Podcast

Today we discuss Self-Care, what it is, what it promises, and how we can begin to use it to grow in the New Year. Let's explore together what this term means and the steps we can take today to improve our self-care, and what benefits it can provide us going forward.

In this episode, I thought I'd speak of the holidays - the expectations we all feel and the truth we all must face. Not only as we approach Christmas or New Year's Eve but right after… those suddenly empty days that can effect our grieving thoughts and emotions just as much as preparing for the constant joy expected for holiday gatherings themselves. So sit back, and grab a moment alone with me as I discuss thoughts, feelings, and beliefs I have brought with me this Christmas season.

Today's episode title may say a lot or be a bit intriguing at best, but its underlying message here is simple. Men need to toss aside the perceived norms of how they think the world expects them to act in a crisis of grief and sorrow and understand this experience will break them down to their lowest point. If there's a time in your life, guys, to begin focusing on what you need to survive your loss and not what you believe society expects you to need, or how to act, or in what way to navigate this all… now is the time.

In this episode, I briefly discuss the differences between "moving forward" and "moving on." The overarching idea is to progress on this journey in whatever way that is supposed to look. I then take a slightly different turn with this episode as I take you along with me as I experience something in-the-moment. Sharing an event in my day which came accidentally and as a surprise has helped to reveal a more profound understanding of how we may all better take on our grief journey with a refreshing point of view. Looking forward while having faith that the universe may have a purpose for us. 

In this episode, I explore a deceivingly simple idea, which is quite simply to stop saying no and begin saying yes. The thought process here is first to be willing to discover what yes can provide for you, what opportunities you may find on the other side of simply saying yes. Still confused, then dive into the episode and discover the possibilities. 

The holidays… a daunting time of year when you are on your path of grief. In this episode, I provide you with my honest take on how best to approach this specific time of year and the steps you can take to make it through with a bit more confidence. I discuss how feeling twist and turn during the holidays and how you may struggle with the combination of joy and sorrow you will most likely experience. This episode is specifically beneficial for anyone new to grief, providing for you guideposts through the holiday season. For anyone experiencing the holidays with one empty spot at the table or one less hand to hold as you gather with family, this episode is a virtual hug and a note to you that you are not alone, my friends. You are not alone. 

Today's episode will focus on the idea of adjusting your mindset, preparing yourself to take those first steps forward, and allowing yourself to live forward. I'm not suggesting we move on. However, I suggest we consider how to create and live life in a forward motion. As we continue to mourn our loved ones, we need to begin to allow life back in, to feel ok about focusing on ourselves, and to know that none of this means we will leave anything behind. Please pick it up, and take it with you, but understand we need to start to live forward through our grief and make our loved ones proud that we did.

This episode is a letter, of sorts, to anyone new to the loss of a close loved one. In addition, it will benefit anyone on their grief path needing a reminder of how grief will continue to affect their life going forward. It’s also a welcome letter offering comfort and guidance for anyone who may feel lost in this new normal while attempting to walk through life with a semblance of balance and purpose. Listen in as I discuss many truths of grief while guiding those who strive to find a way to rebuild their life.

There are times when the motivation for this podcast is quite simple. An event that leaves an impression on a grieving soul. A milestone needing a bit more explanation than a quick overview. Or the changing of the season. October brings with the turn of the calendar a shift in scents, air that is crisp, and colorful changes in our daily landscape. An adjustment of life. With that adjustment, some feel the shift in their life once again as not a milestone or a grand moment but instead a shift of life with grief. Together we discuss and discover why we may feel, within this seasonal change, our days are long while the years are short.

Change is constant in life, but more so with grief. Around every corner after the passing of your loved one, change rears its ugly head to challenge you one more time. Life changes can also cause grief and issues that are often associated with grief. Discussing change now and concepts to face it in the best possible way can help anyone through future change, no matter how it comes about. Join in me as I share with you a website resource that inspired this episode. Be prepared to view change from a slightly different lens as we better understand how life, in many aspects, is filled with change and the considerations we need to make to deal with it.