Grief does not end. What changes is not whether grief exists, but how it lives in the body, the brain, and daily life. Most people are told that grief gets easier with time. What they are rarely told is what that actually means.
Read MoreReturning to work after a loss is not just a scheduling decision. It is a neurological transition. Grief affects attention, memory, reaction time, and stress tolerance, all of which shape performance, especially in high-stakes roles. Most people want to return and contribute. When workplaces understand the cognitive realities of grief, they protect not only the employee, but performance, safety, and retention.
Read MoreAdults often underestimate children’s capacity to understand grief and overestimate the harm of honest conversations about death. Understanding how children experience grief requires understanding how their brains develop, how meaning is constructed over time, and how attachment and safety shape emotional processing.
Read MoreGrief is often spoken about as a process that unfolds naturally over time. For many people, this is true. But for others, grief does not soften. It intensifies, stagnates, or becomes all-encompassing.This is often described as complicated grief (also called prolonged grief disorder).complicated grief is not a failure of grieving. It is a sign that the brain and nervous system have been overwhelmed by the loss.
Read MoreIn the weeks or months after a loss, many people are encouraged to “find support.” Often this suggestion comes without explanation, as if all support is interchangeable. It is not. From a neurobiological standpoint, the wrong kind of support can intensify stress responses, while the right kind can help stabilize a nervous system that has been thrown into chaos…
Read MoreAs the calendar slides from October into November, the air shifts. cooler mornings, longer nights, and a collective turn toward memory. Across Mexico and much of Latin America, this time marks Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead: a celebration that defies silence, fear, and the Western discomfort with death. It’s not Halloween, though the timing often confuses outsiders. It’s not a festival of horror or morbidity. It’s a reunion! A vibrant, sensory conversation between the living and the dead.
Read MoreThe New Year—a time often synonymous with fresh starts and hopeful resolutions—can feel profoundly different when you’re grieving the loss of a loved one. While the world around you celebrates the promise of new beginnings, you might find yourself grappling with the ache of their absence and the uncertainty of moving forward without them.
Read MoreIf you're grieving, it can be hard to find comfort in what’s meant to be a joyful time. And if you're supporting someone who is grieving, it can be challenging to know how best to help. The good news is that there are strategies for both grievers and those who support them to make the holiday season a bit more manageable.
Read MoreGrief is a universal experience, yet no two people grieve in exactly the same way. The nature of the loss can significantly shape how one processes and copes with grief. One of the most defining factors is whether the loss was sudden or anticipated. Both types of loss bring their own unique challenges and emotions, and understanding these differences can help in navigating the grieving process.
Read MoreThe loss of a loved one is one of life’s most profound challenges. It brings with it a whirlwind of emotions—sorrow, confusion, and sometimes even anger. Among these emotions, guilt and regret often stand out, casting a long shadow over the grieving process. These feelings can be overwhelming, making it difficult to move forward. But understanding them is the first step toward healing.
Read MoreUnlike conventional grief that follows a loss, anticipatory grief allows individuals to begin the process of mourning while the person is still alive. While it might seem that this early grieving could ease the transition after the loss, anticipatory grief brings its own set of challenges and emotions
Read MoreIn today's fast-paced professional environment, the well-being of employees has never been more crucial. Among various aspects of workplace wellness, the ability to support employees through grief is often overlooked.
Read MoreAs a widowed mom, this day brings a mix of emotions, but it also offers a chance to celebrate the love, strength, and resilience that define our families. Here’s how I navigate Father’s Day and turn it into a day of honor and remembrance.
Read MoreGrief, with its crushing weight and unrelenting presence, often seems to leave little room for any other emotions. Yet, in the midst of mourning a profound loss, many people find themselves experiencing moments of joy, laughter, and even happiness. This unexpected intrusion of positive emotions can bring with it a heavy burden of guilt, leaving those in grief feeling conflicted and confused.
Read MoreGrieving is a profoundly personal experience that can leave individuals feeling vulnerable and isolated. While friends and family often want to provide comfort, their well-intentioned actions can sometimes inadvertently cause more harm than good. Here’s a guide on what not to do ‘ supporting someone who is grieving.
Read MoreIn the labyrinth of human existence, death has always loomed as an enigmatic force, shrouded in mystery and superstition. Throughout history, cultures around the world have crafted intricate beliefs and rituals to navigate the transition from life to whatever lies beyond. In this exploration, we embark on a journey to unravel the intricate tapestry of superstitions surrounding death.
Read MoreLet me be perfectly clear, widowhood as a whole is quite simply like being waterboarded with gasoline on a regular basis, but filing taxes as a widow is just another circle of hell… at least for me.
Read MoreThe term “Solo Parent” means that you have 100% sole responsibility for every aspect of your family unit. There is no support simply because, your spouse is deceased. Guest Author J. Lewis III gives insight into his experience with parenting after loss.
Read MoreGrief is a complex and deeply personal experience, often accompanied by a range of emotions and challenges. While many are familiar with the primary loss—the initial event or death that triggers the grieving process—there's another aspect of grief that is equally important yet often overlooked: secondary loss.
Read MoreIn honor of Valentine’s day, I’m spreading the love by featuring a special blog written by my friend, colleague, and podcast co-host, J. Lewis III. He shares with us some beautiful insights on the ways we can honor our loved ones. Read on!
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