Journey to Grateful
138 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 10 ratingsThrough the loss of my wife to cancer, I've discovered that many people – my support system included – don't know quite how to navigate through daily life after loss. Whether grieving themselves or wanting to help those they attempt to support, it's an uncharted path for many. I’ve come to understand the most valuable asset my family and friends possess is the ability to lift me up when I’ve needed it most with the simplest of gestures. There is no perfect formula to help someone grieve, the being there, listening, and providing a slice of normal is often exactly what is needed. The most difficult task for those on the outside is understanding the many facets of loss that are present almost every single day. This podcast was created to help us understand the process of loss with the help of those who are living it.
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Episodes
EP138 - What Grief has Taught Me
July 16, 2024 18:00 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MBUnderstanding grief can only truly come through experience. In today’s episode, I'd like to share Five Grief Lessons I've learned over the past four years. These lessons have helped me better understand and handle grief's unpredictable process. I'll share these five powerful lessons, which I revisit whenever I feel the emptiness of grief creeping in and overpowering my everyday life. When I feel alone in my journey with loss or face new losses—which has recently happened—these lessons help m...
EP137 - Cinnamon Sugar Memories
July 09, 2024 14:00 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBLet's talk about memories. Cinnamon Sugar Memories, to be exact. You may not know what that means, but I believe it's safe to say we all have them. The phrase came about through a story I read, reminding me that the simplest things often hold the best memories. Sometimes, many memories are stored within a tiny, insignificant thing, like a blanket, a toy, a childhood location, or even a cinnamon sugar shaker. Join me as I discuss what I’m calling Cinnamon Sugar Memories, why they are so power...
EP136 - Facing a Different Future
July 02, 2024 15:00 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBSome episodes are easier than others, and this is one of the more difficult ones, as its creation is rooted in a milestone that has prompted an examination of time. Additionally, it has brought to light an internal struggle I wasn't fully aware of. Facing a different future isn't a sudden revelation I had today; instead, it's a reality I have finally decided to examine earnestly, to face honestly, and to fully understand what it means to me today and beyond. Today, I invite you into my strea...
EP135 - The Value of a Photo
June 25, 2024 16:00 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBIn all honesty, death has a cruel way of revealing what is truly important in life, often pressing us to take action or change course with the little things we've postponed "until later." So, when you're with family and discussing getting together again for an official family photo, take the photo now. Mark the moment today and capture those smiles and laughter while you're together. Above all else, understand the value of a photo, but more importantly, the stories accompanying it.
EP134 - Grief Is…
June 19, 2024 08:00 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MBAn odd thing happens when you lose someone very close to you, who is part of your life every day from morning to night. Whether labeled as a spouse or partner, it's someone whose absence is deeply felt. After their death, you begin to feel that many others don't understand what grief truly is. This might be because they have been fortunate enough not to have experienced it, or perhaps they haven't known this loss. When you stand with grief day after day, you wonder if anyone understands it a...
EP133 - When We Becomes Me
June 05, 2024 15:00 - 18 minutes - 16.5 MBI've been considering the subject matter for this episode over the past few months, and honestly, I've been hesitant to dive into it. I can't explain, even to myself, why I've kept pushing it off, but somehow, now feels like the right time. Sometimes, the episode topics I examine feel like chores—something you aren't looking forward to and need to be in the right mood and proper mindset to tackle. I suppose that's where I was with this subject, and now I find myself in the right frame of min...
EP132 - Setting SMART Goals in Grief
May 28, 2024 18:00 - 16 minutes - 18.4 MBOver the past four years as a widower, I have often been asked how I have managed to navigate my grief so well. I honestly don't believe I navigate grief better than most at all. From my perspective, it remains a ball of chaos, both externally and internally, and I feel it will always be that way to some extent. There are three things I believe I do well. First, I focus on living as my wife, Colleen, encouraged me. Second, I try to identify the details of my life for which I should and can b...
