The 9 Types of Grief

Hey there, Skirts Up Squad!

Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and let's dive into a topic that's often shushed but needs a loudspeaker – Grief. Yeah, I said it. Grief. But trust me, this isn't going to be a tissue-clutching, sobfest kind of post. Nope, we're flipping the script and bringing in some upbeat energy, because that's what life's about, right? - turning things around!

Meet Jo Beth, our superstar guest from NWA Grief Specialist. She’s not just young and beautiful (although she totally is); she’s a beacon of light in the dark tunnels of grief. Jo Beth's mission? To pull you out of those deep valleys and help you spot the sunshine again. And she does it with so much zest and confidence! Imagine the most energetic life coach combined with a grief counselor - that's Jo Beth for you.

Now, picture this: You're cruising through your day, and suddenly life throws you a curveball. Bam! You're knocked off your feet. Traditional society tells you, 'Time will heal all wounds.' But Jo Beth? She’s got a different playbook. And guess what's not in it? Sitting around waiting for time to do its magic. She’s all about action, baby!

Jo Beth's journey into the world of grief counseling wasn't exactly a walk in the park. She faced unimaginable darkness herself when her husband was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Yeah, heavy stuff. But Jo Beth? She didn’t just survive it; she transformed her experience into a pathway to help others. Talk about turning lemons into lemonade!

So, what's the secret sauce in Jo Beth's recipe for conquering grief? It’s a blend of education, community support, and a touch of tough love. In her six-month program, it's not about lingering in the sad zone forever. Nope. It's about getting up, brushing off the dust, and taking solid, actionable steps towards healing. She uses tools like the Marco Polo video app (not like the pool game, Samantha) to offer instant support, cheering her clients on like the ultimate hype girl she is.

Oh, and let’s bust a myth while we’re at it: You know those well-worn 'stages of grief'? Jo Beth says, “Not so fast!” because guess what? They were originally written for people who are actually dying, not for those of us left living. Welcome to a new way of thinking about grief! Denial, anger, bargaining – they might pop up, but they’re not your mandatory stops along the way. Jo Beth emphasizes the importance of understanding your own unique grief journey. Imagine charting every loss you've experienced. Sounds intense, right? But it’s part of deciphering your grief language. You gain insights on how you've previously coped and discover healthier, more proactive ways to handle current and future heartaches.

Here’s a truth nugget for you: Jo Beth’s sessions aren’t just about talking things through. They’re action-packed! Whether it’s taking that first step out of bed or gearing up to start a new project in honor of a lost one, Jo Beth is right there with you, metaphorically holding your hand and sometimes literally via video, making sure you turn intentions into actions. She’s like that super persistent yet incredibly supportive friend we all need. With Marco Polo video app Jo Beth keeps in touch with her clients. It’s all about video messaging, connecting on a whole new level, ensuring no one's sinking in that grief pool alone.

Let’s talk about the many faces of grief, shall we? Because guess what? Grief isn’t just about losing a person to death. No way. Here are some types of grief you might find yourself navigating:

1. Death of a Loved One – The classic one that most people think of.

2. Divorce or Relationship Breakup – Love hurts, especially when it ends. In our humble opinion this one is oftentimes worse than death.

3. Loss of a Job – Our careers are often a big part of our identity.

4. Loss of a Pet – Pets are family too, and their loss can be heart-wrenching. You may have heard about Samantha’s recent grief struggle through this. RIP Ada.

5. Health Challenges – Chronic illness or sudden health issues can trigger mourning for the 'old you'.

6. Loss of a Limb or Body Part– Profound physical changes are also a form of loss.

7. Moving to a New Place – Even an exciting move can bring a sense of loss for your old environment.

8. Loss of Independence – Aging or injury can lead to grief over losing independence. Samantha knows this one as well but it lead to you, Skirts Up Squad!

9. Financial Losses – Money stress is no joke, and losing financial stability can feel like losing security.

The take away here is that no grief experience is any less hurtful or worse than someone else’s. Grief is a universal experience, and there are ways to navigate through it.

Ready to take on your grief with a proactive approach? Jo Beth’s program is the place to be. She especially loves working with women ready to kick down doors (metaphorically, of course) and embrace their new path with vigor. She's got the blueprint for your comeback. Let’s do this together! (Tell her you need the Skirts Up treatment!)

Remember, this isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving. Be an example of resilience. Spread positivity. Invest in yourself because you’re worth it. And most importantly, know that you’re never alone on this journey.

Now keep your Skirts Up, panties on.

-Skirts Up!

Find this episode on your favorite listening App

Samantha Mandell - Author