Grief Grower

In this special "Supporting Someone" episode, you'll hear the live recording of my author talk from the Of Course I'm Here Right Now book launch party in Chicago—a practical, story-driven breakdown of three phrases that help supporters show up for grieving people with confidence and care. You'll learn: Why grieving people tell themselves three core stories—"I'm crazy," "I'm alone," and "My life will be like this forever"—and how those stories shape their relationships and sense of self Why words are the most powerful free grief support tool available to anyone, regardless of money, time, or emotional bandwidth How three simple phrases—"Of course," "I'm here," and "Right now"—each interrupt one of those painful stories How to use these phrases across any type of loss, any time frame, and any medium—from sympathy cards to text messages sent years after the loss Watch the launch party on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YU3Yg1ON2Ik Get my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now RSVP to upcoming online events in April: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

Secondary losses are the ripple effects that follow a major loss—and naming them can be one of the most validating things you do for yourself in grief. I'm breaking down what secondary losses are, sharing real examples, and walking you through a simple three-part framework for identifying and processing yours. You'll learn: The difference between a primary loss and a secondary loss—and why both deserve to be grieved How to identify your own secondary losses using my Immediate, Gradual, and Surprise framework Why secondary losses are a sign of significance—not excessive grief Four practical ways to grieve your secondary losses with compassion and intention Get my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now RSVP to upcoming online events in April: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

Getting support is important after loss, but it can feel hard to ask for it. Today, I'm sharing seven practical, gentle ways to ask for help after loss—especially when your energy is low and even naming what you need feels overwhelming. I'll talk about how to get support with both the logistics of daily life and the emotional weight of grief. You'll learn: The difference between needing help living vs. help grieving—and why it matters How to ask for specific, tangible support without overexplaining yourself Simple ways to invite others into remembering and honoring your person or loss How to make asking for help feel more doable on low-energy days Where to go for more hands-on support if you're in crisis Get my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now RSVP to upcoming online events in April: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

In this unedited, in-the-moment episode of Grief Grower, I'm unboxing my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now and sharing what it's about, who it's for, and why words matter so much in grief. You'll also hear a short excerpt from the introduction. You'll hear: Why this book isn't a memoir—but a practical guide for what to say to someone grieving The three phrases at the heart of the book: "of course," "I'm here," and "right now" Why words are one of the most powerful (and free) grief support tools we have A live reading from the introduction of the book Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Submit your pre-order receipt to join the FREE Of Course I'm Here Right Now book club:https://forms.gle/UKZUerJ91Cf1RwrC7 RSVP for Of Course I'm Here Right Now launch parties in Chicago and virtual: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

If you've ever wondered what to say to someone grieving—or worried about saying the wrong thing—this episode will help you understand why words matter more than you think, get helpful scripts to say after any kind of loss, and learn how to use words to support someone with care and confidence. You'll learn: Why "I don't know what to say" is such a common response to grief What happens when grief is met with silence or clichés Why words don't fix grief—but instead help people carry it Simple, grounding phrases you can use right away Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Submit your pre-order receipt to join the FREE Of Course I'm Here Right Now book club:https://forms.gle/UKZUerJ91Cf1RwrC7 RSVP for Of Course I'm Here Right Now launch parties in Chicago and virtual: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

Grief doesn't come with built-in reason or purpose, and it definitely doesn't follow a straight line! In this conversation with therapist and author Alex Mammadyarov, we explore what it actually looks like to grow through grief in real life—not in theory. Together, we explore: Why "everything happens for a reason" can feel invalidating—and what to focus on instead Why it's actually a good sign when grief waves appear (even years later) The difference between "staying busy" and truly re-entering the world after loss Why taking micro-steps like changing clothes, checking the mail, or taking a short walk can help you return to life again Alex's simple, honest rhythm for growth: live, grieve, rest, repeat Learn more about Alex and get your copy of Growing Through Grief: https://alexmammadyarov.com/ Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Submit your pre-order receipt to join the FREE Of Course I'm Here Right Now book club:https://forms.gle/UKZUerJ91Cf1RwrC7 RSVP for Of Course I'm Here Right Now launch parties in Chicago and virtual: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

