I'm thrilled to announce a new project within the Grief Unveiled podcast - a series of FOUR solo episodes titled "Raw Grief in Real Time." The first episode in this series is an examination of something that brings a lot of anxiety, anticipation, even fear into the lives of those who are grappling with grief: Calendar Milestones. I actually recorded this episode on March 1, the fifth anniversary of my late husband Reid's rainbow day (that's what we call the milestone date of the day he died). Birthdays, anniversaries, and even the Hallmark card holidays can really elicit some intense feels in us.

In this solo episode, I discuss the challenges and big emotions that these days present, offer a glimpse into a piece of my grief story and how we choose to acknowledge these days, and a bunch of nuggets to help you determine how YOU can honor and acknowledge these dates as they come up on your calendar with a bit more peace in your belly. On these days, that are already so emotionally charged, I'd like to offer a renegade perspective that doesn't require you to be overcome by dread or fear. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: -->Unpacking the calendar milestones and the huge expectation to "do them right." -->Understanding the source of anxiety around these dates.

-->Honoring our own experiences as an important piece of the milestone dates and holidays (and I share a bit of mine, too!). -->How to "shift" our experience of memories that might feel painful. -->Ways to intentional about preparing for new calendar milestones as they approach. -->Reframing the way we experience our grief with a perspective of gratitude for what has been (without discounting the pain). -->How to be discerning about the type of support you invite into your life after loss. -->What it means to move beyond surviving grief and how to get started. --> Taking the word "should" out of our decision making on acknowledging calendar milestone dates.

-->Asking for what we need most on the important milestone days (and giving that same grace to others). -->The easiest question to ask yourself to get clarity when planning for a milestone day.

Resources:

My book, "Grief Unveiled: A Widow's Guide to Navigating Your Journey in Life After Loss"
Life Coach and Grief Expert: my website
Connect with me on Facebook
The International League of Widow Sisters' facebook page