Life With Grief Podcast

024. 11 Ways to Cope with Pouring from an Empty Cup

Today we’re talking about a really important concept that I’ve mentioned a time or two (okay, many times) in the LBG community, but I feel like is something that really needs to be acknowledged here, too. That, my friend, is the idea of pouring from an empty cup. Can you relate or empathize with this? Your gain from this episode today is to not only understand the concept of what “pouring from an empty cup” really means but, moreover, some tips on how to cope with this when it feels like you’re giving constantly and not feeling fulfilled in return. I’ve been looking forward to talking about this for a long time because I think it nicely pairs with the episode on anticipatory grief—which is episode 13, by the way! This idea of pouring from an empty cup is one I know well from personal experience and working with fellow grievers, as I’m sure you have if you've discovered this podcast, too. I have no doubt you're going to find so much value in this episode, including 11 ways to cope with this on a day-to-day basis!Membership mentioned in this episode: https://lossesbecomegains.com/membership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lossesbecomegainsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lossesbecomegainsWebsite: https://lossesbecomegains.com/Shop the LBG Daily Journal: https://lossesbecomegains.com/journalBy accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Tara Accardo, or used by Tara Accardo with permission. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including—without limitation—reproduction, retransmission or editing of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of Tara Accardo, which may be requested by contacting lossesbecomegains@gmail.com. This podcast is for educational purposes only. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any necessary therapy or counseling to address deeper, past-focused traumas. We don’t attempt to give answers, fix, diagnose, or treat grief. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.

023. Traumatic Father Loss and Growing Through Grief with Bryan Jung

I'm truly honored to introduce you to Bryan Jung, Founder of "This Is Why” on the LBG Podcast today. Bryan created This Is Why as a platform and community for individuals who have lost a parent as a child or teenager. Which, I think is SO needed and valuable and is giving a much-needed voice to grief.
Bryan’s dad was involved in a truly horrific incident when Bryan was just 9 years old. He survived for a year and a half but, from that event, his dad was unable to communicate and was in immense pain. I had absolute chills as Bryan was telling the story of how this all unfolded. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated his vulnerability in this conversation, and I no doubt you will as well. 
Despite having different stories of how we lost our fathers, the mindset we share around finding gains from your losses and purpose from the pain is really uncanny. What he has created with This Is Why is a massive piece of this! I also enjoyed hearing his perspective from someone who lost a parent as a child.
Hearing about that experience, and how absolutely phenomenal his mother was throughout this whole journey, was something that is going to leave you insanely inspired and empowered today. I can’t say enough amazing things about this chat of ours, and how Bryan has done such a beautiful job of integrating his grief and the death of his dad into his life to add VALUE to it instead of allowing it to get the best of him.
Where to find Bryan:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisiswhylife/ Website: https://www.thisiswhy.life/ Where to submit your story to This Is Why: https://www.thisiswhy.life/submit-your-storyConnect With Me Further!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lossesbecomegainsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lossesbecomegains Website: https://lossesbecomegains.com/ Shop the LBG Daily Journal: https://lossesbecomegains.com/journal

022. BIG NEWS: I’m pregnant! 7 Things I’ve Learned & Realized, Part 2

Part two is here, my friend! We’re really getting into the crux of the conversation. The “why” behind why this episode was even brought to life in the first place.In case you missed part 1, I talk a lot about things that I've learned and are coming to mind as I move into this new chapter of life. From dealing with unsolicited advice to how I want to show up online, to my honest thoughts on motherhood, and lots of honest things in between. But there are also some really impactful and powerful mindset shifts in part 1 that I think is super beneficial no matter where you are in your journey. So, if you're open to it, give it a listen!Part 1 certainly had some griefy aspects to it, but this really gets into the nitty gritty of my journey so far in navigating this big life event without my parents. Fears, concerns, and realizations about journeying through this pregnancy and beginning motherhood without them, and every small and big moment without them after that. And, fears that have come up as a result of the trauma of losing them so close together. Grief and trauma can truly last a lifetime, folks! In part 2, we're talking about the difficulty and emotional turmoil that can ensue from going through a major life event without loved ones. Again, you don't have to be expecting a child to gain something from this episode! As I mentioned last time, it's not simply an “I'm pregnant, look at me!” kind of episode. It's vulnerable, very raw, and from the heart, I admit and talk about some difficult things to say out loud, and I have no doubt you can relate and empathize with a lot of it—whether or not you are trying for or have a child. There are a lot of grief-related takeaways to be had here. You're going to want to give this one a listen! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lossesbecomegains Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lossesbecomegains Website: https://lossesbecomegains.com/ Shop the LBG Daily Journal: https://lossesbecomegains.com/journal