Learn six powerful ways your words can support someone who is grieving using the SCRABL structure from my new book Of Course I'm Here Right Now. If you've ever worried about saying the wrong thing, you'll gain a deeper understanding of why words matter—plus simple, meaningful scripts you can use right away. You'll learn: The six roles words play in supporting someone who is grieving (SCRABL) Why words matter more than "doing the right thing" after a loss Simple, compassionate scripts you can use immediately How to feel more confident showing up for grieving friends, family members, coworkers, and even strangers Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Submit your pre-order receipt to join the FREE Of Course I'm Here Right Now book club:https://forms.gle/UKZUerJ91Cf1RwrC7 RSVP for Of Course I'm Here Right Now launch parties in Chicago and virtual: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

Grief rarely gets better all at once, but there are quiet, meaningful signs that it's shifting. This "Ask Shelby" episode answers a question many grieving people carry: How will I know I'm going to be okay? You'll hear five real-life indicators of healing, plus reflection questions to help you see your own growth. You'll hear: How to recognize signs you're healing from grief What "being okay" actually looks like after loss How to carry your loss while rebuilding life after loss Reflection questions to help you assess where you are now Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Submit your pre-order receipt to join the FREE Of Course I'm Here Right Now book club:https://forms.gle/UKZUerJ91Cf1RwrC7 RSVP for Of Course I'm Here Right Now launch parties in Chicago and virtual: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

If you've been told to "find closure" after a loss, you're not alone—but that advice may be doing you more harm than good. Closure in grief is often treated as the ultimate goal of healing, yet many grieving people find it impossible—or even undesirable. I agree with them! You'll learn: Why closure is an unhelpful goal in grief What "closure after death" really implies—and why it falls short of what many grievers want The psychology behind continuing bonds and integration How to heal without leaving a loved one, a relationship, or a part of yourself behind What to seek instead of closure when rebuilding life after loss Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Submit your pre-order receipt to join the FREE Of Course I'm Here Right Now book club: https://forms.gle/UKZUerJ91Cf1RwrC7 RSVP for Of Course I'm Here Right Now launch parties in Chicago and virtual: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

Wondering how to comfort someone who's grieving? Learn three powerful strategies—validation, consistent presence, and gentle perspective—that support a grieving friend without fixing or forcing hope. Plus, discover your unique Grief Supporter Strength with my free quiz. You'll discover: How to validate a grieving person's emotions without being a therapist What it means to show up after everyone else disappears How to offer perspective without minimizing pain Which grief supporter strength is naturally yours Take my free What's Your Grief Supporter Strength? quiz: https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/6946987575f866001543c0b1 Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Submit your pre-order receipt to join the FREE Of Course I'm Here Right Now book club:https://forms.gle/UKZUerJ91Cf1RwrC7 RSVP for Of Course I'm Here Right Now launch parties in Chicago and virtual: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

How do you grieve when your body is the site of loss? Lisa Keefauver, author of Grief Is a Sneaky Bitch, joins me to talk about something we don't discuss nearly enough: grief in the body. From cancer treatment to identity shifts to looking in the mirror and not recognizing yourself, we explore what it means to experience embodied grief—and how to cope when your body is the loss you're grieving. You'll hear: What "body grief" and "embodied grief" actually mean—and why so many people experience them How illness, trauma, and medical betrayal can change your relationship with your body The hidden identity grief that comes with physical changes Practical tools for coping when your body no longer feels like home How to hold both gratitude and grief at the same time Learn more about Lisa, read (or listen to!) Grief Is a Sneaky Bitch, and subscribe to her Substack: https://lisakeefauver.com/ Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Submit your pre-order receipt to join the FREE Of Course I'm Here Right Now book club:https://forms.gle/UKZUerJ91Cf1RwrC7 RSVP for Of Course I'm Here Right Now launch parties in Chicago and virtual: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

