Today we’re exploring anticipatory grief, when we grieve someone who’s still alive. I share my personal experiences with my grandmother's dementia, in her final chapter.

Discussing the complexities of experiencing grief before a loved one's death, emphasising the importance of acknowledging and expressing your feelings. I offer practical strategies for coping with anticipatory grief, including naming the grief, letting go of perfection, and finding ways to honour this loss and slowly say goodbye.

Talking about coexistence of love, joy and sadness in the grieving process and encouraging you to honour their emotions and seek support.

Takeaways

• Anticipatory grief is the grief experienced before a loved one's death.
• It's important to acknowledge both joy and sadness in grief.
• Naming your grief can be a powerful first step.
• Letting go of perfection is crucial in the grieving process.
• Finding ways to say goodbye can be deeply healing.
• Anticipatory grief can manifest in various life transitions, not just death.
• Self-compassion is essential when navigating grief.
• Professional support can be beneficial for those struggling with grief.
• Creating rituals can help in processing anticipatory grief.
• Grief is a lifelong journey that can bring meaning and connection.

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The theme music for Death on the Daily is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Set Free by Katie Gray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which is used with artist's permission. 

You can connect with Katie and her music and work here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.katiegray.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

This podcast is edited by David Strutt, who you can contact here for any editing needs: davidstrutt2@gmail.com

00:00: Understanding the Complexity of Anticipatory Grief

06:05: Simple Ways That You Can Hold Anticipatory Grief

06:14: Acknowledging and Naming Grief

08:13: Letting Go of Perfection

10:15: Let Yourself Say Goodbye