Welcome to the first episode of 2025! Today, I’m shifting gears and inviting you to get to know me a little better. In this cozy, reflective episode, I share my thoughts on embracing joy and romance (with a capital R) after loss, and why I’m ditching resolutions for something more meaningful.

From navigating the bittersweetness of turning 50 to intentionally choosing Romance, I reflect on the choices, regrets, and new opportunities that shape my life and relationships. Together, we explore what it means to rediscover beauty, and live with curiosity and open-heartedness.

So, grab a mug (hot chocolate optional), and let’s take this journey together—holding space for grief and joy, one step at a time.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Why I’ve renamed my home office “the study” and how language shapes our mindset
• The significance of embracing romance with a capital R
• Reflections on grief, heartbreak, and turning 50
• How my father’s life inspired me to believe it’s never too late
• The importance of relationships and curiosity in navigating life’s challenges

Connect with me!

• Substack: https://thegriefcurator.substack.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGriefCurator
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegriefcurator/
• Website: https://thegriefcurator.com/
• Ask the Grief Curator: Got a question or story to share? Send me an email at ask@thegriefcurator.com for a chance to be featured in a future episode.
• Support the Podcast: If you love this show, consider leaving a review or sharing it with someone who might need it.

Music

Intro and Outro: Eulogy | Licensed and Used with Permission of Thrumm, a division of Junius Recording Company

Bibliography

Do Not Go Gentle Into that Good Night by Dylan Thomas: https://poets.org/poem/do-not-go-gentle-good-night

This year, let’s embrace the beauty, the mess, the joy, and the pain. Together, we can rediscover what makes life worth living—even in its hardest moments.

Don’t forget your coffee and hot chocolate moment of sweetness! See you next time.

In this episode, I talk about facing the holidays, especially Thanksgiving, while grieving. Drawing from my own experiences, I explore the challenges grievers face with family expectations, the pressure to feel grateful amidst loss, and our own internal guilt.

But there's hope and practical strategies, like acknowledging emotions, setting boundaries, and honoring loved ones in meaningful ways.

I also touch briefly on collective grief, highlighting the historical trauma faced by Indigenous peoples in the U.S., and providing links to learn more about their history.

In the end, it’s okay to feel sadness during the holidays, and perfectly normal to not be in the mood for gratitude.

Episode Highlights

• Navigating Grief During Thanksgiving
• Personal Reflections on Grief
• Practical Strategies for Coping
• Acknowledge and validate your feelings
• Honor lost loved ones
• Addressing Collective Indigenous Grief
• Permission to Feel Sadness
• Acts of Compassion

Connect with me!

• Substack: https://thegriefcurator.substack.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGriefCurator
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegriefcurator/
• Website: https://thegriefcurator.com/
• Ask The Grief Curator: ask@thegriefcurator.com

Music

Intro and Outro: Eulogy | Licensed and Used with Permission of Thrumm, a

division of Junius Recording Company

During Story: Waiting at 54th by Vincent and A

Secret | Licensed and Used with Permission of Epidemic Sound

Bibliography

Tocabe: https://www.tocabe.com/

Four Directions Cuisine: https://fourdirectionscuisine.com/

National Indian School System Digital Archive: https://boardingschoolhealing.org/nibsda/

Podcast Disclaimer: Michelle is not a licensed therapist. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. If at any moment in today’s discussion, you feel triggered, or not ready to face these big feelings, take a break, drink some water or tea, and come back to the podcast when you are ready.

If you do find that your everyday tasks are becoming impossible, or if you find you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call 988 or your local emergency number, and reach out to your therapist.

Show

Summary

In this episode, I discuss my experiences with grief and some of the secondary losses that followed the death of my father. My father's passing has impacted my life, especially losses like my sense of identity, security, and dreams I shared with my dad.

Even now, I grapple with these changes; however, I’ve learned to adapt, reframe, and even found ways to celebrate new ways of living without my father.

You may not be ready yet, and that's okay; I encourage you to reflect on YOUR own experiences with secondary losses and email me to connect and share your thoughts.

Episode Highlights

• Secondary Losses
• Loss of Identity
• Loss of Security
• Loss of Shared Dreams
• Loss of Freedom
• Ways to Adapt

Connect with me!

• Sign Up for the Quarterly Newsletter: https://thegriefcurator.substack.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGriefCurator
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegriefcurator/
• Website: https://thegriefcurator.com/
• Contact: ask@thegriefcurator.com

Music

Intro and Outro: Eulogy | Licensed and Used with Permission of Thrumm, a division of Junius Recording Company

Bibliography

Follow me on Substack to access 7 Secondary Losses & How to Cope when it's released.