If you're grieving but the tears won't come, this episode is for you. You'll learn five reasons you might not be crying—even if you feel heartbroken. Whether you're numb, overwhelmed, or just not a crier, this conversation will help you better understand your grief. You'll hear: Why crying isn't the only valid grief response What shock and safety have to do with blocking tears Common fears about crying "forever" Reflection questions to help you explore your grief Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Submit your pre-order receipt to join the FREE Of Course I'm Here Right Now book club: https://forms.gle/UKZUerJ91Cf1RwrC7 RSVP for Of Course I'm Here Right Now launch parties in Chicago and virtual: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

You got through the first year of grief—but year two feels heavier, not lighter. Today, I'm sharing why grief often gets harder after the first year, what no one tells you about the second year of loss, and why struggling now doesn't mean you're doing something wrong. You'll learn: Why "the first year is the worst" is a lie How year two reveals hidden grief no one warned you about What happens when the shock wears off and support disappears How to survive the identity uncertainty of the second year What struggling in year two really says about your grief Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Submit your pre-order receipt to join the FREE Of Course I'm Here Right Now book club: https://forms.gle/UKZUerJ91Cf1RwrC7 RSVP for Of Course I'm Here Right Now launch parties in Chicago and virtual: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

Struggling with sleep after a loss? In this episode, I explore how grief disrupts your ability to fall asleep—or makes you want to sleep all the time. You'll discover: 11 grief-informed sleep tips based in mine and my clients' experiences What to do during the day to support rest at night Gentle rituals to help you fall asleep (and stay asleep) What to do when you wake up in the middle of the night When sleeping "too much" might actually be okay—and when to worry Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Submit your pre-order receipt to join the FREE Of Course I'm Here Right Now book club: https://forms.gle/UKZUerJ91Cf1RwrC7 RSVP for Of Course I'm Here Right Now launch parties in Chicago and virtual: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

If you want to know how to support a grieving friend without saying the wrong thing—or disappearing altogether—you are not alone. In this "Ask Shelby" episode, I share practical, compassionate guidance for what to say to someone grieving, using words that actually help in the days, months, and years after loss. You'll learn: Why words are one of the most powerful (and free) tools for grief support What to say to someone grieving instead of clichés or silence My three-phrase framework: Of course. I'm here. Right now. How to use these phrases in sympathy cards, texts, and real-life conversations What to say long after the loss, when most people stop checking in How your words can strengthen relationships and change grief culture Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Submit your pre-order receipt to join the FREE Of Course I'm Here Right Now book club:https://forms.gle/UKZUerJ91Cf1RwrC7 RSVP for Of Course I'm Here Right Now launch parties in Chicago and virtual: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

What do you do with a person's things after they die? This week, Charlene Lam joins me to explore "the stuff of grief"—and how curating can become a meaningful, healing practice. We talk about her 3-step method, the roles objects play in grief, and why you may be more of a curator than you think. You'll learn: The "Three C's" of curating someone's belongings after they die The difference between "linking objects" and "evidence objects"—and why each is significant The surprising ways you may have already curated your grief objects (I share several of mine!) How to claim your role as a curator, even if you don't feel qualified, or if you're dealing with the aftermath of a messy or complicated loss Read Charlene's book Curating Grief, explore 1:1 coaching, and check out her online course Sorting the Stuff of Life and Loss: https://www.charlenelam.com/ Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Submit your pre-order receipt to join the FREE Of Course I'm Here Right Now book club:https://forms.gle/UKZUerJ91Cf1RwrC7 RSVP for Of Course I'm Here Right Now launch parties in Chicago and virtual: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

"Time heals all" is one of the most commonly repeated phrases in grief support—but is it actually helpful? Discover the history behind this platitude, why it often causes more harm than good, and what actually supports healing after loss. Where "time heals all" originated—and why it stuck 3 reasons the phrase harms more than helps What to do instead of waiting for time to pass What to say to grievers that's actually comforting Why you—not time—are the source of your healing Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Submit your pre-order receipt to join the FREE Of Course I'm Here Right Now book club:https://forms.gle/UKZUerJ91Cf1RwrC7 RSVP for Of Course I'm Here Right Now launch parties in Chicago and virtual: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

