Grief and Routine: Why Structure Matters After Loss with guest, Kat Farace

If you're wondering how to rebuild your life after someone dies, you're not alone. Loss can shatter routines, disrupt your sense of identity, and make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. In this episode (23) of The GRIEF Ladies Podcast, Karyn Arnold and Kelly Daugherty are joined by grief counselor and hospice expert Kat Farace to explore what "rebuilding" really means after loss. We talk about why routine matters in grief, how small daily structure can support your nervous system, and why rebuilding isn't about "moving on" — it's about learning how to live forward while carrying love with you. In this conversation, you'll learn: Why grief disrupts your daily rhythms How to gently reintroduce routine without pressure The role of self-care in early and ongoing grief Why community support matters when everything feels unstable Practical coping tools to help you feel more steady This episode connects to the Rebuilding trail marker in our G.R.I.E.F. Framework — focusing on structure, routine, and small steps that create stability in the midst of emotional upheaval. If you've been feeling unmoored, exhausted, or unsure how to function after loss, this episode offers validation, realistic strategies, and encouragement for wherever you are in your grief journey. Guest Bio: Kat Farace is an author, speaker, and grief coach with over 25 years of experience in hospiceand end-of-life care, walking alongside individuals and families through life's most profound moments of loss, love, and transition. Her work is grounded in compassion, honesty, and the deep belief that grief—while never chosen—can become one of our greatest teachers. Through decades of hospice service, Kat has supported thousands of people as they navigated death, dying, and bereavement, gaining rare insight into the emotional, spiritual, and relational realities of grief. Her approach blends professional expertise with heartfelt presence, offering guidance that is both practical and deeply human. Kat is the author of the upcoming book Grief the Teacher: The Teacher We Never Wanted—With the Lessons Only Love and Loss Can Teach, to be released in Spring 2026. In it, she explores grief not as something to "get over," but as an experience that reshapes us, challenges us, and ultimately invites growth, meaning, and connection. Kat creates space for real conversations about loss—conversations that honor pain while also making room for hope, resilience, and love. Whether speaking to the newly grieving or those carrying loss for a lifetime, she brings a steady, compassionate presence that reminds listeners they are not alone. Kat Farace's work continues to reach audiences through coaching, speaking engagements, and storytelling that normalizes grief, dismantles shame, and gently illuminates the path forward—one honest conversation at a time. Connect with Kat:  Website: https://www.balanceingrief.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balanceingrief/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balanceingriefcom GRIEF Ladies: Your Guide to What Comes Next If you're ready to move forward without moving on—this show is for you. 🎧 Follow and connect: https://www.griefladies.com/ Kelly Daugherty: https://www.kellydaugherty.com/ Karyn Arnold: https://www.griefincommon.com/ Stay up to date with all the latest information about The GRIEF Ladies- Sign up for our newsletter at: www.griefladies.com Join the FREE, Private Facebook GRIEF Ladies Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16WuZNsNGu/ The GRIEF Ladies podcast offers education and support for people living with grief after someone they love has died. Our content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care or crisis services. If you are in crisis or concerned about your safety, call 988 in the U.S. or contact local emergency services