The Invisible Load of Being a Caregiver and a Mom
Catholic Grief Coach
When you're caring for someone who is sick or dying while also raising kids, there can be an overwhelming amount happening behind the scenes. Appointments, medications, meals, work, school, household responsibilities, your children's needs—and somehow you're expected to keep going. In this episode, we'll talk about the invisible mental and emotional load caregivers carry, why it can leave you feeling exhausted and resentful, and how to begin putting some of that weight down without feeling guilty.
info_outline
They’re Still Here, But You’re Already Grieving
Catholic Grief Coach
When someone you love receives a diagnosis and you know your time together may be limited, grief can begin long before the loss. In this episode, we talk about anticipatory grief—the fear, sadness, stress, exhaustion, and overwhelm that can come when you're grieving while your loved one is still here. You'll learn simple ways to care for yourself, allow the feelings, stay present, and keep living your everyday life when life doesn't stop just because your heart is hurting.
info_outline
Your Nervous System is Grieving Too: When to Maintain and When to Grow
Catholic Grief Coach
After someone dies, your nervous system may respond in ways you don't fully understand—fighting, fleeing, freezing, fawning, fixing, or simply shutting down. In this episode, we'll talk about having compassion for these responses instead of judging yourself for them. You'll also learn how to recognize when you're in a season of maintaining—simply getting through—and when it may be time to gently grow and expand your capacity again.
info_outline
How to Care for Yourself When You Don't Even Know What You Need
Catholic Grief Coach
When you're grieving, so much of your energy goes into simply surviving—or caring for everyone else—that you can lose touch with yourself. Then someone asks, "What do you need?" and your mind goes completely blank. In this episode, we're talking about why that happens and one simple exercise that can begin reconnecting you with yourself. I'll encourage you to make a list of 20 small things you genuinely enjoy—from ice in your water, a favorite coffee, fresh flowers, a walk outside, getting your nails done, reading a good book, or wandering through your favorite store. None of these have...
info_outline
When Sharing Your Grief Leaves You Feeling Worse
Catholic Grief Coach
Have you ever finally found the courage to share your grief, only to walk away feeling even more alone? In this episode, we're talking about the pain of opening your heart and receiving responses that minimize, dismiss, or try to fix your grief. We'll explore why these interactions hurt so deeply, why most people aren't trying to be hurtful, and how to discern who is safe to share your grief with. Most importantly, we'll remember that Jesus understands what it feels like to suffer—and He never turns away from your pain. If you've ever thought, "Maybe I just shouldn't talk about my grief...
info_outline
How to Survive the Fourth of July While Grieving
Catholic Grief Coach
The Fourth of July can bring unexpected waves of grief. Barbecues, fireworks, family gatherings, empty chairs, and traditions can all remind you of the person you love. Instead of hoping you'll "get through it," what if you went into the holiday with a plan? In this episode, I share why having a grief plan can lower anxiety, help you feel more in control, and give yourself permission to change course when emotions become overwhelming. I'll walk you through my own three-step approach: Option A: If you're feeling emotionally and physically well enough to participate. Option B: If grief begins to...
info_outline
Why Grief Makes Decision-Making So Hard (Especially for People Pleasers)
Catholic Grief Coach
Have you ever stared at a simple decision and felt completely frozen? What should I do with their belongings? Should I go to the family gathering? Do I stay busy or rest? Do I say yes or no? When you're grieving, even everyday decisions can feel exhausting. Your brain is already carrying the weight of loss, and if you're someone who tends to put other people's needs ahead of your own, decision-making can become even more overwhelming. In this episode, we're talking about why grief affects your ability to make decisions, how people-pleasing adds another layer of stress, and practical ways to...
info_outline
The Hidden Emotions of Miscarriage: Giving Yourself Permission to Grieve
Catholic Grief Coach
Miscarriage is more than a physical loss. It can bring a flood of emotions that feel confusing, contradictory, and overwhelming. You may be wondering if you should tell people about your loss. You may feel guilty because you weren't excited when you first found out you were pregnant. You may be struggling with comments from others like, "You can always try again" or "At least you know you can get pregnant." In this episode, we're talking about the emotional side of miscarriage that often goes unseen. We'll discuss guilt, anger, sadness, relief, jealousy, loneliness, fear, and the pressure to...
info_outline
What Happens to Your Body After a Miscarriage? The Science, Hormones, and Grief No One Talks About
Catholic Grief Coach
Miscarriage affects far more than a woman's heart—it affects her entire body. In this episode, we explore the science behind miscarriage, what happens to pregnancy hormones after a loss, why emotions can feel overwhelming, and what physical symptoms women may experience in the weeks that follow. If you've ever wondered why you still felt pregnant, exhausted, anxious, or emotionally raw after a miscarriage, this episode will help you understand the biological and emotional recovery process while offering compassion and hope through a Catholic perspective. Grief Doesn't Take The Summer...
info_outline
When Grief Takes Over: Understanding Your Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn, and Fix Responses
Catholic Grief Coach
Have you ever snapped at someone, avoided a difficult conversation, shut down completely, people-pleased to keep the peace, or tried to fix everyone's problems while carrying your own grief? These aren't character flaws—they may be nervous system responses. In this episode, we're talking about the five common survival responses that often show up during grief: fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and fix. When loss overwhelms us, our nervous system can move into protection mode without us even realizing it. The result is behavior that may leave us feeling confused, frustrated, or disconnected from...
info_outlineWhen someone you love receives a diagnosis and you know your time together may be limited, grief can begin long before the loss. In this episode, we talk about anticipatory grief—the fear, sadness, stress, exhaustion, and overwhelm that can come when you're grieving while your loved one is still here. You'll learn simple ways to care for yourself, allow the feelings, stay present, and keep living your everyday life when life doesn't stop just because your heart is hurting.