If you've ever felt broken, lost, or completely alone in your grief, this episode is for you. I'm sharing 15 short, nonreligious affirmations that have brought me comfort and a sense of stability in grief's hardest moments—along with insights from my students inside Life After Loss Academy. These aren't fluffy or sugarcoated. They're honest, grounding, and written to meet you exactly where you are. You'll hear: Three emotional pain points almost every griever faces 15 affirmations that actually help soothe the pain of grief (no toxic positivity here) Ideas for making affirmations part of your daily life Join Life After Loss Academy FREE for one month with code NEWYEARSGRIEF: https://life-after-loss-academy.circle.so/checkout/life-after-loss-academy-membership?coupon_code=NEWYEARSGRIEF Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now ... Read my viral blog: Grief Is Not "Just Love With No Place to Go." Here's What It Really Is.  https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/blog-archive/grief-is-not-love-with-no-place-to-go-heres-what-it-really-is Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

You've probably heard it—or maybe even said it: "I can't imagine what you're going through." It sounds compassionate on the surface, but it often creates emotional distance instead of connection. In this episode, I explain why this common sympathy phrase misses the mark for many grievers and what to say that's actually comforting. You'll learn: Why "I can't imagine" feels dismissive to grievers The deeper message this phrase unintentionally sends Short, compassionate alternatives to "I can't imagine what you're going through" Join Life After Loss Academy FREE for one month with code NEWYEARSGRIEF: https://life-after-loss-academy.circle.so/checkout/life-after-loss-academy-membership?coupon_code=NEWYEARSGRIEF Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now ... Read my viral blog: Grief Is Not "Just Love With No Place to Go." Here's What It Really Is.  https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/blog-archive/grief-is-not-love-with-no-place-to-go-heres-what-it-really-is Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

When someone dies, social media can feel like the last thing on your mind. But often times, posting online the best way to update lots of friends and family at once. In this episode, I'll give you a clear, step-by-step framework for announcing a death on Facebook, Instagram, or other social media platforms with heart, compassion, and care. You'll learn: What to say (and what not to say) Photo ideas that honor your loved one How to set kind-but-firm boundaries with your post Tips for logging off after you share Join Life After Loss Academy FREE for one month with code NEWYEARSGRIEF: https://life-after-loss-academy.circle.so/checkout/life-after-loss-academy-membership?coupon_code=NEWYEARSGRIEF Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now ... Read my viral blog: Grief Is Not "Just Love With No Place to Go." Here's What It Really Is.  https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/blog-archive/grief-is-not-love-with-no-place-to-go-heres-what-it-really-is Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

The quote: "Grief is just love with no place to go" is everywhere, but it doesn't tell the whole story of life after loss. In this episode, explore what grief really is, especially when love isn't the defining emotion. You'll learn: Why "grief is love" doesn't work for everyone How grief shows up after painful or distant relationships What grief includes beyond love—like identity, longing, and relief Why every grief experience deserves validation and space Join Life After Loss Academy FREE for one month with code NEWYEARSGRIEF: https://life-after-loss-academy.circle.so/checkout/life-after-loss-academy-membership?coupon_code=NEWYEARSGRIEF Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now ... Read my viral blog: Grief Is Not "Just Love With No Place to Go." Here's What It Really Is.  https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/blog-archive/grief-is-not-love-with-no-place-to-go-heres-what-it-really-is Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

Looking for grief support that doesn't require a whole bunch of your time, energy, or money? In this episode, I'm sharing 10 free (or nearly free) activities that can bring real comfort when you're grieving. These small, gentle practices are doable even on your hardest days. You'll learn: Why grief makes even basic tasks feel impossible How simple actions like walking, crafting, or journaling can ease emotional pain Free and low-cost grief supports beyond therapy Creative ways to reconnect with your body, nature, and your loved ones—dead and alive Practical ideas to help you feel more grounded today Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Join me LIVE in Ohio (December): https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

