Journey to Grateful

We’re taught that men should be strong, stoic, and unbreakable — especially after losing a spouse. But real strength isn’t about hiding your pain; it’s about having the courage to feel it. In this episode, we explore what it means for men to show up fully in their grief, why vulnerability is a true sign of strength, and how embracing your emotions can help you build a new, more authentic life. Rea...

Grief isn’t just about missing the person you lost — it’s about mourning the entire world you shared with them. In this episode, we explore how loss touches every corner of your life: the routines, the imagined future, and the version of yourself that existed with them. By recognizing the full scope of what you’re grieving, you can better understand your pain and learn to be gentler with yourself...

Grief often feels heavy and isolating, but talking about it can bring unexpected healing and connection. In this episode, inspired by writer Liz Newman, we explore why sharing our grief matters, how it helps us honor those we’ve lost, and the power of being truly seen and heard. You’re not alone on this journey.

Grief often feels isolating, even in a room full of people. But letting ourselves be seen—truly seen—in our grief can unlock unexpected healing. In this episode, we explore the role of community in navigating loss: how to access support that actually helps, why vulnerability matters, and the quiet strength found in not walking this path alone.

In this episode of Journey to Grateful , I confront a question that’s echoed in the back of my mind more than I care to admit: What more can I say about grief? It’s not something others have asked — it’s a doubt that creeps in on its own. Join me as I explore why this question lingers, how past comments can still influence the way I carry my grief, and why I believe continuing the conversation is...

In this episode, I reflect on the approaching five-year mark since my loss—a milestone that still feels both distant and incredibly close. This time of year brings back the painful memories of those final weeks, filled with difficult truths and quiet goodbyes. I’m not sharing this to seek sympathy, but to shed light on the full arc of grief—the way it stretches far beyond the moment of loss. Throu...

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...

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...

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 ima...

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...

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, she...

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 s...

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 eas...

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 beco...

You might have seen the title of this episode and wondered how the idea of pivoting connects to grief. Today, we’re exploring what it means to pivot—not just in life, work, or relationships, but specifically in how we navigate grief. Grief can sometimes make us complacent—too comfortable with the routines we’ve established to cope. We might find ourselves stagnant, unwilling to take steps forward...

Have you ever just not felt like trying? Like trying to be "on" all the time or not wanting to go out and be around people? To be the person they expect you to be? That feeling might come after a hard day or a tough week for most people. But for those of you walking the difficult path of grief—whether it's a fresh journey or a long-worn road—I’m sure this hits close to home. Today, I want to talk...

The way you see things can either fill your life with hope or leave you feeling hopeless—I really believe that. When we choose to dwell in our sorrow, pain, or anger, it’s no surprise that the reflection we see in the mirror looks defeated, with no smile and no hope for the future. Now, I’m not saying we shouldn’t feel those emotions—definitely feel them and let them wash over you. But don’t let t...

In this episode, we're diving into a topic that evolves with time and experience: "Lessons Taught Through Grief." This idea varies for everyone and is shaped by each person's unique story, past experiences with loss, and where they are in life. I think it's essential for all of us to reflect on this occasionally, as it can be both therapeutic and eye-opening. It helps us understand where we are on...

We've all heard the phrase "New Normal" more times than we can count, especially since the pandemic hit. When the whole country went into lockdown in March 2020, we were suddenly living in a world none of us had ever experienced. As things slowly reopened, "New Normal" became the go-to way to explain changes that had quickly become routine, even though they hadn't always been that way. But in trut...

In this episode, we’ll explore Ten Common Myths of Grief. While these myths are a helpful reminder no matter how long ago your loss occurred, they’re especially relevant for anyone in the early weeks or months of grief. However, even those who may be years into their loss may find it valuable to reflect on how far they've come and encourage the path they've established in navigating grief. It's im...

Sometimes, inspiration unfolds gradually over time, while other times it hits you instantly from the moment it arrives. Today's episode is the latter—it was sparked by, of all things, a Facebook post that popped up on my feed a few weeks ago. The post was a heartfelt "Happy Birthday" message to a lost loved one, written by a friend. The story itself is simple yet precious, but it's the message beh...

Throughout these episodes, I often mention that you never know where inspiration will come from when navigating grief. In this podcast, I've shown how to take a simple gesture or a joint event and translate it into inspiration or a lesson on grief, life, and, hopefully, living. But sometimes, you must actively seek inspiration, fresh viewpoints, or unique perspectives on how best to deal with grie...

Perspective is an interesting part of the puzzle we try to piece together when we first lose a loved one and find ourselves alone at the table with grief. It becomes a living, breathing entity that changes as you navigate your grief. In the first days and weeks, perspective seems almost nonexistent. But as the weeks turn into months, it shifts, becoming a symbol of strength and an unexpected sourc...

Self Care You might think self-care is just a marketing buzzword that has nothing to do with you or your grief journey. But I'm here to explain that self-care is crucial for navigating grief and important to incorporate into your daily routine, just like exercise or nutrition. Talking about self-care in the context of grief can be uncomfortable for many. As humans, we often love deeply, and after...

Understanding 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 a...