Dear Grief Guide: Advice on Life After Loss

Let's keep growing through grief on my new show, Grief Grower, a weekly podcast full of practical tips, comforting guidance, and insightful interviews for navigating life after death, divorce, diagnosis, and other major losses. Because grief isn't something to "get over"—it's something to grow through! New episodes are released every Thursday. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-grower/id1802490679 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZmAtGKX0eGyS4MDLWNbPF?si=c4f1de765d604e13 Listen (and Watch!) on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLddza6yAhny7x85GEUWLG4BBBKrDvDTZw Learn more about Grief Grower and get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/  

As the new year approaches, a listener's grief for her dad is louder than ever. She's wondering if it's normal for grief to resurface, even though time has passed. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Be the first to know when Grief Grower is live—coming March 2025: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A letter-writer is grieving the loss of a lifelong goal. After years of battling this unfulfilled longing, they feel stuck in a cycle of hope and frustration. How do you mourn a dream that isn't entirely dead but feels out of reach? … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

After having an emotional dream about his dog who died, a grieving pet owner is wondering whether or not he's rushing into getting a new dog. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A grieving wife who discovered her husband's affair after his death questions her self-worth and grapples with how to mourn a relationship that is muddled with betrayal. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A grieving mom is ashamed that she feels relief after her daughter's death. She wonders if it's okay to miss her daughter and be grateful that she's no longer suffering. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A listener grieving the sudden, traumatic death of their brother is overwhelmed by anger. In the wake of this loss, will they set fire to every relationship in their life? … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A cancer survivor reckons with the aftermath of cancer treatment, including survivor's guilt. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com

A woman whose her affair partner died wonders whether she, as "the other woman," has the right to feel grief surrounding this secret loss. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

In the fallout of two consecutive breakups, a letter-writer is also grieving her home, her belief in love, and her hope for the future. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

Within her dysfunctional family, a grieving woman feels like there's no space for her grief, especially in her relationship with her alcoholic mom. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

After his wife's death by suicide, a grieving husband knows that there's no way to replace her presence in his life. But he wonders if and when he'll ever feel whole again. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A grieving wife and mother is wondering how to make the holidays feel special for her three kids after her husband's death earlier this year. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A nursing school student who recently lost her grandmother still feels swallowed up by the pain of grief. She's wondering if or when this feeling will ever go away. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A thoughtful husband is curious about how to best support his wife on her sister's upcoming death anniversary. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/  

A grieving son is resentful of everyone who appears to be his mother's age or other, angry that she didn't get the privilege of a long, happy life. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A young woman in the dating pool doesn't know how to talk about her brother's death with prospective partners. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A young fatherless daughter feels like grief has made her an alien, and is wondering how to navigate living on "Planet Grief." … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

Overwhelmed by multiple, heart-shattering losses including childhood abuse, estrangement, and abandonment, a listener wonders where to begin the process of grieving. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

After three consecutive losses, a fed up letter-writer is angry her friends aren't more supportive. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

Despite having lost both her sister and her mother, a listener feels as if she still hasn't grieved their deaths. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A grieving daughter is the only person in her circle of friends and family who hasn't received a sign from her dead mom. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

An outraged letter-writer was recently insulted by a friend for taking time to tend to her grief over her father. When someone shames you for grieving, how do you respond? … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A grieving husband misses the physical intimacy he shared with his wife, who recently died from cancer. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A listener is convinced they'll never have another friend like the one they lost. How do you keep living after your confidant and safety net dies? … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A "working stiff" feels uninterested in his job after several major losses in his life. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

Since her father's death from cancer, a grieving woman is tortured by recurring nightmares of his final days. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A letter-writer is bothered by their friend's unsupportive actions and comments after the death of their cat. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A recently bereaved father thought he would feel more after the death of his young son. Is he an emotionless monster? Or is something deeper going on? … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

After the sudden deaths of her cousin and uncle, a grieving niece wonders how she can bring her 70-something aunt happiness and joy in the final years of her life. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission  

After his adoptive father's death, a grieving son struggled with drugs and alcohol. Now that he's sober, he wonders if his father would be ashamed or proud. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

Ever since the death of their grandmother, a grieving listener keeps getting sick. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission

After her father's death, a grieving woman is frustrated by her partner's distant, unsupportive behavior. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Get a year of text message grief support for less than the cost of therapy: https://helptexts.com/shelbyforsythia Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A grieving twin wonders how to celebrate the birthday he shared with his brother who died. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A letter-writer wonders how to maintain focus and motivation while navigating divorce and the sudden death of a dear friend. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

After the suicide of their mother, a listener struggles to move through numbness and shock and begin to feel their emotions. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A grieving woman whose mother died is struggling to show emotion, especially around her adult daughter. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

After the death of her mother, a grieving woman wonders if she's allowed to be happy again. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A man mourning the death of his wife yearns to be the person he used to be while also struggling with who loss is forcing him to become. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

Ever since the sudden death of their best friend, a letter-writer is constantly thinking about who will die next. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

Six months after their grandmother's death, a listener's friends seem to be pulling away. They want to know if they should be more clear with their needs or find new friends to share their grief with. … Get $10 off a year of grief support text messages from Help Texts: https://helptexts.com/shelbyforsythia Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission

As the one year anniversary of their best friend's death approaches, a grieving graduate student worries that no one will honor her memory with them. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A young letter-writer feel disconnected from her best friend because she isn't receiving signs and symbols from her friend after her death. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

After the sudden, back-to-back deaths of her mother and brother, a listener wonders how to grieve both of them at once. ... Join Life After Loss Academy, my online course + community that helps you move forward after devastating loss: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A newly bereaved sibling wonders whether life will ever feel good or carefree again. … Join Life After Loss Academy, my online course + community that helps you move forward after devastating loss: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A grieving daughter can't shake the feeling that her dad is still alive. … Join Life After Loss Academy, my online course + community that helps you move forward after devastating loss: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/  

A series of pregnancy losses leaves a listener exhausted and depleted, wondering if it's worth it to "get back on the horse" and keep trying. ... Join Life After Loss Academy, my online course + community that helps you move forward after devastating loss: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

After a life-changing diagnosis, a letter-writer wants his friend to stop treating him like a project to be fixed or a puzzle to be solved. … Join Life After Loss Academy, my online course + community that helps you move forward after devastating loss: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A woman discovers she's grieving a strange sort of loss—a dream that she never anticipated having to let go of. … Join Life After Loss Academy, my online course + community that helps you move forward after devastating loss: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

A listener is terrified that the passage of time will make them forget their aunt and cousin who died suddenly. … Join Life After Loss Academy, my online course + community that helps you move forward after devastating loss: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/