EP131 - Being First
May 21, 2024 11:30 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBAs time progresses, we experience moments where we find ourselves being the first. You might be the first to turn 16 and pass your driver's test or a few years out of college; you might be the first among your friends to become engaged or married. These life’s firsts can reveal both positives and negatives. For instance, being the first to buy a house can be thrilling, but getting a coveted driver’s license often means becoming the designated driver for your entire friend group. On the other...
EP130 - Still
May 14, 2024 11:30 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MBThroughout the journey of this podcast, I've often remarked on the diverse sources from which episode inspiration emerges. Since its launch on April 4, 2021, I have been astounded by the avenues through which inspiration finds me. It might spring from social media, conversations with loved ones, or even the intricate lyrics of a song. Whenever these sparks of inspiration occur, it's as if a dim light in my world suddenly brightens, signaling a message worth sharing. For today's episode, I fi...
EP129 - Revisiting Life's Full Cup
May 07, 2024 11:30 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBIn today's discussion, I want to revisit an earlier episode, Episode #45, titled "What's in Your Cup?" In that episode, I explored the idea that as we journey through our daily lives, we carry within us a multitude of emotions and experiences. Some of what's inside us is fragile or delicate, while others are joyful or satisfying. However, there are moments when the contents of our internal cup spill out, often triggered by life's unexpected challenges. This phenomenon often leads to the typi...
EP128 - Facing an Empty Page
April 30, 2024 11:00 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBRecently, I felt compelled to express my thoughts in a manner different from my usual approach, aiming not just to articulate but to depict a profound understanding of why grief endures indefinitely. Even years after losing someone deeply cherished, the notion of "moving on" remains elusive for many. Within my bereavement group, we delve into strategies for navigating grief and what that truly entails in real-life terms. Each person shares unique perspectives and encounters, revealing the in...
EP127 - The Inside Out of Self Care
April 23, 2024 20:00 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MBYour thoughts wield significant influence, shaping your experiences and impacting your well-being. The quality of your internal dialogue holds substantial power, often evolving into beliefs that shape your outlook and actions. This influence can be constructive, driving self-motivation, or detrimental, fostering self-doubt. Just as the nutrients we consume affect our physical health, our thoughts profoundly affect our mental well-being. They can either bolster our resilience and positivity o...
EP126 - Secondary Loss
April 09, 2024 14:00 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBIt's widely acknowledged that navigating grief is an intricate and challenging process for most individuals. Yet, amidst this recognition, the extent and intricacy of secondary loss often remain underappreciated. Secondary loss refers to the additional losses that accompany the passing of a loved one. These losses manifest in various ways, such as abandoning plans that were once shared with the deceased, which can no longer be realized in their absence. This notion of secondary loss illustra...
EP125 - Anticipatory Grief
April 03, 2024 16:00 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MBAnticipatory grief refers to the distress that individuals may feel leading up to the death of a loved one or another impending loss, whether days, months, or even years in advance. The experience of knowing change is coming can start the grieving process in anticipation of that loss. Many people have encountered anticipatory grief without recognizing its name or concept. Reflecting on personal experiences and discussions with others, it has become evident that this form of grief is more co...
EP124 - Realities of Moving Forward
March 28, 2024 21:30 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MBSince its inception, the Journey to Grateful podcast has been driven by my mission to offer diverse perspectives on the grieving process, utilizing storytelling, inspiration, insights, and personal experiences. Periodically, I receive comments or emails from listeners in response to a specific episode or a recurring theme spanning multiple episodes. Today's episode is directly inspired by such feedback from several listeners. A common thread emerges from their messages, detailing their ongo...
EP123 - Groups, Grief, and Gratefulness
March 19, 2024 18:15 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBThe people we surround ourselves with in life hold significant importance. They not only have the power to positively influence our growth and development but also serve as a crucial support system during times of need. For those who have endured the loss of a loved one, the value of friends and family during periods of tragedy and grief is profound. Family manifests in various forms throughout our lives, and amidst grief, it often extends to support groups comprised of individuals we may h...