When someone asks, "How are you?" do you freeze, fumble, or fake a smile? In this episode, I share 20 ways to respond to that loaded question while grieving—sorted from most to least personal. You'll learn: How to protect your grief without hiding it When it's okay to say "I'm fine" Four types of responses for different social situations Why honesty isn't all-or-nothing in grief Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Join me LIVE in LA (November) and Ohio (December): https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

You've probably heard the phrase "don't speak ill of the dead"—but what if the person who died hurt you? I'm breaking down how this common advice silences survivors, protects harmful legacies, and makes grief harder for people with complicated losses. You'll learn: Why "don't speak ill of the dead" is outdated, harmful advice How this phrase impacts survivors of abuse, estrangement, or neglect Three real examples of truth-telling obituaries and what they reveal What to say when someone tries to silence your grief Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Join me LIVE in LA (November) and Ohio (December): https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:a87fc4ae-747f-411f-9ed7-80166a12355c-31" data-testid= "conversation-turn-18" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Grief isn't just heartbreaking—it's belief-shaping. After a major loss, many grieving people internalize painful stories like "I'm crazy," "I'm alone," and "My life will be like this forever." Understanding these beliefs (and what to say in response) can transform the way you show up and support the grieving people in your life. You'll hear: Where the 3 most common grief beliefs come from Why reassurance like "You're not alone" can backfire Three phrases that offer quiet, effective comfort How to support someone you care about without fixing, minimizing, or analyzing Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Join me LIVE in LA (November) and Ohio (December): https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast  

What do you do when no one wants to talk about your loss—or hear your grief at all? In this episode, Susan Lieu, author of The Manicurist's Daughter, shares what it was like to grow up in a family where her mother's death was never acknowledged. Together, we explore: Why some families avoid talking about grief The long-term effects of unspoken loss How to process grief solo when support isn't available The healing power of creativity and storytelling Read The Manicurist's Daughter, subscribe to Susan's Substack "Live Like You're Mortal", and check out her foray into stand-up comedy: https://www.susanlieu.me/ Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Join me LIVE in LA (November) and Ohio (December): https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

There are days when grief makes everything feel pointless—as if nothing will ever be good or meaningful again. If you've been there (or you're there now), this episode is for you. I'm sharing eight small but meaningful ways to keep going when everything feels impossibly heavy. These are the low-pressure, real-life practices I've used myself and taught inside Life After Loss Academy—not to fix grief, but to help you move through it. You'll hear: One mindset shift that can take the pressure off healing How to create a "Nope List" instead of a to-do list A defiant (and kind of hilarious) way to muster up hope Why noticing beauty can help you keep going The one word I use to soften catastrophic thoughts Watch my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief:https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Join me LIVE in Chicago (October) and LA (November): https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

Society tells us that achievements are supposed to feel good—so why do they sometimes leave you feeling unsettled, sad, or even disconnected? This episode explores gain grief—the hidden grief that lives beneath "positive" milestones like graduation, marriage, promotions, parenthood, and more. You'll learn: Why even "positive" transitions can be accompanied by real grief How to recognize gain grief in your own life Why naming hidden grief brings clarity, not heaviness How to honor what you're leaving behind, even if you're excited about what's next Ways to notice gains that may quietly exist within your losses Watch my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief:https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Join me LIVE in Chicago (October) and LA (November): https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

Not sure what to say to someone grieving during the holidays? These 12 simple text messages are a powerful way to show care, even when you're not sure what to say. You'll learn: How to avoid common clichés like "Let me know if you need anything" or "You have so much to be thankful for!" How to validate your friend's pain without trying to fix it How you can offer presence via text without pressure for your griever to respond How to gently remind them grief won't always feel this hard Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Join me LIVE in Chicago (October) and LA (November): https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

