Feeling "Griefy" in Seasons of Change: Empty Nest, Life Transitions, and Grief Waves

In this raw, vulnerable, and deeply personal solo episode, host Kendra Rinaldi shares straight from her heart about the intense transitions she has been navigating lately. From her daughter Mila preparing to move away to college [1] to facing complex personal medical decisions. Kendra opens up about how these major life shifts cracked open an unexpected wave of grief for her mother, who passed away nearly ten years ago.Kendra breaks down the myth of the "linear grief timeline" . introduces her concept of feeling "griefy" , and maps out the common "doorways" that can trigger sudden waves of grief to resurface years or even decades after a loss [5, 6]. If you have ever felt overwhelmed by a sudden heaviness of heart out of nowhere, this episode is a gentle reminder that you are not broken, you are not failing, and you are navigating your healing exactly as you should .Kendra shares that when grief unexpectedly returns, it often enters through specific doorways in our lives. Recognizing these triggers can help us navigate them with more grace and self-compassion: Transitions that mirror a past loss (e.g., a child leaving for college  mirroring when you first left home). Major  milestones (such as weddings, graduations, and birthdays) where a   loved one's physical presence is deeply missed. Reaching  a milestone age (such as turning the age your loved one was when  they passed, or seeing a child reach that age). Sensory  triggers (a specific smell, perfume, taste, or hearing a familiar  sound). Reading      old physical items (like looking at birthday cards or letters    they once wrote you). Health  scares and medical decisions that you are forced to navigate without their support. Watching  someone else go through grief. Experiencing  milestones they never got to experience (such as getting married,  building a career, or raising children). Anniversaries  and birthdays .10. Seasons of layered high stress (at work or in your family life) that leave your emotional      reserves low.Resources & Connect with Kendra Subscribe to the Newsletter: Stay updated on Kendra's upcoming Grief & Gratitude Journal and Self-Guided Course by signing up on her website: Grief, Gratitude, and the Gray in Between . Follow on Instagram: Connect with Kendra daily @GriefGratitudePodcast . Work with Kendra: If you are looking for a compassionate guide to walk alongside you on your transition or grief journey, learn more about Kendra's 1-on-1 grief coaching offerings .