EP122 - Living Beyond Grief
March 13, 2024 15:30 - 20 minutes - 18.3 MBLiving Beyond Grief encapsulates the idea that life continues despite the profound challenges posed by loss, and it compels us to navigate this journey in some meaningful way. The persistent question of "how?" often fuels nights filled with anxiety and days marked by aimless wandering while the world around us maintains its usual rhythm. It feels as if we are learning to walk again, navigating a path that can be both bewildering and daunting. In a previous episode, I discussed five strategi...
EP121 - 5 Empowering Strategies to Help You Reconnect with Life in Grief
March 06, 2024 21:00 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBIn today's episode, "5 Empowering Strategies to Help You Reconnect with Life in Grief," our focus will be on providing actionable concepts to assist you in taking steps forward through the grieving process. Having personally experienced the challenges of moving forward, I understand this journey's daunting and complicated nature. However, I firmly believe that by approaching it with honesty and armed with effective strategies, we can navigate the path toward rebuilding our lives after loss. ...
EP120 - You Are More Than Your Bad Days
February 27, 2024 11:00 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBJust like a book is more than its pages, encompassing the breadth of words, the complexity of details, and the depth of emotions that shape the narrative, so too is your life after losing someone who played a pivotal role in shaping your story. It comprises every moment they walked by your side, every gentle touch, every wonderful laugh, every shared teardrop, and every memory you now hold dear. Even in the solitude of today, when you may feel down, sad, or lost, you extend far beyond a sing...
EP119 - Renewing Our Capacity for Love in Grief
February 21, 2024 15:00 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBI believe it's essential for all of us to intentionally slow down, pause, and observe our surroundings more frequently than we currently allow ourselves. This is not solely because life has a tendency to swiftly slip away, a realization we're all too familiar with, but also because within the constant hustle of our daily lives, there exist numerous unique perspectives from others that offer crucial and valuable lessons. Embracing a fresh outlook on various facets of life can serve as a remin...
EP118 - The Guilt of Grief
February 13, 2024 17:00 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBThe individuals with whom you choose to surround yourself hold significant importance throughout your entire life, and this influence becomes even more pronounced during times of grief. I count myself exceptionally fortunate to have received incredible support from my family and a diverse group of friends who have offered unwavering assistance in numerous ways. Among these friends are those who simply provide feedback on the episodes of this podcast. As a podcast listener, you may not be awa...
EP117 - I Hope You Heal from the Things You Don't Talk About
February 08, 2024 11:30 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBJoin me for a distinctive perspective on how we, as grievers and mourners, can navigate those instances in our grief journey when it feels like we're losing our footing. As we seek a fresh, stable direction for our lives moving forward, it becomes apparent that we might need to initiate discussions about the topics we often avoid. The things we don't talk about. I urge you to accompany me as I express my thoughts, realizations, and experiences on this matter and encourage you to contribute ...
EP116 - It's OK Not to Be OK
February 05, 2024 12:00 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBI'll confess, I believe the topic of this episode may be long overdue. While I've touched upon this idea in previous episodes, I sense it's time for it to stand on its own. The reason is simple: I believe an increasing number of people may not fully grasp this straightforward fact—it's okay to not be okay. As human beings navigating the journey of grief, there are moments when we simply have to acknowledge and embrace the reality that we're not okay. Feeling emotions and allowing ourselves ...
EP115 The Value of Grief
January 29, 2024 13:15 - 16 minutes - 15 MBToday, I pose a question to you: Does grief possess inherent value? I venture to guess that none of the listeners to this episode have ever contemplated this inquiry, nor have you pondered the potential value of grief in your life as you mourn that special someone who still occupies a significant part of your heart. This notion extends to self-value as well. Consider this: What is YOUR value? While we often reflect on our purpose and our contribution to life as a whole, the question of our ...
EP114 - Die with Memories, Not Dreams
January 22, 2024 12:00 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBApproximately two months ago, I came across the phrase, "Die with memories, not dreams." Revisiting it today, I still perceive it as a profound and meaningful mantra to embrace in life. This perspective prompts me to ponder the question for all of us: "How many dreams do you currently hold that have yet to transform into memories?" In addition, which of these dreams are within your capacity to pursue? More importantly, I believe a crucial question remains for myself, personally: Will I activ...
