GRIEF: Let's Make Sense of This Sh*t – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, we explore how to navigate grief when it feels impossible to find a path forward. Grief can leave you lost, exhausted, and uncertain about what comes next. This guide offers a gentle roadmap for healing, helping you understand the messy, nonlinear nature of loss while honoring your unique experience. Whether you are grieving a loved one, a relationship, or a major life change, this episode meets you where you are and reminds you that your feelings are valid. We break down practical steps and compassionate perspectives to help you move through the pain without pressure to “get over it.” This is not about fixing grief—it is about learning to live with it, one small moment at a time.

What You'll Learn:
• How grief is not a linear process but a personal journey
• Why self-compassion is essential for healing
• The difference between grieving and being stuck in pain
• How to create small rituals that honor your loss
• When and how to seek support without shame

Key Insights

• Allow yourself to feel all emotions without judgment
• Rest is as important as activity during grief
• Talk about your loss at your own pace
• Find one small comfort each day, even a breath
• Grief changes you—and that is okay

Recommended Resources:

• The Grief Recovery Method (griefrecoverymethod.com) – A structured approach to moving beyond loss
• What’s Your Grief (whatsyourgrief.com) – Articles and resources for all types of grief
• The Dougy Center (dougy.org) – Support for grieving children, teens, and families

Coming Up Next

Next time, we explore how to support a friend or family member through their grief without saying the wrong thing—offering practical, heartfelt ways to show up.

📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com.

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In this episode, we walk through a gentle morning grief ritual for the days after someone dies — not to rush your healing, but to help you start the day with a little more steadiness.

What You'll Learn:
• A simple three-step morning sequence: breath, acknowledgment, intention
• How to honor who you miss without forcing toxic positivity
• Why mornings can feel hardest after loss — and how to soften the spike
• A five-minute version for workdays and a longer weekend version

Key Insights:
• Grief mornings are not about "getting over it" — they are about carrying loss with care
• Small rituals rebuild a sense of safety when everything feels unstable
• Naming the loss out loud can reduce the emotional fog of early hours
• Your pace is valid; skip any step that feels like too much today

Recommended Resources:
• "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine
• The Dougy Center — grief support for all ages
• What's Your Grief — practical articles and podcasts

Coming Up Next:
We explore anticipatory grief — when you are mourning a loss that has not fully arrived yet.

📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com.

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In this episode, we explore the raw, messy reality of grieving a relationship—whether from death, breakup, or estrangement—and offer practical steps to navigate the loss of loved ones while healing your heart. You'll learn why traditional grief models often fall short and how to honor your unique process without judgment.

What You'll Learn:
• How to identify and validate your specific grief triggers
• Practical rituals to honor the relationship that ended
• How to set boundaries with unsupportive people
• Techniques to rebuild self-identity after loss
• When and how to seek professional grief support

Key Insights:
• Grief is not linear; it's a spiral with unexpected returns
• The end of a relationship can trigger grief for the future you lost
• Physical symptoms of grief are normal and need acknowledgment
• Social media can amplify grief—know when to unplug
• Healing doesn't mean forgetting; it means integrating the loss

Recommended Resources:
• "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine
• "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion
• GriefShare support groups (griefshare.org)

📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com.
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In this episode, we explore how intentional self-care can support your healing journey through grief. Discover practical, gentle strategies to nurture yourself while navigating loss, from establishing grounding routines to honoring your emotions without judgment. This episode offers actionable tips to help you find moments of peace and resilience amidst the pain.

What You'll Learn:
• How to create a simple daily self-care ritual
• The power of gentle movement for emotional release
• Why journaling helps process grief without overwhelm
• How to set boundaries that protect your energy
• Small ways to invite comfort into your day

Key Insights:
• Grief is not linear—self-care adapts to your needs
• Self-care is an act of compassion, not selfishness
• Micro-moments of care can build lasting resilience
• Your body holds grief—tending it supports healing
• Connection with others is a vital form of self-care

Recommended Resources:
• "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine
• "Option B" by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant

📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com.
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In this episode, we dive into the messy, nonlinear journey of moving forward after a significant loss. You'll discover why 'getting over it' is a myth and learn practical, science-backed steps to rebuild your life while honoring your grief. We explore how to find hope not as a destination, but as a daily practice that coexists with pain.

What You'll Learn:
• How to create a grief-friendly daily routine
• The difference between moving on and moving forward
• Why small, consistent actions rebuild momentum
• How to set boundaries that protect your healing
• Ways to reconnect with joy without guilt

Key Insights:
• Grief never fully ends, but it transforms over time
• Hope is found in small moments, not big milestones
• Your brain needs new neural pathways to adjust
• Community support accelerates healing more than solitude
• Self-compassion is the foundation of all recovery

Recommended Resources:
• "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine
• "Option B" by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
• The Grief Recovery Handbook by John W. James and Russell Friedman

📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com.
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In this episode, we explore how healing affirmations can transform the grieving process, offering practical comfort and positive statements to help you navigate loss and rebuild hope one day at a time.