Making a major choice after loss can feel impossible. Grief scrambles your brain and makes every option feel like the wrong one. I'll share some grounded tools to help you weigh options, consider best- and worst-case scenarios, and make compassionate choices you can trust. You'll learn: Why "don't make any major decisions for at least a year after loss" isn't always realistic Three practical ways to make big decisions while grieving How to ease fear of regret and find clarity in the fog of loss Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

What do you do with the dreams that come after loss? In this conversation with grief dreams expert Dr. Joshua Black, we talk about why grief shows up while we're sleeping, what these dreams might be trying to tell us, and how they can offer connection, clarity, and even comfort in the wake of death. Together we explore: The 3 types of grief dreams and how to recognize them How to invite a dream of your person (even if it hasn't happened yet) Why dream dictionaries can confuse more than clarify How to interpret grief dreams in personal, meaningful ways Pop culture examples of grief dreams in film, TV, and music Learn more about grief dreams, listen to the Grief Dreams Podcast, and join Joshua's grief dreams group: griefdreams.ca Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

"I'm sorry for your loss" is one of the most common phrases people say to grievers after a loss—but does it really help? I explore why it often falls flat and share what grieving people actually want to hear. You'll discover: Why we default to "I'm sorry for your loss" in the first place How this phrase can unintentionally feel empty or obligatory Real examples of how grievers experience these words What to say instead that brings comfort, connection, and care Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast  

Have you ever felt like you're grieving not just a loss, but grieving grief itself? In this episode, I introduce the term "meta grief"—the invisible sorrow that comes from being tired of grieving, worn down by ongoing tragedy, or overwhelmed by the endlessness of loss. If you've felt grief fatigue or wondered how long this will last, this episode is for you. You'll learn: What meta grief means and why I created the term How grief fatigue, burnout, and despair show up in everyday life Why it's normal to feel overwhelmed by ongoing personal or global loss The hidden grief of knowing there's always more grief to come How to cope when you're sick and tired of grieving Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving:https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

Sometimes grief is too big for plain language. I'm sharing six powerful grief metaphors—from the "Ball in the Box" to "grief butter" to my own "dressing room"—that give shape and words to what life after loss feels like. These images can help you explain your grief, validate your experience, and feel a little more understood. You'll hear: Why metaphors help make sense of overwhelming emotions 6 powerful metaphors for grief (and where they came from) How to use metaphors to share your experience with others Ways these images can validate your life after loss See the six grief metaphors in action on this week's blog: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/blog-archive/6-powerful-grief-metaphors-that-help-you-make-sense-of-life-after-loss Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving:https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

You don't need to be a therapist to support someone grieving. In this episode, discover why presence matters more than credentials and how to show up with confidence, even when you feel unqualified. You'll hear: Why "comforter imposter syndrome" is so common How grievers often find the deepest support outside therapy Three questions to ask to boost your comforter confidence Practical ways to offer care without overthinking it Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Join Life After Loss Academy FREE for one month with code GRIEFGROWER: https://life-after-loss-academy.circle.so/checkout/life-after-loss-academy-membership?coupon_code=Griefgrower ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast  

What makes a "good death" for a beloved pet—and how do you grieve when society says, "It was just an animal"? Jana DeCristofaro of The Dougy Center joins me to explore pet grief, creating meaningful end-of-life rituals, and how to keep honoring your animal companion after they die. You'll hear: What a "good death" for a pet might look like Why pet grief can feel even bigger or more profound than human loss How to break the stigma of memorializing pets on social media Explore grief support and resources from Dougy Center: The National Grief Center for Grieving Children & Families: https://www.dougy.org/ Download Dougy Center's FREE 4-page guide for pet loss: https://www.dougy.org/assets/uploads/DoveLewis-Dougy-Center_After-the-death-of-a-companion-animal.pdf Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Join Life After Loss Academy FREE for one month with code GRIEFGROWER: https://life-after-loss-academy.circle.so/checkout/life-after-loss-academy-membership?coupon_code=Griefgrower ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

