Podcast

A milestone in life is often considered a large event; a wedding, the birth of a child, or the purchase of a house, but are you aware of the mini-milestones that can occur in your grief journey? The milestones most no one notices, but are felt just as deep. These are usually common, almost everyday experiences that can affect you as much as the first anniversary of your loss. Join me as I dive into going through this new life alone and identify unexpected milestones without your spouse. 

Through grief, we must come to a point where we begin to take one step forward. No matter how small or seemingly insignificant, that step doesn't happen on its own. The power of inspiration and motivation can be instrumental in helping us transition from the grief that is overwhelming to grief that is enlightening. To find the gratitude in your memories and the strength in your heart to take a step forward is to grow in your grief. How will you take your next step forward?

While we travel through our days — our lives — we have many things inside us at any given moment. Some things are delicate or fragile; others are joyful or satisfying. However, there are moments what's inside comes spilling out because life has shaken our cup around. In today's episode, we will examine what's in your cup and what we need to do to make certain what spills out tomorrow is something better than today.

Many times, in our everyday lives, we may reference something specific to be "the worst part" of an experience. Often times we do so without putting too much thought into it. Into the details. Today's episode was inspired by a blog post written by Chelsea Ohlemiller at HopeAndHarshRealities.com. In fact, I was so taken by its message that I'd like to share it with you in its entirety and together examine the why this simple phase says more than you think. 

Motivation and grief seem to be an unlikely pair, but motivation can be found in grief. Or at least, in its journey. In today's episode, I challenge you to recognize how grief can take over and choose, instead to find motivation within your sorrow. There is strength to be found in every challenge in life, and this challenge is no different. I share my motivation and present an insight into how you can find it as well. 

In all of us, there is the ability to make a difference in someone else's life. Whether it be a simple text to reach out to a friend who is grieving, or sharing a coffee and good conversation to show someone you're there for them… you're listening. No matter the gesture, the impact can be great. On this one-year anniversary of the Journey to Grateful podcast, we celebrate making an impact in the lives of others and finding inspiration to do so all around us. 

When I strip away all the sorrow, loneliness, tears, and frustration associated with loss and grief, I find at its core consists the delicate balance of two things: Looking Back & Moving Forward. As you enter into grief life becomes overwhelming as you attempt to navigate this new piece of your life's puzzle. The thought of moving forward is simply not possible. There will come a time when you become aware that you need to consider making strides to take steps forward. Understand those memories, that history you are grasping onto so dearly, needs to come along, because there's a place for it all in the months and years ahead. In this episode, I reveal why I know I must move forward.

In this episode, I welcome my new guest, Katty Douraghy, author of The Butterfly Years: A Journey Through Grief Toward Hope. In this book, Katty details her personal journey through grief, her mission to demystify grief and create a space where people can talk about loss without feeling judged or rushed. In our conversation, we touch upon hope, gratitude, self-help, and saying Yes to life. Join me and Katty as we inspire and empower everyone on their journey with grief.