022. BIG NEWS: I’m Pregnant! 7 Things I’ve Learned & Realized, Part 1

Well, the time has come to announce it here on the podcast you missed it on social media. I'm pregnant! We're expecting a baby girl next February. I'll be very honest, I was hesitant to share because of the nature of this community. Not because we’re not excited, not because we don’t WANT to share, but I know so many in this community are, struggling with fertility, have lost a baby before it reached full term, have lost a child, or lots of circumstances in between.Going through this without my parents will take this new phase of life to another level. I know this because it already has, and I can only imagine how it’ll be when baby girl gets here. This very thought inspired this brand new episode on the Losses Become Gains Podcast today.
 
I want to share some thoughts on how to move through a major life change like this without the people we’ve lost, but also providing encouragement along the way. Because we all need that no matter what life gives us, right?! Your gain from this episode (an episode that I had to split into two parts, because a lot came up for me!) is to learn seven ways I’ve changed, ways my mindset has shifted, and things I’ve realized since finding out I’m pregnant and embarking on this new phase of life.
 
I promise, it's not simply an “I'm pregnant, look at me!” kind of episode. It's vulnerable, very raw and from the heart, I admit and talk about some things that are difficult to say out loud, and I have no doubt you can relate and empathize with a lot of it—whether or not you are trying for or have a child. This episode focuses on so much more than just this pregnancy, there are a lot of grief-related takeaways to be had here. I put a lot of thought and love into this one, and I'm so excited to share it with you.
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lossesbecomegainspodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lossesbecomegainspodcastWebsite: https://lossesbecomegains.com/Shop the LBG Daily Journal: https://lossesbecomegains.com/journal

021. Enduring Multiple Losses & Changing the Grief Narrative with Angie Hanson

Angie Hanson created her greeting card brand called Butterflies + Halos after enduring multiple losses over the years. She has over 130 completely unique, beautifully crafted grief and bereavement cards. Seriously, these are not your average condolence cards!But Angie is also a grieving mom who lost her son to a heart condition they weren’t aware he had just after his first birthday. Not long after she also lost her husband, brother, and even her sister-in-law.After that much loss, you might be wondering how someone can even function properly each day let alone find love and so much light in their life. But let me tell you, Angie has and then some! She’s on a mission to change the narrative around grief and the stigma it brings to our society. For Angie, grief and loss are many things. But a huge aspect of her mindset is always being aware of where we are and how far we’ve come.Angie's mindset is that there is light to be found in our losses. It takes time, but finding the ability to ask ourselves how can we share hope and guide others through their journey, too, is such a gift in our grief. You will do doubt feel completely uplifted and inspired after hearing what she has to say!Where to find Angie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butterfliesandhalos/Purchase her cards: https://www.etsy.com/shop/butterfliesandhalosWebsite: www.butterfliesandhalos.comEmail: angie@butterfliesandhalos.comHer podcast: https://www.instagram.com/losstolightpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lossesbecomegainspodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lossesbecomegainspodcastWebsite: https://lossesbecomegains.com/Grief Becomes Gains Online Course: https://lossesbecomegains.com/coursesShop the LBG Daily Journal: https://lossesbecomegains.com/journalBy accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Tara Accardo, or used by Tara Accardo with permission. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including—without limitation—reproduction, retransmission or editing of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of Tara Accardo, which may be requested by contacting lossesbecomegains@gmail.com.
This podcast is for educational purposes only. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any necessary therapy or counseling to address deeper, past-focused traumas. We don’t attempt to give answers, fix, diagnose, or treat grief. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.