Discover how Life After Loss Academy has transformed the lives of grieving people facing death, divorce, diagnosis, and other major life changes. I share five real student stories and the healing they experienced through live coaching, supportive community, and the GRIEF Method program. You'll hear: How Lori honored her daughter's memory while setting healthy boundaries Why Chris, a therapist, gained new tools to support both herself and her clients How Julia found stability and a grief-friendly workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic How Tammy embraced grief as a companion after divorce and empty nest How Kim rebuilt her identity after years of back-to-back loss Whether you're wondering if Life After Loss Academy is right for you or curious about whether this grief support program can truly work for you, these stories show what's possible when you have practical tools and a compassionate community. Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Join Life After Loss Academy FREE for one month with code GRIEFGROWER: https://life-after-loss-academy.circle.so/checkout/life-after-loss-academy-membership?coupon_code=Griefgrower ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

When loss shatters your life, "rebuilding" can feel impossible—especially if it means leaving your person behind. But what if you don't have to "get over" your grief to move forward? I'll cover what rebuilding after loss really means, and how to carry your grief with you into a life that still holds peace, purpose, and joy. You'll learn: What rebuilding after loss actually looks and feels like Why the phrase "get over it" often causes more harm than healing A new way to think about grief as a lifelong companion How to rebuild your life without erasing the past Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Join Life After Loss Academy FREE for one month with code GRIEFGROWER: https://life-after-loss-academy.circle.so/checkout/life-after-loss-academy-membership?coupon_code=Griefgrower ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

Friendship grief is one of the most overlooked and heartbreaking parts of loss. I'm talking about why friends pull away after death, divorce, or diagnosis—and what to do about it. You'll hear: What friendship grief is and why it hurts so much 3 toxic grief tropes to look out for in your friendships My 5-step framework for navigating hurtful relationships—while grieving! How to set new boundaries and rules for friendship after loss Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Join Life After Loss Academy FREE for one month with code GRIEFGROWER: https://life-after-loss-academy.circle.so/checkout/life-after-loss-academy-membership?coupon_code=Griefgrower ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

How do you keep a loved one's memory alive after they die? In this episode, I share how to use a Signs + Symbols Library—a powerful tool that helps you feel connected to someone you've lost through your five senses. Whether you believe in signs from the afterlife or just want intentional ways to remember your person, this episode is for you. You'll hear about: How to use sensory memory to feel close to your person What to do if signs feel "made up" or like you're "faking it" Ideas for losses without direct memories (such as miscarriage or estrangement) Spiritual and non-spiritual approaches to staying connected to a loved one who died Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Join Life After Loss Academy FREE for one month with code GRIEFGROWER: https://life-after-loss-academy.circle.so/checkout/life-after-loss-academy-membership?coupon_code=Griefgrower ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

What do you do when your own face reminds you—or others—of someone who died? In this conversation with Empower founder Cara Belvin, we talk about the surreal experience of resembling someone you've lost and how it shapes identity, memory, and the grief we carry. Together we explore: Why looking like someone who died can feel comforting—or complicated The emotional weight of being a "living reminder" to friends and family Why parent loss is SO life-changing The powerful role of mentorship in navigating early parent loss Become a mentor or volunteer with Empower—or get support for a grieving kid in your life: https://weareempower.org/ Join Life After Loss Academy FREE for one month with code GRIEFGROWER: https://life-after-loss-academy.circle.so/checkout/life-after-loss-academy-membership?coupon_code=Griefgrower Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

Can you really let go of grief without letting go of love? These two powerful lists can help you release the pain of what can no longer be—while making space for what remains… and how you'd like to move forward. You'll learn: Why "letting go" doesn't mean forgetting How to grieve the person you used to be How to grieve you thought you'd have Simple rituals to help you release and heal Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Join Life After Loss Academy FREE for one month with code GRIEFGROWER: https://life-after-loss-academy.circle.so/checkout/life-after-loss-academy-membership?coupon_code=Griefgrower ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast  

