Grief lives in the body as much as in the mind. In this episode, I reflect on how jogging — something I first started to quit smoking — became a way to move through grief after my dad’s passing. My father once told me, “There are racehorses and there are workhorses. The racehorses are fast, but the workhorses are strong.” I’ve carried that with me as I lace up my sneakers and let the rhythm of music, breath, and tears guide me through the anniversaries of loss.

Set to the soundtrack of India Arie’s lyrics, I share how running has become more than exercise — it’s become prayer, release, and healing. Some days it feels like my body remembers grief before my mind does. But in pounding the pavement, I’ve learned that the only way forward is through: embracing pain, leaning into the memories, and reminding myself that this too shall pass.

The first Father’s Day without my dad — when coffee and donuts became sacred.The first Father’s Day after losing my dad hit harder than I expected. He never cared much about holidays, but simple moments — coffee and donuts — became sacred once he was gone. In this episode, I reflect on that first year, when grief showed up in tears at every turn, and on how holidays shift after loss. I share why creating new traditions matters, how to honor loved ones who have passed, and the importance of being gentle with yourself as you move through grief.

Just a reminder about how Holidays don't always feel like a celebration. Especially when we are grieving the loss of a loved one.

Find the meditation on grief here Guided Meditation on Grief for Loss of a Loved One - YouTube

Also, a personal note thanking all my listeners. I truly appreciate anyone who has listened.

Reflecting on life, love, and loss: A daughter’s journey after her father’s passing. Discover the lessons learned, the growth experienced, and the power of living in the moment. #grief #griefjourney #livingabroad #livinginthemoment

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Have you ever imagined a happy ending for your loved one who has passed? Have you pictured them being reunited with family and friends on the other side?

If you're struggling with grief check out these resources:

https://www.joincake.com/blog/grief-resources/

https://good-grief.org/resources

In this episode, I share a letter I call The Greatest Gift, written after a moment that felt like a visit from my dad — whether it was a dream, memory, or imagination, I don’t know. What mattered was how real it felt, and how comforting it was to believe that he was still with me, encouraging and inspiring me through grief.

I also reflect on how scents carry memories. For me, the smell of sawdust is forever linked to my dad — to his carpentry, his workshop, and the moments I spent nearby listening to Marty Robbins play over the sound of the saw. That smell, mixed with sweat and a cold Budweiser, may not sound pleasant to most, but to me it smells like home. When I was unexpectedly given one of my dad’s handmade cedar chests, it became a priceless gift — a piece of him, carrying both memory and presence, a year after his passing.