020. Things Are Happening For Me, Not To Me

This concept of "things are happening FOR me, not TO me" is one I absolutely LOVE. But it’s one that isn’t always easy to see and feel, right? Your GAIN from this episode is to get a better understanding of what this actually means, but moreover, how impactful this mindset shift can be for you.This phrase is really a mindset or perspective. It suggests that events or situations in our lives are not happening randomly or without purpose, but rather they’re happening to help us learn, grow, and become better versions of ourselves. It emphasizes the idea that every experience, whether good or bad, can be seen as an opportunity for personal growth and development.And, by embracing this perspective, we can approach challenging situations with greater resilience, curiosity, and openness to learning, rather than feeling victimized by circumstances beyond our control. We dig into all of that and way more in this episode!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lossesbecomegainspodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lossesbecomegainspodcast
Website: https://lossesbecomegains.com/
Grief Becomes Gains Online Course: https://lossesbecomegains.com/courses
Shop the LBG Daily Journal: https://lossesbecomegains.com/journalBy accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Tara Accardo, or used by Tara Accardo with permission. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including—without limitation—reproduction, retransmission or editing of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of Tara Accardo, which may be requested by contacting lossesbecomegains@gmail.com.
This podcast is for educational purposes only. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any necessary therapy or counseling to address deeper, past-focused traumas. We don’t attempt to give answers, fix, diagnose, or treat grief. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.

019. Caretaking, Coping with Dementia, and Parent Loss with Patti LaFleur

I'm so excited to introduce you to Patti LaFleur on the podcast today. She is the former care partner to her beautiful and sweet mom, Linda, who is all over her Instagram and is hands down the cutest thing to grace your feed! Linda had mixed dementia and died in 2022.
 
Not only that, much like me, Patti's father also died just months before her mom passed. Her story is not only one of immense loss, but also inspiration, grace, gratitude, and finding a beautiful perspective on life after loss.Patti brings a wealth of knowledge after caring for both parents, volunteering with people with neurocognitive disorders, and as a community educator for the Alzheimer’s Association. She is also a former educator with her Master's in Instructional Leadership, is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and so much more. Patti shares her mom's journey and her story on social media to advocate for people living with dementia to change the stigma around the condition. She also just launched her caregiver coaching and consulting business!
 
From her parent's deaths she learned so much about finding selflessness, having patience, and having immense love. All of this and SO much more shines through her in this episode!Where to find Patti:
Website: www.carepartnerpatti.comInstagram: @misspatticake TikTok: @carepartnerpatti
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lossesbecomegainspodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lossesbecomegainspodcast
Website: https://lossesbecomegains.com/
Grief Becomes Gains Online Course: https://lossesbecomegains.com/courses
Shop the LBG Daily Journal: https://lossesbecomegains.com/journalBy accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Tara Accardo, or used by Tara Accardo with permission. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including—without limitation—reproduction, retransmission or editing of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of Tara Accardo, which may be requested by contacting lossesbecomegains@gmail.com.
This podcast is for educational purposes only. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any necessary therapy or counseling to address deeper, past-focused traumas. We don’t attempt to give answers, fix, diagnose, or treat grief. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.