If you've been wondering what to actually do after a loss or death, this episode is for you. I'm sharing the most important—and most overlooked—first step in grief. Before joining a support group, before reading the books, before trying to "process" the pain… you need this. You'll discover: Why grief can feel so disorienting, even when you're "doing the work" What the Safety First Rule is and how to use it Real-life grounding practices from my students How to stop feeling like you're failing at grief Join Life After Loss Academy FREE for one month with code GRIEFGROWER: https://life-after-loss-academy.circle.so/checkout/life-after-loss-academy-membership?coupon_code=Griefgrower Check out the Safety First Rule plus two more helpful grief tools in my free workshop: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

Thinking about grief coaching but not sure if you're ready? In this episode, I'll walk you through three important questions to help you figure out if coaching is the right next step for you and your grief. You'll hear: Why feeling "stuck" might be a sign you're ready What feedback and support really look like in grief coaching How to know if you have the capacity to engage with a grief coach right now Join Life After Loss Academy FREE for one month with code GRIEFGROWER: https://life-after-loss-academy.circle.so/checkout/life-after-loss-academy-membership?coupon_code=Griefgrower See if Life After Loss Academy is right for you by taking this two-minute quiz: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-quiz-is-life-after-loss-academy-right-for-you ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

When loss hits, it can feel like your whole world shrinks down to your own pain. And then someone says you're being "selfish" or "self-centered" for grieving! In this episode, I unpack where those accusations come from—and why turning inward after loss isn't shameful. In fact, it might be necessary for your healing. You'll learn: Why grief feels so personal and consuming What "selfish" actually means in the context of grief How cultural and spiritual messages shape shame around "selfishness" Reframes to take back your grief without apology What to say when someone calls you "self-centered" for grieving ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

Grieving more than one loss can make the calendar feel like a minefield. Illustrator and author Tyler Feder joins me to talk about cumulative grief, anxiety, and how art can become a companion when no part of the year feels safe. In this episode, we cover: Why no month feels emotionally "safe" after multiple losses How to create and use a grief calendar The link between anxiety and loss after death How illustration and creative expression help process grief Check out Tyler's work, including her book, Dancing at the Pity Party: https://www.tylerfeder.com/ Read Tyler's comic about her father's cancer coming back: https://www.instagram.com/p/DC_ASrLxKPD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Read Tyler's comic about how no part of the calendar is safe from grief: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHKGCcNxOws/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

Grief doesn't happen in a vacuum—it happens in a political system. In this episode, we explore how grief is political and what that means for grieving people who want to start or stay engaged in activism. You'll learn: How politics shape your grief Questions to ask before participating in activism 6 low-energy ways to take meaningful action How your grief can become a powerful force for change ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

Planning a wedding after the death of a loved one is bittersweet. In this episode, I share how to honor grief, make space for absence, and infuse your celebration with memory, meaning, and love—without losing yourself in the overwhelm. You'll learn: How to choose a wedding format that supports your grief Ideas for clothing, flowers, and rituals that honor loved ones who have died Tips for managing energy and emotional overwhelm Stories from my wedding to my wife (We were grieving nine people between us!) Why making space for grief makes joy more possible ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

If you've ever felt broken, lost, or completely alone in your grief, this episode is for you. I'm sharing 15 short, nonreligious affirmations that have brought me comfort and a sense of stability in grief's hardest moments—along with insights from my students inside Life After Loss Academy. These aren't fluffy or sugarcoated. They're honest, grounding, and written to meet you exactly where you are. You'll hear: Three emotional pain points almost every griever faces 15 affirmations that actually help soothe the pain of grief (no toxic positivity here) Ideas for making affirmations part of your daily life ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

You've probably heard it—or maybe even said it: "I can't imagine what you're going through." It sounds compassionate on the surface, but it often creates emotional distance instead of connection. In this episode, I explain why this common sympathy phrase misses the mark for many grievers and what to say that's actually comforting. You'll learn: Why "I can't imagine" feels dismissive to grievers The deeper message this phrase unintentionally sends Short, compassionate alternatives to "I can't imagine what you're going through" ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia  Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast