In this heartfelt conversation, Ashley Desanno shares her journey through grief following the loss of her father. She discusses the complexities of anticipatory grief, the impact on family dynamics, and the lessons learned through the grieving process. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-care, the mind-body connection, and how to support children through loss. Both Ashley and Heather reflect on the different ways people grieve and the significance of keeping memories alive while navigating the emotional landscape of loss.

TAKEAWAYS

• Grief can manifest in unexpected ways, including physical exhaustion.

• Anticipatory grief can prepare you for loss but doesn't eliminate pain.

• It's important to allow yourself to feel and express grief in your own way.

• Family dynamics can complicate the grieving process, requiring understanding and respect.

• Creating memories and talking about the deceased helps keep their spirit alive.

• Self-care is crucial during grief; you can't support others if you don't support yourself.

• Grief is a personal journey; there's no right or wrong way to grieve.

• Children process grief differently; it's important to communicate openly with them.

• Support from friends can be more meaningful when it acknowledges the complexity of grief.

• Finding ways to fill the void left by loss with love and positivity can aid healing.

ABOUT ASHLEY

Ashley Desanno is a content creator (@lotsamiles), a mom, and a marathon runner. She is also the co-owner of a small business called The Creepy Book Club that she started with her best friend, and together they host a podcast called Books with Your Besties, building community all along the way. She tries to keep all the plates spinning—with coffee, laughter, and a lot of TMI.

ABOUT THE HAPPILY NEVER AFTER

The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.

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• Learn more about Heather McG at https://heathermcg.com/