GRIEF: Let's Make Sense of This Sh*t

Afleveringen

• Grief 101: Understanding Loss Without the Timeline Pressure 18.10.2024 29min

  In this episode, we explore how to navigate grief when it feels impossible to find a path forward. Grief can leave you lost, exhausted, and uncertain about what comes next. This guide offers a gentle roadmap for healing, helping you understand the messy, nonlinear nature of loss while honoring your unique experience. Whether you are grieving a loved one, a relationship, or a major life change, this episode meets you where you are and reminds you that your feelings are valid. We break down practical steps and compassionate perspectives to help you move through the pain without pressure to “get over it.” This is not about fixing grief—it is about learning to live with it, one small moment at a time. What You'll Learn: • How grief is not a linear process but a personal journey • Why self-compassion is essential for healing • The difference between grieving and being stuck in pain • How to create small rituals that honor your loss • When and how to seek support without shame Key Insights • Allow yourself to feel all emotions without judgment • Rest is as important as activity during grief • Talk about your loss at your own pace • Find one small comfort each day, even a breath • Grief changes you—and that is okay Recommended Resources: • The Grief Recovery Method (griefrecoverymethod.com) – A structured approach to moving beyond loss • What’s Your Grief (whatsyourgrief.com) – Articles and resources for all types of grief • The Dougy Center (dougy.org) – Support for grieving children, teens, and families Coming Up Next Next time, we explore how to support a friend or family member through their grief without saying the wrong thing—offering practical, heartfelt ways to show up. 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...
• Navigate Quick Grief Relief Tips: 5-Minute Stress Busters 21.10.2024 5min

  In this episode, we walk through a gentle morning grief ritual for the days after someone dies — not to rush your healing, but to help you start the day with a little more steadiness. What You'll Learn: • A simple three-step morning sequence: breath, acknowledgment, intention • How to honor who you miss without forcing toxic positivity • Why mornings can feel hardest after loss — and how to soften the spike • A five-minute version for workdays and a longer weekend version Key Insights: • Grief mornings are not about "getting over it" — they are about carrying loss with care • Small rituals rebuild a sense of safety when everything feels unstable • Naming the loss out loud can reduce the emotional fog of early hours • Your pace is valid; skip any step that feels like too much today Recommended Resources: • "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine • The Dougy Center — grief support for all ages • What's Your Grief — practical articles and podcasts Coming Up Next: We explore anticipatory grief — when you are mourning a loss that has not fully arrived yet. 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...
• Understanding Loss: What You Need to Know 24.10.2024 43min

  In this episode, we break down the essential truths about loss that no one tells you—helping you move from confusion to clarity. Whether you're navigating a recent bereavement or grappling with an older wound, understanding the mechanics of grief can transform your healing journey. We explore the stages, myths, and practical steps to reclaim your life after loss. What You'll Learn: • Why loss feels so disorienting and how to ground yourself • The difference between normal grief and complicated grief • How to support a loved one without saying the wrong thing • Practical tools to process pain without avoiding it • When and how to seek professional help for grief Key Insights: • Loss is not a problem to solve but a reality to integrate • Your brain rewires after loss—here's what that means for you • Cultural myths about grief can actually prolong suffering • Small, consistent actions rebuild resilience over time • Connection with others is the most powerful healer Recommended Resources: • "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine • "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion • GriefShare support groups (griefshare.org) 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...
• Navigate Coping for Grief: Techniques and Tools to Help You 28.10.2024 6min

  In this episode, we explore practical coping mechanisms designed to help you navigate the intense emotions of grief and find a path toward healing. Whether you're dealing with loss, shock, or prolonged sorrow, these techniques offer real relief and a way to honor your loved ones while moving forward. What You'll Learn: • How to identify healthy vs. harmful coping strategies • The power of mindfulness and grounding exercises for grief • Creative outlets like journaling and art for emotional release • Building a support network that truly understands your pain • When and how to seek professional grief counseling Key Insights: • Grief is not linear—coping mechanisms adapt to your changing needs • Simple daily rituals can provide structure and comfort • Avoiding feelings prolongs suffering; facing them is key • Physical activity helps process grief through body awareness • Self-compassion is essential; there's no "right way" to grieve Recommended Resources: • "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine • "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion • GriefShare support groups 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...
• Five Stages of Grief: Understanding Denial, Anger, 24.05.2025 50min