EP113 - Forward Into the New Year
January 16, 2024 17:00 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBHave you ever found yourself in the company of friends in a laid-back, public environment, only to unexpectedly trip and tumble to the ground? In that moment, as you gather yourself and try to maintain your composure, there's a touch of embarrassment that creeps in. You attempt to find humor in the situation before your friends do. I acknowledge that this might seem like an unusual analogy, but I'd like to propose that there's a facet of navigating life with grief that mirrors this experien...
EP112 - Ten Things to Know About Grief
January 09, 2024 12:00 - 23 minutes - 21.1 MBIn this episode, although it centers on the unique perspective of an individual who has experienced the loss of a child, its overarching message seamlessly extends to encompass any form of loss and grief. The discussion today delves into the insights of someone navigating the intricate path of grief, offering a profound understanding of their thought processes while interacting with others during this journey. Their candid words provide a truthful and straightforward examination of the minds...
EP111 - The Power of Showing Up
January 02, 2024 13:00 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MBThroughout numerous episodes of the Journey to Grateful podcast, I have consistently emphasized the overarching notion of the significance of simply being present for someone grappling with grief. It doesn't necessitate extravagant or intricate actions to provide assistance; the key is to just show up. I'm confident that many individuals, like myself, have aspired to offer meaningful support to someone navigating loss, only to struggle with a sense of inadequacy regarding what we can genuin...
EP110 - I'm With You
December 18, 2023 15:15 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBAmidst the depths of sorrow, there arises a crucial need for us to be gently nudged toward vital facets of our lives that often get brushed aside. Some of these elements are overt, while others manifest in subtler ways; however, the reminder is equally imperative. It's a call to acknowledge the elements in our lives that still warrant gratitude, even amid grief. We must be prompted to recognize that there remains a reservoir of gratitude within us. Moreover, we need to be aware of the impor...
EP109 - Grief is Like Glitter
December 11, 2023 16:00 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBThe episode's title hints at yet another analogy aimed at describing grief, attempting to articulate what the experience feels like. If you're a regular listener, you're likely aware of my belief in the power of analogies to provide a more accurate understanding of what grief truly is and how it profoundly affects those in mourning. The very reason behind the creation of the Journey to Grateful podcast is to demystify grief and make it a more accessible topic. The forthcoming analogy I'm ab...
EP108 - Let Grief In
December 05, 2023 19:30 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBConsider this thought-provoking question: Are you letting grief be a part of your life and your daily experience as someone who is grieving? Maybe the better question is whether you've ever thought about intentionally "Letting grief in." This notion isn't necessarily groundbreaking; counselors and therapists likely share similar advice. However, I've grown to value this concept more deeply as I've navigated my own journey. Now, I've stumbled upon words that might help you appreciate the ben...
EP107 - The Topic is Universal, The Experience is Individual
November 28, 2023 14:30 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBThe axiom, "The Topic is Universal, the Experience is Individual," was coined by my good friend, Angie Robinson, within the context of her podcast, The Practically Perfect Leader. While her original discussion centered on self-awareness and leadership development, I discerned a broader connection, particularly in relation to the complex domain of grief. Though Angie's primary focus pertains to themes of business leadership and team cultivation, I have often noticed a remarkable resonance wi...
EP106 - The Yin-yang of Grief
November 21, 2023 16:30 - 16 minutes - 15 MBThe human heart is this complex landscape, hosting a medley of seemingly contradictory emotions - love and loss, grief and gratitude, sorrow and celebration, endings and beginnings. Our existence is this intricate dance of emotions, a constant ebb and flow that presents a challenging tension. I've come to understand that these conflicting emotions can coexist harmoniously, each holding its truth simultaneously. This insightful reflection comes from the talented poet Liz Newman, known for he...
