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.

In today's episode, I find myself needing to discuss the impossibility of explaining grief accurately. From a widower's point of view, I find there's so much about the process of grief that is quite difficult to put into words. Some may ask why I need to create a podcast episode to discuss this. Honestly, there's an unspoken detail associated with grief, one that creates this unrelenting desire to make at least someone understand what you feel as you journey through grief. It's hard to carry it all alone, and I want others to understand they, indeed, are not alone. For those who have not yet been touched by great personal loss, but are helping someone who has, I believe it's important for you to better understand how complicated grief can be.

Inspiration is a tool I use often on my journey with grief to help me through difficult days. In this episode, we will explore the importance of inspiration in grief and the idea of moving forward one step at a time. I will also share with you the one way you can be the inspiration for the person you are trying to support through their grief. Learn how to allow yourself grace while providing others with it as well. 

In this episode, I discuss specifics about grief of which you may not be aware. Unless you are months or years into your grief, you most likely have not been confronted with the weirdness of grief, the simple, insignificant details of grief that make you do - or not do - certain things in your new life with grief. This episode is perfect for anyone trying to support someone on their grief journey who wants to understand what that person is dealing with daily. It is also appropriate for anyone new to significant personal loss, looking for guidelines to better anticipate what may be in front of you on your journey. Lastly, it is also beneficial for anyone deep on your path with grief, looking for affirmation that what you are experiencing is normal and common. This episode and the entire Journey to Grateful podcast are made for you.

In today's episode, I face a memory from 2015, which was presented its;f just this past weekend. I discovered there was much inside this memory that I hadn't considered in quite a while. Within the memory, I found inspiration and a lesson that I'd like to highlight and provide you a bit of guidance as you walk your path of grief.