  In this episode, we break down the Five Stages of Grief—Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance—so you can recognize where you are in your own grief journey and find a path forward. Whether you're newly grieving or supporting someone who is, understanding these stages offers clarity and hope amidst the chaos. What You'll Learn: • How denial protects us and when it becomes a barrier • Why anger is a natural and necessary part of healing • The hidden hope behind bargaining • Distinguishing depression from normal grief • What true acceptance really looks like Key Insights: • The stages are not linear—you can cycle back and forth • Each stage serves a unique emotional purpose • Cultural and personal factors shape how we experience each stage • Grief can resurface years later in unexpected ways • Acceptance is not about being “okay” but about integrating loss Recommended Resources: • "On Grief and Grieving" by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler • "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion • "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...
• Finding Grief Support: Building a Strong Support Network When 26.05.2025 14min

  In this episode, we explore the essential steps to building a strong support network during grief, from identifying who to reach out to knowing how to ask for help. Discover practical strategies to avoid isolation and create meaningful connections that sustain you through the hardest days. What You'll Learn: • How to identify the right people for your support network • Tips for asking for help without feeling like a burden • Ways to communicate your needs clearly to loved ones • How to set boundaries while staying open to support • When to seek professional grief counseling or groups Key Insights: • Grief support is not one-size-fits-all; it's about finding your unique circle • Asking for help is a skill that can be learned and practiced • Vulnerability strengthens connections rather than weakens them • Online and in-person support groups offer different benefits • Building a network takes time and intentional effort Recommended Resources: • "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine • "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion • GriefShare support groups (griefshare.org) 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...
• Healing Through Community: How Connection Supports Grief Recovery 29.05.2025 36min

  In this episode, we explore how finding community can transform the grief journey, offering connection that eases isolation and fosters healing. Discover practical ways to build supportive networks and why shared experience is a powerful tool for recovery. What You'll Learn: • How community connection alleviates grief isolation • Ways to find or create support groups • The role of shared stories in healing • Strategies to ask for help without guilt • How to support others while grieving Key Insights: • Grief shared is grief lessened through communal bonds • Isolation worsens grief; connection accelerates recovery • Support groups normalize complex grief emotions • Vulnerability in community builds deeper healing • Even one trusted connection can transform grief Recommended Resources: • "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine • "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion • Local grief support groups and online communities 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...
• Explore Mindfulness for Grief: Simple Practices to Find Calm 02.06.2025 14min

  In this episode, we explore how mindfulness can be a lifeline when grief feels overwhelming. Discover simple, practical techniques to find moments of calm amidst the storm of loss, without forcing positivity or bypassing your pain. Learn to be present with your grief in a way that soothes rather than suppresses. What You'll Learn: • A 3-minute breathing practice for acute grief moments • How to use body scans to release stored tension from sorrow • Mindful walking to reconnect with the world after loss • Journaling prompts to process emotions without judgment • A guided meditation for self-compassion during hard days Key Insights: • Grief and mindfulness are not opposites; presence helps you heal • Small, consistent practices build resilience over time • You don't need to meditate for hours—seconds count • Mindfulness can reduce the physical symptoms of grief • It's okay to feel nothing—mindfulness accepts all states Recommended Resources: • "The Mindful Way Through Grief" by Ronna Kabatznick • "Grief Day by Day" by Jan Warner • Guided grief meditations on the Insight Timer app 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...
• How to Overcome Grief Triggers: Practical Steps to Move Forward 05.06.2025 43min

  In this episode, we tackle the overwhelming moments when grief suddenly hits you out of nowhere — those unexpected triggers that can derail your day. You'll discover practical, actionable steps to navigate these emotional landmines and find a path toward peace and healing. What You'll Learn: • How to identify your personal grief triggers • Simple grounding techniques for emotional overwhelm • Strategies to reframe painful memories into strength • Ways to build a daily resilience routine • When to seek professional support for grief Key Insights: • Triggers are normal and not a sign of weakness • Small, consistent actions can rewire your brain's response • Grief triggers often stem from unprocessed emotions • Community support reduces the intensity of triggers • Peace comes from acceptance, not avoidance Recommended Resources: • "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine • "The Grief Recovery Handbook" by John W. James and Russell Friedman • "Option B" by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...
• Learn Breathing Exercises for Grief: Five-Minute Calm for Mind 09.06.2025 12min

  In this episode, we explore simple yet powerful breathing exercises designed to bring five minutes of calm to your mind and body during the overwhelming waves of grief. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, insomnia, or just need a moment to breathe, these techniques offer a practical tool for emotional regulation and self-care. What You'll Learn: • A quick diaphragmatic breathing technique to activate your relaxation response • How to use box breathing to pause racing thoughts and reduce panic • A grounding breath exercise to reconnect with your body when grief feels numbing • The 4-7-8 method for calming the nervous system before sleep • How to integrate these exercises into your daily grief routine Key Insights: • Grief triggers the fight-or-flight response; breathing can reset your nervous system • Short, focused breathing sessions are more sustainable than long meditation for grievers • Even one minute of deep breathing can lower cortisol and ease physical tension • Pairing breathwork with a gentle reminder of your loss can help process emotions safely • Consistency matters more than duration—five minutes daily builds resilience Recommended Resources: • "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine • "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion • "On Grief and Grieving" by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...
• How to Grieve a Relationship: Navigating the Loss of Loved Ones 12.06.2025 41min

