202 - Grief Isn’t Linear– How to Navigate Loss and Feel Your Feelings (Without a Timeline)

04/22/25 • 53 min

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This week on Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, we’re opening up about our personal journeys with grief and how we’ve supported each other through loss as mother and daughter. We’re sharing the lessons we’ve learned, the ways we’ve found resilience, and the love that continues to guide us.

This episode is especially close to our hearts. Barb speaks vulnerably about her current experience with grief, as a dear friend of hers has recently entered hospice care. She reflects on what it’s like to grieve in the present while also recalling the pain of supporting Michelle through the loss of her dad, while carrying her own.

Michelle shares more about how she navigated her dad’s passing over the years and how she redefined what it means to live with grief. She also offers one of her favorite practices that helps her move through the waves of emotions that still arise.

Here’s what you can expect from this week’s episode:

Lean on Others: Grief is not meant to be carried alone. Let your loved ones show up for you. Community can be one of your greatest sources of strength.
Healing Isn’t a Destination: Grief is not linear—it’s a lifelong process. Some days will still feel heavy. Give yourself compassion and space to just be where you are.
Feel Your Feelings: There’s no right or wrong way to grieve. Allow yourself to fully feel whatever comes up, without judgment or a timeline.
Celebrate the Love: Grief is proof of how deeply we’ve loved. That love doesn’t disappear. Reframing grief as a reflection of love can bring peace, even joy.

Grief is a tender, complicated journey—but you don’t have to walk it alone. We created this episode with deep love and care, hoping it will bring you comfort and connection as you move through your own experience of loss.

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We’re so grateful to have you with us! As a mother-daughter duo, we’re passionate about sharing the lessons we’ve learned through our own journeys, with the hope of inspiring you to live your best life, no matter what challenges come your way.

Join us next Tuesday for another episode of Life Happens the Podcast! 💕

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✨ WATCH ON VIDEO✨

⟶ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: @LifeHappensThePodcast

Here’s what you can expect from this week’s episode:

Lean on Others: Grief is not meant to be carried alone. Let your loved ones show up for you. Community can be one of your greatest sources of strength.
Healing Isn’t a Destination: Grief is not linear—it’s a lifelong process. Some days will still feel heavy. Give yourself compassion and space to just be where you are.
Feel Your Feelings: There’s no right or wrong way to grieve. Allow yourself to fully feel whatever comes up, without judgment or a timeline.
Celebrate the Love: Grief is proof of how deeply we’ve loved. That love doesn’t disappear. Reframing grief as a reflection of love can bring peace, even joy.

Join our community⬇️

YouTube: @LifeHappensThePodcast

Instagram: @LifeHappensThePodcast

Substack: @LifeHappensThePodcast

TikTok: @LifeHappensThePodcast

Join us next Tuesday for another episode of Life Happens the Podcast! 💕

Listen to our podcast anywhere 🎙️ New episodes are released every Tuesday🎧

Previous Episode

201 - Releasing Control and Embracing Imperfection | Tackling Life’s Challenges as a Mother-Daughter Duo

✨We’re on YouTube✨⟶ Watch our episodes here: @lifehappensthepodcast

After three incredible years of Barb Knows Best, we’re excited to evolve and relaunch as Life Happens Podcast—where we dive deeper into navigating life's ups and downs through the lens of our unique mother-daughter dynamic.

In our debut episode, we’re reflecting on the evolution of our relationship as parent and adult child. We’ll explore the growth, changes, and lessons we’ve learned along the way, and how we’ve tackled life’s challenges together.

Barb shares the wisdom she’s gained as a mother, embracing each new chapter of her daughter’s journey, while Michelle opens up about the lessons learned from her mom and how they face obstacles side by side.

Here’s what you can expect from today’s episode:

○ Embrace Change: Relationships are constantly evolving, and life is full of surprises. Stay present, stay curious, and embrace the lessons and growth that come with the twists and turns.

○ Prioritize the Pause: Clarity starts with awareness. The best way to understand your emotions and gain perspective is to take a moment to pause—breathe, reflect, and then respond. This is especially powerful in heated moments.

○ Accept Life’s Challenges: Life isn’t always easy, but how we view and navigate challenges makes all the difference. Focus on what you can control and take proactive steps toward solutions.

○ Find Freedom in Letting go of Control: We can’t change or control others, but we hold the power to shape our own actions. By having honest conversations, setting healthy boundaries, and approaching situations with compassion, we create the space for growth and understanding.

From releasing control and embracing change to acknowledging your emotions and overcoming challenges, this episode is packed with heartfelt insights and valuable wisdom for all.!

We’re so grateful to have you with us! As a mother-daughter duo, we’re passionate about sharing the lessons we’ve learned through our own journeys, with the hope of inspiring others to live their best lives, no matter what life throws their way.

See you next Tuesday for another episode of Life Happens the Podcast💕

Join our community⬇️

YouTube: @LifeHappensThePodcast

Instagram: @LifeHappensThePodcast

Substack: @LifeHappensThePodcast

TikTok: @LifeHappensThePodcast

Next Episode

203 - Why Your Relationships Aren’t Working (And How Hard Conversations Can Help)

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With 1 in 4 people estranged from a family member, it’s clear there’s a crisis in connection—one we don’t talk about enough.

What happens when communication breaks down, when misunderstandings pile up, and when silence becomes the only way we know how to cope? It’s time to talk about the elephant in the room: how do we have the hard conversations that help us heal, reconnect, and grow stronger together?

The answer isn’t always cutting someone off. In fact, many relationships can be repaired—not by avoiding conflict—but by learning how to navigate it with compassion, honesty, and patience. In this episode, we’re diving into the tools and strategies that helped us through a real and recent conflict, offering you a front-row seat to the messiness and beauty of working things out.

As a mother-daughter duo, we each bring a different lens to these conversations. Barb shares hard-won wisdom for parents who want to bridge the gap with their adult children, and Michelle opens up about what it takes to stay connected with a parent—even when it’s uncomfortable or emotional.

Here’s what you can expect from today’s episode:

Every relationship hits rough patches—but how you handle them can make all the difference. In this episode, you’ll learn how to show up with courage, clarity, and compassion—no matter how hard the conversation.

💗 Stop Avoiding the Tough Conversations

Avoiding conflict only feeds resentment. Vulnerability may feel uncomfortable, but when you open up honestly—even if it’s messy—you create space for healing, boundaries, and real connection.

💗 Identify Your Core Relationship Values

When things get rocky, return to the foundation. Even in disagreement, love, respect, and care can still be the ground you stand on.

💗 Take Accountability

When hurt happens, don’t deflect or avoid responsibility. Acknowledge your part, offer a sincere apology, and commit to doing better. Taking responsibility, apologizing sincerely, and choosing to grow builds trust that lasts.

💗 Lead with Grace

We’re all human—and we all mess up. What matters most is giving ourselves and others room to grow. Relationships take work, but with patience, kindness, and a little grace, we can keep showing up better every day.

Join us next Tuesday for another episode of Life Happens with Barb Michelle! 💕

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Listen to our podcast anywhere→ Click Here 🎙️ New episodes are released every Tuesday🎧