018. How to Not Feel Resentful of Someone Who Hasn’t Experienced Loss

Have you ever had someone around you who hasn't experienced a loss? Or, perhaps one not as “deep” or intense as yours? Have you found this to be difficult, or perhaps even a little frustrating? These feelings can often lead to a lot of resentment. Can you relate?
When I polled my audience on Instagram, this is a subject that came up multiple times so I think it’s really worth digging into in this episode. It’s honestly a great question, too. How DO we not feel resentful of someone who hasn't experienced loss? Where do we start?Your gain today will be to get a better understanding of why we might feel resentful, ways we might feel resentful, and ways to shift your mindset away from this resentment a little bit to begin coping with it and releasing it.As a taboo topic, this can be hard to admit! We might not necessarily want to carry this resentment or be proud of it, right? But so many grievers experience this, I have certainly been one of them, so we're digging into it today.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lossesbecomegainspodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lossesbecomegainspodcast
Website: https://lossesbecomegains.com/
Grief Becomes Gains Online Course: https://lossesbecomegains.com/courses
Shop the LBG Daily Journal: https://lossesbecomegains.com/journalBy accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Tara Accardo, or used by Tara Accardo with permission. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including—without limitation—reproduction, retransmission or editing of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of Tara Accardo, which may be requested by contacting lossesbecomegains@gmail.com.
This podcast is for educational purposes only. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any necessary therapy or counseling to address deeper, past-focused traumas. We don’t attempt to give answers, fix, diagnose, or treat grief. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.

017. Mom Loss and Leaving a Legacy with Kera Sanchez

I am so excited to welcome this guest today you guys! Kera Sanchez is a mama of two and creator of Legacy Letters—a keepsake journal to leave behind love, advice and support for future generations.And, she’s also a daughter sharing her grief journey with the world much like myself. We found each other thanks to the Instagram gods and became fast friends and are really kindred spirits in so many ways—especially because of our appreciation for some dark humor to get through and cope with our grief. She’s honestly SO funny and easy to talk to, and her story is truly one you won’t want to miss. There were things that came up in this episode that I didn’t even know about her story, and are so heartbreaking. But, also so relatable for so many of us. You won’t want to miss hearing her absolutely beautiful mindset and perspective, and how she handles the adversity she’s seen. She is truly a cherished friend in this grief space, and I have no doubt her journal and her content will help you through your difficult times, too.Where to find Kera:IG: @legacylettersjournalWebsite: www.legacylettersjournal.com/homeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lossesbecomegainspodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lossesbecomegainspodcastFacebook group: https://www.facebook.com/lossesbecomegainspodcastWebsite: https://lossesbecomegains.com/Grief Becomes Gains Online Course: https://lossesbecomegains.com/coursesShop my brand new Losses Become Gains Daily Journal! Click here to get yours or pick one up for a friend: https://lossesbecomegains.com/journalDiscover Help Texts and receive a special price when you sign up, or gift it to someone who needs it! Learn more here and be sure to use code LBG at checkout! https://helptexts.com/LBGBy accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Tara Accardo, or used by Tara Accardo with permission. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including—without limitation—reproduction, retransmission or editing of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of Tara Accardo, which may be requested by contacting lossesbecomegains@gmail.com.
This podcast is for educational purposes only. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any necessary therapy or counseling to address deeper, past-focused traumas. We don’t attempt to give answers, fix, diagnose, or treat grief. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.

016. Coping with the Wedding Process Without a Loved One

With this being wedding season, I wanted to put this episode out into the world in a hopefully timely way because I know there are so many people in this community that are perhaps newly engaged, going through the wedding process, or are perhaps very soon about to get married.I want to first start by acknowledging that weddings can be stressful enough, regardless if someone meaningful to you isn’t there to witness your special day–whether they’ve passed away or couldn’t make it, you had a falling out, whatever it is.I feel like I’m pretty well qualified to talk about this topic, particularly because last year I went through two weddings (we had two ceremonies) without my mom and dad. As a bride who had a lot on her plate during the months of planning, on top of going through all of this without them… this process wasn’t easy for a variety of reasons, really–parent-related and not.Your gain from this episode today is to learn how to cope with a loss during a wedding, and find ways to make sure you find your happiness and peace on your big day.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lossesbecomegainspodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lossesbecomegainspodcastFacebook group: https://www.facebook.com/lossesbecomegainspodcastWebsite: https://lossesbecomegains.com/Grief Becomes Gains Online Course: https://lossesbecomegains.com/coursesShop my brand new Losses Become Gains Daily Journal! Click here to get yours or pick one up for a friend: https://lossesbecomegains.com/journalDiscover Help Texts and receive a special price when you sign up, or gift it to someone who needs it! Learn more here and be sure to use code LBG at checkout! https://helptexts.com/LBGBy accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Tara Accardo, or used by Tara Accardo with permission. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including—without limitation—reproduction, retransmission or editing of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of Tara Accardo, which may be requested by contacting lossesbecomegains@gmail.com.
This podcast is for educational purposes only. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any necessary therapy or counseling to address deeper, past-focused traumas. We don’t attempt to give answers, fix, diagnose, or treat grief. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.