  In this episode, we explore the raw, messy reality of grieving a relationship—whether from death, breakup, or estrangement—and offer practical steps to navigate the loss of loved ones while healing your heart. You'll learn why traditional grief models often fall short and how to honor your unique process without judgment. What You'll Learn: • How to identify and validate your specific grief triggers • Practical rituals to honor the relationship that ended • How to set boundaries with unsupportive people • Techniques to rebuild self-identity after loss • When and how to seek professional grief support Key Insights: • Grief is not linear; it's a spiral with unexpected returns • The end of a relationship can trigger grief for the future you lost • Physical symptoms of grief are normal and need acknowledgment • Social media can amplify grief—know when to unplug • Healing doesn't mean forgetting; it means integrating the loss Recommended Resources: • "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine • "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion • GriefShare support groups (griefshare.org) 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...
• Navigate Self-Care for Grief: Practical Tips to Support You 16.06.2025 14min

  In this episode, we explore how intentional self-care can support your healing journey through grief. Discover practical, gentle strategies to nurture yourself while navigating loss, from establishing grounding routines to honoring your emotions without judgment. This episode offers actionable tips to help you find moments of peace and resilience amidst the pain. What You'll Learn: • How to create a simple daily self-care ritual • The power of gentle movement for emotional release • Why journaling helps process grief without overwhelm • How to set boundaries that protect your energy • Small ways to invite comfort into your day Key Insights: • Grief is not linear—self-care adapts to your needs • Self-care is an act of compassion, not selfishness • Micro-moments of care can build lasting resilience • Your body holds grief—tending it supports healing • Connection with others is a vital form of self-care Recommended Resources: • "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine • "Option B" by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...
• Moving Forward After Loss: Practical Steps to Rebuild Your Life 19.06.2025 33min

  In this episode, we dive into the messy, nonlinear journey of moving forward after a significant loss. You'll discover why 'getting over it' is a myth and learn practical, science-backed steps to rebuild your life while honoring your grief. We explore how to find hope not as a destination, but as a daily practice that coexists with pain. What You'll Learn: • How to create a grief-friendly daily routine • The difference between moving on and moving forward • Why small, consistent actions rebuild momentum • How to set boundaries that protect your healing • Ways to reconnect with joy without guilt Key Insights: • Grief never fully ends, but it transforms over time • Hope is found in small moments, not big milestones • Your brain needs new neural pathways to adjust • Community support accelerates healing more than solitude • Self-compassion is the foundation of all recovery Recommended Resources: • "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine • "Option B" by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant • The Grief Recovery Handbook by John W. James and Russell Friedman 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...
• Healing Affirmations for Grief: Positive Statements and Practical Comfort for Recovery 23.06.2025 13min

  In this episode, we explore how healing affirmations can transform the grieving process, offering practical comfort and positive statements to help you navigate loss and rebuild hope one day at a time. What You'll Learn: • How affirmations rewire the brain for healing after loss • The most effective positive statements for grief recovery • Practical ways to incorporate affirmations into daily life • Why affirmations provide comfort without bypassing pain • How to create your own personalized grief affirmations Key Insights: • Affirmations are not denial; they are tools for coping • Grief affirmations help regulate the nervous system • Repeating positive statements builds new neural pathways • Comfort comes from validating pain while affirming strength • Recovery is a journey, not a destination—affirmations support each step Recommended Resources: • "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine • "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion • "Option B" by Sheryl Sandberg 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...
• How to Accept Change After Loss: Gentle Ways to Move Forward 27.06.2025 45min

  In this episode, we explore how accepting change after loss doesn't mean letting go of your loved one—it means finding gentle ways to carry them forward while allowing yourself to heal. Discover practical steps to navigate the shifting landscape of grief without pressure or timelines. What You'll Learn: • How to recognize when you're ready for change • Gentle techniques to honor your loss while moving forward • Why acceptance is not the same as forgetting • Ways to create new routines that include your grief • How to set boundaries with others during transition Key Insights: • Change after loss is a gradual process, not a destination • Grief and acceptance can coexist in daily life • Small, compassionate actions build resilience over time • Allowing yourself to feel both joy and sorrow is healing • Your relationship with the deceased evolves, not ends Recommended Resources: • "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine • "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion • "Option B" by Sheryl Sandberg 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...
• Understanding Daily Grief Practices: Small Steps Toward Healing 30.06.2025 12min

