THE PODCAST | 1:1 COACHING | INSTAGRAM
I’ve learned that sometimes our deepest breakthroughs come from the most unexpected conversations. Recently, I had the privilege of coaching a remarkable woman who found herself navigating the complex waters of grief while trying to restart her creative life. Her story touched me deeply, and with her permission, I’d like to share some powerful insights that emerged from our session.
The Weight We Carry
Grief doesn’t always look like we expect it to. Sometimes it appears as writer’s block, as imposter syndrome, or as the inability to create a new normal. For my client, it manifested as feeling stuck between honoring her mother’s memory and moving forward with her own creative pursuits. She described herself as “not being able to get out of her own way” – a sentiment that many of us can relate to during times of loss.
The Complexity of Caregiver Grief
One of the most poignant aspects of our conversation was the acknowledgment of caregiver grief. Having spent years as her mother’s primary caregiver, my client was processing not just the loss of her mother, but also the end of a role that had defined so much of her daily life. This “double grief” – mourning both the person and the purpose – is something many caregivers experience but rarely discuss.
Finding Permission to Move Forward
During our session, we discovered something profound: sometimes we need permission to let go, to move forward, to make things easy again. There’s often a belief that grief must be hard, that moving forward must be a struggle. But what if it could be gentle? What if we could honor our loss while also embracing new opportunities?
The Power of Simple Actions
Rather than diving straight into “fixing” everything, we decided to start with two simple but powerful exercises:
- Creating a list of remembrances – focusing on the beautiful memories we want to carry forward
- Writing a letter to express unspoken feelings and find closure
Sometimes the simplest actions can create the most significant shifts in our healing journey.
Reframing Our Story
A beautiful moment in our session came when we discussed expertise and self-doubt. My client, an accomplished writer who had lived on a sailboat for years, was hesitating to write articles about sailing because she didn’t consider herself an “expert sailor.” Together, we reframed her perspective: she wasn’t an expert in sailing techniques, but she was absolutely an expert in the lifestyle of sailing and the journey of embracing a completely new way of life.
The Grace of Grief
What struck me most about our conversation was the recognition that grief doesn’t have to be all-consuming. We can create space for both honoring our loss and embracing new opportunities. It’s not about “getting over it” or “moving on” – it’s about learning to carry our memories while still moving forward with our lives.
Moving Forward with Intention
For those navigating grief while trying to maintain or restart their creative practice, here are some gentle reminders:
- It’s okay to take small steps
- You don’t have to figure it all out at once
- Simple practices like walking in nature or journaling can be powerful healing tools
- Your timeline is your own
- You can honor your loss while still embracing new opportunities
A Final Thought
Grief is not just about loss – it’s also about transformation. It changes us, reshapes our world, and sometimes, if we allow it, opens doors to new understanding and growth. The key is finding gentle ways to hold both our grief and our forward momentum, knowing that both deserve space in our healing journey.
Remember, there’s no “right” way to grieve, and there’s no timeline for healing. Be patient with yourself, be gentle with your process, and know that it’s okay to take the path that feels right for you.
If you’re struggling with grief and would like support in moving forward while honoring your loss, I invite you to reach out for a coaching session. Sometimes, having someone to witness our journey can make all the difference.
Connect with Kimberly
https://kimberlyjwardwriter.com/
FB Kimberly J Ward, Writer
IG @kimberlyjwardwriter
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