015: Grief Triggers: What They Are and How To Cope

Today, we’re talking all about triggers. Grief-related or not, they can be an unpleasant and unwelcome guest in our brains and daily life. From being reminded of happier times to things our loved ones enjoyed to painful memories and more, they can be highly difficult to cope with.But there's hope, my friend! That's what this episode is all about. I can not WAIT to get into this topic with you. It sounds funny to say it’s one of my favorite things to talk about in the grief space, but... it honestly is.More importantly, it’s a really important topic to cover, too, because it’s one of the most common things that affect our healing journey. Triggers can happen as we’re in the process of losing someone or something, or have already experienced the loss and we're now sitting here trying to grapple with it.Your gain from this episode today will be to join me in talking about both common and uncommon triggers, and acknowledge and understand your triggers so they affect your day-to-day life as little as possible. With a little understanding and ways work on these (which I give you in this episode!), I have no doubt you’ll be on your way to being a happier and mentally healthier human.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lossesbecomegainspodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lossesbecomegainspodcastFacebook group: https://www.facebook.com/lossesbecomegainspodcastWebsite: https://lossesbecomegains.com/Grief Becomes Gains Online Course: https://lossesbecomegains.com/coursesShop my brand new Losses Become Gains Daily Journal! Click here to get yours or pick one up for a friend: https://lossesbecomegains.com/journalDiscover Help Texts and receive a special price when you sign up, or gift it to someone who needs it! Learn more here and be sure to use code LBG at checkout! https://helptexts.com/LBGBy accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Tara Accardo, or used by Tara Accardo with permission. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including—without limitation—reproduction, retransmission or editing of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of Tara Accardo, which may be requested by contacting lossesbecomegains@gmail.com.
This podcast is for educational purposes only. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any necessary therapy or counseling to address deeper, past-focused traumas. We don’t attempt to give answers, fix, diagnose, or treat grief. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.

014. Turning Losses Into Gains with Kate Anderson of Welkin Memorials

If you've been following the podcast for a little while now, you might have heard me mention Welkin Memorials a time or two. I'm thrilled to share that Welkin's founder, Kate Anderson is joining us to talk about her story, grief journey, and Welkin Memorials urns, of course!
She gives a beautiful perspective on finding gains from your losses, and I love the story of how she came to create truly the most aesthetically pleasing urns you will ever see in your life.
Kate has some really amazing insights on grief and loss and how to cope with this, especially after going through her own journey of losing her dad two weeks before she turned 22. To say she is the epitome of turning losses into gains is an understatement! I just had to have her on the podcast for that and so many other reasons, and I'm so grateful that she agreed to chat with us.
Where to find Kate & Welkin Memorials:
https://welkinmemorials.com/Instagram: @welkinmemorialsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lossesbecomegainspodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lossesbecomegainspodcast
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/lossesbecomegainspodcast
Website: https://lossesbecomegains.com/Grief Becomes Gains Online Course: https://lossesbecomegains.com/courses
Don't forget Welkin Memorials is giving you 10% off any urn with code LBG10 at checkout! Click here for more: Tara's FavesDiscover Help Texts and receive a special price when you sign up, or gift it to someone who needs it! Learn more here and be sure to use code LBG at checkout! https://helptexts.com/LBGBy accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Tara Accardo, or used by Tara Accardo with permission. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including—without limitation—reproduction, retransmission or editing of this Podcast may be made without the prior written permission of Tara Accardo, which may be requested by contacting lossesbecomegains@gmail.com.
This podcast is for educational purposes only. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any necessary therapy or counseling to address deeper, past-focused traumas. We don’t attempt to give answers, fix, diagnose, or treat grief. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.