  In this episode, we explore how small, consistent daily practices can transform your grief recovery journey. Instead of waiting for a big breakthrough, you'll discover manageable steps that build momentum toward healing, helping you move through loss with compassion and intention. What You'll Learn: • How to start your day with a grounding grief ritual • The power of micro-moments of self-compassion • Simple journaling prompts for processing emotions • Creating a nightly reflection practice for peace • How to track small wins without pressure Key Insights: • Grief recovery is not linear—small steps create cumulative change • Daily practices rewire the brain toward resilience • Consistency matters more than intensity in healing • Micro-actions reduce overwhelm and build trust in yourself • Small steps honor the pace of your unique grief journey Recommended Resources: • "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine • "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion • "Option B" by Sheryl Sandberg 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...
• Finding Strength During Emotional Setbacks 15.07.2025 37min

  In this episode, we dive into the messy, raw reality of grief and emotional setbacks—because let's face it, loss doesn't come with a manual. You'll learn how to find strength not by avoiding pain, but by walking through it with intention and self-compassion. We unpack the science of resilience, share real-life stories of turning breakdowns into breakthroughs, and give you actionable tools to steady yourself when the waves of grief hit hardest. Whether you're newly grieving or years into the journey, this conversation will help you reclaim your footing. What You'll Learn: : • How to recognize emotional setbacks as part of the grief process • Practical techniques for building inner strength during loss • The role of self-compassion in navigating painful emotions • Ways to create a supportive network that honors your grief • Small daily habits that foster resilience and hope Key Insights: • Grief doesn't follow a linear timeline—and that's okay • True strength comes from vulnerability and allowing yourself to feel • Emotional setbacks are not failures; they are signals for needed care • Healing happens in incremental steps, not giant leaps • Community support amplifies your capacity to cope and grow Recommended Resources: • "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine • "Option B" by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant • "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...
• Understanding Sleep and Rest During Loss - Your Body's Healing 16.07.2025 14min

  In this episode, we explore the critical role of sleep and rest when navigating grief. Grief is physically and emotionally exhausting, yet many mourners struggle with insomnia or restless nights. Discover how honoring your body's need for deep rest can accelerate healing, reduce stress, and help you process loss more gently. We break down practical strategies to reclaim restorative sleep without guilt or pressure, because rest is not a luxury—it's a lifeline. What You'll Learn: • Why grief disrupts your sleep cycle and what to do • Simple bedtime rituals to signal safety and calm • How to give yourself permission to rest without guilt • The difference between rest and sleep—both matter • When to seek professional help for grief-related insomnia Key Insights: • Grief is physically demanding; rest is essential for recovery • Sleep helps the brain process emotional memories and pain • Your body's stress response can be soothed with intentional rest • Listening to your body's cues prevents burnout and prolongs grief • Restorative practices like gentle yoga or breathing can aid sleep Recommended Resources: • "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine • "Bearing the Unbearable" by Joanne Cacciatore • Grief counseling and support groups (e.g., The Compassionate Friends) 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...
• Finding Hope After Loss - Stories of Healing Forward 17.07.2025 37min

  In this episode, we explore the transformative journey from grief to hope, sharing real stories of healing forward after loss. Discover how to navigate the pain and find meaning, moving beyond survival to a life of renewed purpose. Whether you're in the depths of sorrow or seeking a path forward, these narratives offer comfort and actionable insights. What You'll Learn: • How to recognize small signs of hope amidst grief • The power of storytelling in the healing process • Practical steps to move forward without forgetting • Why healing is not about erasing loss but integrating it • Ways to support loved ones navigating their own grief Key Insights: • Grief is not linear but a spiral of emotions that revisit you • Hope and sorrow can coexist—one does not cancel the other • Healing forward means creating a new relationship with loss • Hearing others' stories normalizes your own experience • Self-compassion is a critical tool for recovery Recommended Resources: • "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine • "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion • "Option B" by Sheryl Sandberg 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...
• Build Emotional Resilience After Loss - Your Path 18.07.2025 14min

  In this episode, we explore how to build emotional resilience after loss, offering a compassionate roadmap to navigate grief and find a path forward. Discover practical strategies to strengthen your inner resources and transform pain into growth. What You'll Learn: • How to identify and process complex grief emotions • Techniques to build daily emotional resilience habits • Ways to honor your loss while moving forward • How to create a personal grief support system • Strategies to reframe loss into meaning and purpose Key Insights: • Resilience is not about avoiding pain but moving through it • Grief is not linear; it ebbs and flows uniquely for each person • Small, consistent actions build emotional strength over time • Connection with others is vital for healing and growth • Your path forward is personal; there is no 'right' way Recommended Resources: • "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine • "Option B" by Sheryl Sandberg • "The Grief Recovery Handbook" by John W. James and Russell Friedman 📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com. 💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...