Episode 169 Losing a Parent: Tips for Handling Grief

The loss of a loved one, particularly a parent, can be a challenging and emotional journey that we will inevitably experience at some point in our lives. In this episode, John bares his soul, recounting his personal experience with the recent passing of his mother, and offers practical advice for coping with grief. He provides a genuine look into the emotions and thoughts that come with such a profound loss and offers tips for gracefully handling the weight of that loss.

Listen to this episode to learn more:

[00:00] - Intro

[00:33] - John's experience with his mother's battle against cancer and her passing

[07:00] - Tips for navigating grief 

[07:23] - Your feelings are valid 

[09:00] - Let yourself fully experience the loss 

[09:59] - Your feelings may change

[10:26] - Five Stages of Grief – Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance

[11:35] - Take care of your wellbeing

[14:11] - Share memories

[15:23] - Do something in the person’s memory

[15:57] - Forgive them 

[17:22] - Let others comfort you 

[20:45] - Listen with empathy 

[21:45] - Talk to a therapist 

[24:25] - Closing thoughts

NOTABLE QUOTES:

“Grief is not a respecter of persons. So it can open the floodgate of complicated and sometimes conflicting emotions.”

"Remember, the grief after a parent's death can drain you, but grieving is a normal healthy process. Treat yourself with kindness and compassion as you work through your loss."

"Let others comfort you. Friends and loved ones may not fully understand, but their presence can help you feel less alone."

"Your feelings may change over time. Grief is a complex journey, and emotions can come and go. Seek support, whether from friends, loved ones, or grief support groups."

"Speak up. Talk to your healthcare provider about any new physical or mental health symptoms. Don't hesitate to reach out for support."

"Take care of your well-being. Grief often impacts daily life. Keep moving, stay active, and aim for moderation. Embrace fulfilling hobbies and practice self-compassion."

"Let yourself fully experience the loss, no matter how long it takes. Remember, there's no single way to grieve, and there's no set amount of time that will automatically make you feel better."

USEFUL RESOURCES:

"I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye: Surviving, Coping, and Healing After the Sudden Death of a Loved One" by Brooke Noel and Pamela D. Blair, Ph.D. (https://a.co/d/8LZSYAV)

"Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations for Working Through Grief" by Martha W. Hickman (https://a.co/d/8CRE905)

"How I Feel: Grief Journal for Kids: Guided Prompts to Explore Your Feelings and Find Peace" by Mia Roldan (https://a.co/d/8L3NOwg)

"Even in Darkness: A Devotional Journal for Grief" by Morgan Cheek (https://a.co/d/fert578)

CONNECT WITH JOHN

Website - https://thejohnhulen.com    

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnhulen    

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/johnhulen    

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/johnhulen    

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhulen    

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLX_NchE8lisC4NL2GciIWA    

EPISODE CREDITS

Intro and Outro music provided by Jeff Scheetz - https://jeffscheetz.com/