Before we experienced grief ourselves, many of us did our best to support others — but often in ways we now realize may have missed the mark. In this episode, I share an article that resonated deeply with me, exploring the regrets people have about how they once showed up for grieving friends and loved ones. As I reflect on a few of these powerful insights, we'll uncover how our own grief journeys can transform the way we support others with deeper empathy, compassion, and understanding.

Grief lessons often appear where we least expect them. In this episode of Journey to Grateful, I share an inspiring story that, at first glance, may not seem connected to grief at all. But look a little closer, and you'll see how it reflects the strength, hope, and perspective we discover along this path. This isn’t just about grief — it’s about how we live with it, grow through it, and carry it forward.

Grief is a challenge — one that reveals itself slowly, day by day, turn by turn. In this episode, I invite you to walk alongside me as I explore the many pieces of grief’s puzzle, pieces we often don’t even know exist until we find ourselves carrying them. Many of us once believed we understood what grief was, only to realize it holds far more weight, complexity, and unexpected lessons than we imagined.

Today, I’ll challenge myself to answer a simple, yet profound prompt: Grief, in a word, is… Through reflection and raw honesty, I hope to uncover truths about this journey we share — not the polished versions, but the real, sometimes less spoken-about moments of loss and healing. Join me as we discover together what grief truly is.

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.