EP105 - Grief Support from All Sides
November 14, 2023 19:00 - 55 minutes - 50.5 MBGrief has been a profound teacher throughout my journey, revealing invaluable lessons. Perhaps the most significant insight it has illuminated is the universal thread that ties us all together in our experiences with sorrow. While it may seem an unlikely benefit, grief has a way of bringing people closer, offering solace in shared struggles. In the midst of sorrow, support becomes a comforting ally. The act of sharing stories becomes a beacon, reassuring us that we are not navigating this pa...
EP104 - Handling Hard Better
October 30, 2023 19:00 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MBThe idea of moving through grief by allowing time to pass so your grief can fade and get easier is honestly a misconception. Grief doesn’t fade over time. Instead, as strong humans, we adjust and find ways to live with our grief, allowing it to become a part of our lives going forward. In this episode, I explore the overarching idea of how we can handle the hard, difficult parts of life better and come out the other side with our heads up and our hearts full. Today, we discuss how to handle ...
EP103 - Today I washed the Orange Cup
October 16, 2023 13:15 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MBThere are grief-related writings I stumble upon through social posts, articles, or through internet searches looking for inspiration and motivation. I usually note articles or poems that intrigue me, especially if it’s a different perspective or a concept I haven’t heard before. Sometimes, those written pieces don’t go much past a mental note when I first see them. Unless that is, I see it again and sometimes, again and again. That’s when I personally believe I’d better take note of it, beca...
EP102 - Four Things I Wish Someone Told Me
October 09, 2023 17:15 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBIn this episode, I share with you a fresh perspective on grief through an article written by Kelisha Gardeen. More specifically, Kelisha details four important aspects of grief that can be helpful to know when you find yourself dealing with the loss of a loved one. Coming from her own experience, Kelisha discovered specifics she now wishes someone would have explained to her after the loss of her father. Through her words, we will touch upon moving forward, finding inspiration in loss, provi...
EP101 - Ten Symptoms of Complicated Grief
October 02, 2023 16:00 - 16 minutes - 16.9 MBToday, I’ve decided to go back to the basics of grief, so to speak, back to Grief 101. I’ll share with you ten common signs and symptoms of complicated grief as compiled by the Mayo Clinic. You may encounter these symptoms in your first days, weeks, or months after your loss - we almost all will - and due to this fact, I believe it’s highly important to understand these symptoms. I’ve personally found it valuable to understand what we may experience with grief as we journey on this unknown p...
EP100 - Coming This Far with the Help of Many
September 25, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBI'm certain everyone can relate to having some special very people in their lives. People who had our back when the need arose, and held us steady as we stumbled through challenging circumstances - loss and the grief that comes with it being one of our largest challenges, if not the largest. Simply known as our “Support System” - these people are family and friends who often come through for us in ways we could never anticipate and with their own strength that often goes unnoticed. These are...
EP99 - The Emptiness of the Blank Page
September 21, 2023 21:37 - 14 minutes - 15 MBHave you ever thought about what life would be like without plans? It might seem like an odd thought, but plans give structure to our lives. From going to work or school, to celebrating birthdays or holidays with family, we rely on plans to fill our days. Whether it's attending your son's high school football game, watching your daughter's play, or helping your parents with yard work, plans give us something to look forward to and help shape our days. Now, imagine having no plans for you...
EP98 - Making a Friend of Grief
September 18, 2023 16:00 - 43 minutes - 38.3 MBSpeaking to others about their grief experiences has helped me better understand grief over the past few years to, if for no other reason than to become aware that everyone’s grief is different. Our experiences, our circumstances, every aspect of our loss, and how we attempt to move forward have differences that can enlighten us and help us by presenting us all with a slightly different perspective on grief. To that end, today’s episode is a chat I had with an old friend at her suggestion. S...
EP97 - How AI Sees Grief
September 11, 2023 16:00 - 22 minutes - 21.8 MBIn today's episode. I am introducing a very unlikely subject for a grief-based podcast; Artificial Intelligence, commonly known as AI. The idea is to use an AI resource to answer prompts, or questions about grief and see the results. The overarching hope is to compare and contrast what the AI source produces versus what I have attempted to communicate through 96 episodes to date. Come along with me as we experiment a bit with Artificial Intelligence and discover what it has to say about the m...
