in March 2020, we were suddenly living in a world none of us had ever experienced. As things slowly reopened, "New Normal" became the go-to way to explain changes that had quickly become routine, even though they hadn't always been that way. But in truth, this concept of a "New Normal" has been part of many lives long before the pandemic, particularly for those grieving a loved one. For them, it's not just a trendy term or a casual social media post—it's a tough reality. As someone living through it, I can tell you it's far from easy. We can't just hit pause on it when it's inconvenient. So, if you're struggling with your own "New Normal," let's talk about how we can navigate it together.