In this episode, I’m talking with attorney Jennifer Gumbel about the importance of estate planning. As Jennifer says, the truth is, everyone is going to leave a to-do list when they die. What’s more, the people that have to deal with that to do list are the ones who are grieving. In this episode we are talking about the key things that everyone needs, regardless of income and how we can all protect out loved ones even after we’ve gone. If you would like to learn more about Jeniffer, you can check her out at:http://www.anorganizedafterlife.com

On this weeks episode, we’re going to be talking about defining what is your story. What do I mean by this? I’m going to be discussing for me personally how I was able to separate my story from my parents stories as I have lived through my grief of losing the. By coming to grips with the past and define what was my story as opposed to their story to tell I hope you are able to see your own story more clearly. Through this process, we can find acceptance and release.

This is a special episode of a conversation with my friend Megan Elizabeth. Megan lost her sister in 2018 to cancer. In our conversation she digs in to the feelings she had in those early days when her sister received her diagnosis as well as towards the end of her life.  We talk about regret, faith and how she has been able to live through the grief of losing her sister. I connected with Megan years ago through our mutual love of scrapbooking. If you would like to learn more about her you can find her at   https://bymeganelizabeth.com/

In this episode, I’m breaking down some barriers and common misconceptions about who experiences grief in their life. The truth is, we all do. Whether you have lost a loved one or lost your identity, at some point, we’re all going to grieve. The key is to accept that you are entitled to your feelings. By talking about these things, we can shape and change not only our future, but the futures of our children and generations to come.

I recently had the honor to speak to a group of 8th graders recently about grief. You might think that most kids at that age probably haven’t experienced real grief yet but let me tell you, this is a real thing our kids and young people are facing.I am constantly hearing from young people who have experienced the loss of a parents, grandparents, pets and other family members or friends. They have recently had a sibling move away from home or their parents are going though a divorce. Our young people are dealing with a lot and it’s our job to support them and give them the tools to deal with these emotions as their parents, teachers loved ones and mentors.

Today on the Living Fearless Podcast, we’re talking about the myths associated with the grieving process. The key is, everyones grief process is as unique as the individual. No ones journey is the same. People who have not grieved the loss of a loved one often will be unsure how to help you through the process. Give yourself grace, but also give those around you grace.  Journaling Prompt:Write one myth that you believed going into grief and what the truth is?

Part of finding acceptance in your grief is finding gratitude. But what do we have to be thankful for in regards to grief? Our loved ones aren’t with us anymore so how could we be thankful? Everyday is a gift and there are no guarantees so we can be grateful for the days we do have and the days with did have with them.  Journaling Prompt:I can honor my loved one by___________________.

There is no set rules on how your grief process will go. However, acceptance is a vital part of living through your grief. That word is heavy and you might not be ready to allow acceptance in yet. That’s okay, your journey is your journey.  Acceptance means coming to terms with the fact that our new reality cannot be changed. Journaling Prompt:What is one things that you’ve learned about yourself from this grief process? Something you didn’t realize about yourself, like your own inner strength or how you cope with things.

Today I want to talk about going through depression when you are struggling with grief. This is different from clinical depression. Feelings and emotions associated with depression stemming from the event can often be brought on by grief. When you feel the severity and heaviness of the loss, feelings like overwhelm, loneliness, isolation, depression & low energy may start to sink in. How are you addressing these feelings to live through your grief? Today’s Journaling Prompt:What memory of your loved one always makes you cry?

One of the things we often feel or experience in the grief process is bargaining. We give ourselves a false hope and therefor a temporary escape from the pain. These thoughts and feelings can often stem from guilt we carry about what happened in the past. We need to give ourselves grace and release ourselves from the guilt because we can’t change the past. Today’s Journaling Prompt:How have things changed since the beginning of the grief process?Mentally EmotionallyPhysically