EP96 - Healing is in Your Story
September 05, 2023 21:32 - 15 minutes - 15.7 MBEpisode #96 will speak to those of you who have directly experienced great, personal loss. Although healing from the loss you are feeling at this moment seems to be impossible at times, come with me as I discuss the possibility of healing. If not right now in this moment, sometime in your future. I know all too well we all are experiencing or have experienced despair, sorrow, denial, anger, and even depression, to name only a few “symptoms of grief.” We know that these symptoms can occur ove...
EP95 - The Last Photo and Other Grief Realities
August 28, 2023 16:00 - 17 minutes - 17.4 MBToday's episode was inspired by a letter shared with me by a very good friend, leadership coach, and fellow podcaster, Angie Robinson. Angie joined me in episode #30 discussing Personality Types, Support, and Choosing a Word for the Year. The episode focused on providing insights to help us understand ourselves as well as others. It helped identify why some friends may shy away from those hard subjects, while others dive in and have always been by your side as you navigate your grief journey...
EP94 - The Power of Grief Groceries
August 21, 2023 23:13 - 24 minutes - 23.2 MBI realize "The Power of Grief Groceries" title requires a bit of detailed clarification, but that will have to come a bit deeper inside the episode. As a listener you need to understand the premise of this episode is to share what I feel is the best way to help someone suffering a great personal loss. Whether you have personal experience with the passing of a close friend or family member, or you have been touched by death through an “outer-circle” connection, I will assume you understand l...
EP93 - Three Years After Loss
August 18, 2023 00:01 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MBNo matter how many years you are from your initial loss, your grief will be part of your everyday life. Each day that passes will allow you to find different ways to take another step forward, providing you strength when you need it and confidence when you feel you have none. If you are the support system for a friend walking with grief, you may need to better understand what grief looks like years after loss to more efficiently help your friend navigate grief. Join me as I discuss my grief ...
EP92 - Does Grief Change You or Does It Reveal You?
July 26, 2023 23:33 - 20 minutes - 20.2 MBThe true definition of the words we use sometimes escapes us when we use them, or we just don't consider their meaning in detail. We often find the words we choose not to be the perfect fit for the moment, but we use them anyway with little thought as to the appropriateness of our choice of words. In this episode, I will look closer at the words “change” and “reveal” as they are associated with the word grief. The base question regarding these words is deceptively simple; “Does grief change ...
EP91 - What to do When You're a Complete Mess?
July 13, 2023 00:25 - 21 minutes - 20.7 MBAll around you, it may seem as though everyone else is doing just fine. Meanwhile, you are a complete mess dealing with your grief, trying to take just one more step each day with no sign that your sorrow will ever subside. Friends may wish for strength in this time of need while others may secretly wonder when you will "get over it." Outside your window the world seems to be going on as usual, no one seems to feel the way you do, and you have no idea how to stop feeling like a complete mess...
EP90 - Leave Nothing for Later
July 08, 2023 00:28 - 14 minutes - 14.8 MBThis episode will speak to you whether you have lost someone close or distant or only know someone who has. Perhaps you have been fortunate enough not to experience loss in your life. The message of this show is pertinent no matter what your experience with grief may be, and it will fit whatever season of life you currently find yourself within. For my friends who are on their path with grief, I ask that you listen intently with your heart and open your mind to the truths you may already kno...
EP-89 - As the World Walks On By
June 20, 2023 23:53 - 17 minutes - 17.1 MBThere are so many pieces of this grief puzzle, aren't there? Whether you have been directly affected by a loss or have yet to be, even just knowing someone and seeing them work through their grief, you get an idea of the many puzzle pieces in their life. Recently I've been feeling as though I might be watching the world walk by in this new life I find myself defining. It should not be a surprise that I question, "Am I living enough yet?" How about you? Can you relate to this thought?