Dear Grief Guide: Advice on Life After Loss

Do you wish you had a caring guide to accompany you in the darkness of grief? You are not alone. Receive comforting, practical wisdom each week as grief coach and author Shelby Forsythia answers anonymous letters from people facing death, divorce, diagnosis, and other major life transitions. It's possible to live a good life after devastating loss. This is your way forward.

Introducing 'Grief Grower,' my NEW podcast full of helpful tools and hopeful conversations for life after loss

Let's keep growing through grief on my new show, Grief Grower, a weekly podcast full of practical tips, comforting guidance, and insightful interviews for navigating life after death, divorce, diagnosis, and other major losses. Because grief isn't something to "get over"—it's something to grow through! New episodes are released every Thursday. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-grower/id1802490679 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZmAtGKX0eGyS4MDLWNbPF?si=c4f1de765d604e13 Listen (and Watch!) on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLddza6yAhny7x85GEUWLG4BBBKrDvDTZw Learn more about Grief Grower and get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/  

04-03
02:24

E56: FINALE: I'm dreading the new year

As the new year approaches, a listener's grief for her dad is louder than ever. She's wondering if it's normal for grief to resurface, even though time has passed. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Be the first to know when Grief Grower is live—coming March 2025: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

12-25
16:57

E55: I'm mourning the loss of a dream

A letter-writer is grieving the loss of a lifelong goal. After years of battling this unfulfilled longing, they feel stuck in a cycle of hope and frustration. How do you mourn a dream that isn't entirely dead but feels out of reach? … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

12-18
18:50

E54: I'm scared I'm moving on too soon

After having an emotional dream about his dog who died, a grieving pet owner is wondering whether or not he's rushing into getting a new dog. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

12-11
10:03

E53: I'm grieving my husband's death and betrayal

A grieving wife who discovered her husband's affair after his death questions her self-worth and grapples with how to mourn a relationship that is muddled with betrayal. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

12-04
17:43

E52: I'm relieved that my loved one died, and I feel like a bad person

A grieving mom is ashamed that she feels relief after her daughter's death. She wonders if it's okay to miss her daughter and be grateful that she's no longer suffering. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

11-27
25:42

E51: I'm consumed with rage

A listener grieving the sudden, traumatic death of their brother is overwhelmed by anger. In the wake of this loss, will they set fire to every relationship in their life? … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

11-20
18:32

E50: I'm dealing with survivor's guilt

A cancer survivor reckons with the aftermath of cancer treatment, including survivor's guilt. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com

11-13
20:07

E49: I'm grieving my secret affair partner

A woman whose her affair partner died wonders whether she, as "the other woman," has the right to feel grief surrounding this secret loss. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

11-06
11:11

E48: I'm mourning back-to-back breakups

In the fallout of two consecutive breakups, a letter-writer is also grieving her home, her belief in love, and her hope for the future. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

10-30
16:56

E47: I feel like there's no room for my grief in my family

Within her dysfunctional family, a grieving woman feels like there's no space for her grief, especially in her relationship with her alcoholic mom. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

10-23
16:13

E46: I'm afraid I won't ever feel whole again

After his wife's death by suicide, a grieving husband knows that there's no way to replace her presence in his life. But he wonders if and when he'll ever feel whole again. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

10-16
15:46

E45: I'm worried the holidays won't feel magical

A grieving wife and mother is wondering how to make the holidays feel special for her three kids after her husband's death earlier this year. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

10-09
16:17

E44: I don't know if this feeling will ever end

A nursing school student who recently lost her grandmother still feels swallowed up by the pain of grief. She's wondering if or when this feeling will ever go away. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

10-02
18:55

E43: I want to support someone on a grief anniversary

A thoughtful husband is curious about how to best support his wife on her sister's upcoming death anniversary. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/  

09-25
14:16

E42: I'm angry at everyone who gets to grow old

A grieving son is resentful of everyone who appears to be his mother's age or other, angry that she didn't get the privilege of a long, happy life. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

09-18
15:09

E41: My loss is impacting my dating life

A young woman in the dating pool doesn't know how to talk about her brother's death with prospective partners. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

09-11
12:03

E40: I feel like an alien

A young fatherless daughter feels like grief has made her an alien, and is wondering how to navigate living on "Planet Grief." … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

09-04
14:34

E39: I'm grieving repeat abandonment

Overwhelmed by multiple, heart-shattering losses including childhood abuse, estrangement, and abandonment, a listener wonders where to begin the process of grieving. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

08-28
10:25

E38: I'm jealous of grievers with supportive friends

After three consecutive losses, a fed up letter-writer is angry her friends aren't more supportive. … Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/free-workshop Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/dear-grief-guide-podcast-submission Get additional grief support: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/

08-21
12:50

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