What You'll Learn:
• How affirmations rewire the brain for healing after loss
• The most effective positive statements for grief recovery
• Practical ways to incorporate affirmations into daily life
• Why affirmations provide comfort without bypassing pain
• How to create your own personalized grief affirmations

Key Insights:
• Affirmations are not denial; they are tools for coping
• Grief affirmations help regulate the nervous system
• Repeating positive statements builds new neural pathways
• Comfort comes from validating pain while affirming strength
• Recovery is a journey, not a destination—affirmations support each step

Recommended Resources:
• "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine
• "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion
• "Option B" by Sheryl Sandberg

📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com.
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In this episode, we explore how accepting change after loss doesn't mean letting go of your loved one—it means finding gentle ways to carry them forward while allowing yourself to heal. Discover practical steps to navigate the shifting landscape of grief without pressure or timelines.

What You'll Learn:
• How to recognize when you're ready for change
• Gentle techniques to honor your loss while moving forward
• Why acceptance is not the same as forgetting
• Ways to create new routines that include your grief
• How to set boundaries with others during transition

Key Insights:
• Change after loss is a gradual process, not a destination
• Grief and acceptance can coexist in daily life
• Small, compassionate actions build resilience over time
• Allowing yourself to feel both joy and sorrow is healing
• Your relationship with the deceased evolves, not ends

Recommended Resources:
• "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine
• "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion
• "Option B" by Sheryl Sandberg

📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com.
💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...

In this episode, we explore how small, consistent daily practices can transform your grief recovery journey. Instead of waiting for a big breakthrough, you'll discover manageable steps that build momentum toward healing, helping you move through loss with compassion and intention.

What You'll Learn:
• How to start your day with a grounding grief ritual
• The power of micro-moments of self-compassion
• Simple journaling prompts for processing emotions
• Creating a nightly reflection practice for peace
• How to track small wins without pressure

Key Insights:
• Grief recovery is not linear—small steps create cumulative change
• Daily practices rewire the brain toward resilience
• Consistency matters more than intensity in healing
• Micro-actions reduce overwhelm and build trust in yourself
• Small steps honor the pace of your unique grief journey

Recommended Resources:
• "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine
• "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion
• "Option B" by Sheryl Sandberg

📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com.
💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...

In this episode, we dive into the messy, raw reality of grief and emotional setbacks—because let's face it, loss doesn't come with a manual. You'll learn how to find strength not by avoiding pain, but by walking through it with intention and self-compassion. We unpack the science of resilience, share real-life stories of turning breakdowns into breakthroughs, and give you actionable tools to steady yourself when the waves of grief hit hardest. Whether you're newly grieving or years into the journey, this conversation will help you reclaim your footing.

What You'll Learn:
:
• How to recognize emotional setbacks as part of the grief process
• Practical techniques for building inner strength during loss
• The role of self-compassion in navigating painful emotions
• Ways to create a supportive network that honors your grief
• Small daily habits that foster resilience and hope

Key Insights:
• Grief doesn't follow a linear timeline—and that's okay
• True strength comes from vulnerability and allowing yourself to feel
• Emotional setbacks are not failures; they are signals for needed care
• Healing happens in incremental steps, not giant leaps
• Community support amplifies your capacity to cope and grow

Recommended Resources:
• "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine
• "Option B" by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
• "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion

📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com.
💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...

In this episode, we explore the critical role of sleep and rest when navigating grief. Grief is physically and emotionally exhausting, yet many mourners struggle with insomnia or restless nights. Discover how honoring your body's need for deep rest can accelerate healing, reduce stress, and help you process loss more gently. We break down practical strategies to reclaim restorative sleep without guilt or pressure, because rest is not a luxury—it's a lifeline.

What You'll Learn:
• Why grief disrupts your sleep cycle and what to do
• Simple bedtime rituals to signal safety and calm
• How to give yourself permission to rest without guilt
• The difference between rest and sleep—both matter
• When to seek professional help for grief-related insomnia

Key Insights:
• Grief is physically demanding; rest is essential for recovery
• Sleep helps the brain process emotional memories and pain
• Your body's stress response can be soothed with intentional rest
• Listening to your body's cues prevents burnout and prolongs grief
• Restorative practices like gentle yoga or breathing can aid sleep

Recommended Resources:
• "It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine
• "Bearing the Unbearable" by Joanne Cacciatore
• Grief counseling and support groups (e.g., The Compassionate Friends)

📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at grief@senseofthisshit.com.
💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...