Journey to Grateful

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...

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 m...

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...

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 other...

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...

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. 

Dare to Grieve. If the title of this episode is the only thing you walk away with, I will be confident that I have made a difference. In this episode, I explain the meaning behind "Dare to Grieve" and examine details you may need to avoid or face when on your path with grief. I also suggest ways you can grieve your way while still allowing for support and help on your journey. Come with me as you...

Let's talk about guys, grief, and stereotypical myths. Today I lay down some honesty and share with you my take on grief as it relates to men and how men can best approach it. I offer suggestions for guys dealing with the various aspects of grief, from sudden breakdowns to asking for help. Come along with me as I help guide those new to loss through with bold considerations and ways to take steps...

In this episode, I examine how to support someone grieving or dealing with a great illness. This episode is for everyone who is trying their best to support a friend or family member through grief but feels the need to do it better. Offering support to others is the most selfless thing you can do for someone… often by simply being there for them. You may wonder what support is "supposed to look li...

For episode #53 I’m taking you on a walk for a more authentic discussion of the grief process from my point of view. Today's content will be pulled from questions I’ve received in face-to-face discussions or via email and voicemail through the website. A casual walk allows me to discuss common questions or issues as if you were walking right beside me. I invite you to come along with me as I walk...

Join me for an unconventional episode as I discuss facing honesty, the blank page, and being uncomfortable. Pulling back the curtain and revealing how grief can be similar to common everyday issues you may never consider in life. Perhaps something didn't go as planned, you are now faced with deciding how to handle it going forward. Do you push it aside and move on, never confronting it any further...

In this episode, I'd like to talk about inspiration and how it helps me pick myself up when I'm down. It's an important part of how I move forward in this life experience with death and loss. It's there when I am in need of redirecting my thoughts and I discover it in a variety of ways. It can be from comments or discussions with friends and family, from a song, or from an article I stumble across...

In today’s episode, I’ve created a list of what I believe are the Top Ten Common Grief Myths. There are far more than ten, but I've chosen the most common, many with a higher impact on the grief community than others I've encountered or heard about from others. No matter the myths, this episode exists to help you navigate what you may encounter in the future or help you navigate what you've alread...

While on your journey with grief there will come a time when a friend or professional may ask you what steps you are taking to move forward. Although they tend to have your best interest in mind, the idea of taking a step forward in your life without your passed loved one can be daunting and not something you might want to hear at the time. But there will be a need for you to consider this fact. H...

In today’s episode, I've had the pleasure to chat with and get to know an incredible woman who is a breast cancer survivor, Hashimotos Warrior, and a #1 Amazon bestselling author, Holly Bertone. Holly spent 25 years rising through the ranks of consulting and federal government service before her failing health shattered her corporate dreams. Since then, Holly has leaned into her path of true purpo...

A milestone in life is often considered a large event; a wedding, the birth of a child, or the purchase of a house, but are you aware of the mini-milestones that can occur in your grief journey? The milestones most no one notices, but are felt just as deep. These are usually common, almost everyday experiences that can affect you as much as the first anniversary of your loss. Join me as I dive int...

Through grief, we must come to a point where we begin to take one step forward. No matter how small or seemingly insignificant, that step doesn't happen on its own. The power of inspiration and motivation can be instrumental in helping us transition from the grief that is overwhelming to grief that is enlightening. To find the gratitude in your memories and the strength in your heart to take a ste...

While we travel through our days — our lives — we have many things inside us at any given moment. Some things are delicate or fragile; others are joyful or satisfying. However, there are moments what's inside comes spilling out because life has shaken our cup around. In today's episode, we will examine what's in your cup and what we need to do to make certain what spills out tomorrow is something...

It's difficult to know what to say or do for someone who has experienced the loss of a significant person in their life. With the help of Horizon Homecare & Hospice, we will examine twelve tips offered by those who are grieving such a loss. Some will be obvious and sometimes make me wonder why they need to be mentioned, while others may surprise you. No matter your knowledge of grief, these twelve...

Many times, in our everyday lives, we may reference something specific to be "the worst part" of an experience. Often times we do so without putting too much thought into it. Into the details. Today's episode was inspired by a blog post written by Chelsea Ohlemiller at HopeAndHarshRealities.com. In fact, I was so taken by its message that I'd like to share it with you in its entirety and together...

Motivation and grief seem to be an unlikely pair, but motivation can be found in grief. Or at least, in its journey. In today's episode, I challenge you to recognize how grief can take over and choose, instead to find motivation within your sorrow. There is strength to be found in every challenge in life, and this challenge is no different. I share my motivation and present an insight into how you...

Everyday life has a funny way of providing you with perspective during your journey through grief. Often times it is something very minor that you witness or experience in life that presents itself with a different perspective because of your loss. Perhaps it's a better appreciation of small moments in life, or maybe a slightly different lens from which to view a moment. Either way, perspective su...

In all of us, there is the ability to make a difference in someone else's life. Whether it be a simple text to reach out to a friend who is grieving, or sharing a coffee and good conversation to show someone you're there for them… you're listening. No matter the gesture, the impact can be great. On this one-year anniversary of the Journey to Grateful podcast, we celebrate making an impact in the l...

When I strip away all the sorrow, loneliness, tears, and frustration associated with loss and grief, I find at its core consists the delicate balance of two things: Looking Back & Moving Forward. As you enter into grief life becomes overwhelming as you attempt to navigate this new piece of your life's puzzle. The thought of moving forward is simply not possible. There will come a time when you bec...

In this episode, I welcome my new guest, Katty Douraghy, author of The Butterfly Years: A Journey Through Grief Toward Hope. In this book, Katty details her personal journey through grief, her mission to demystify grief and create a space where people can talk about loss without feeling judged or rushed. In our conversation, we touch upon hope, gratitude, self-help, and saying Yes to life. Join me...