Grieving Unmet Expectations: Navigating Life's Unexpected Turns

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, addresses the often-overlooked grief of unmet expectations. She delves into the pain of life's deviations from our plans, the societal pressures that exacerbate these feelings, and offers practical advice for coping and moving forward. Dr. Taylor shares personal experiences of her own life pivots and highlights the importance of acknowledging and grieving what never came to be. The episode emphasizes that while grieving non-death losses, it’s essential to mourn the versions of life that didn’t unfold and to write new, honest stories for the future. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their desires and timelines authentically, free from societal pressures.

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:27 Understanding the Grief of Unmet Expectations

02:07 Personal Story: Heather's Journey Through Grief

05:36 Societal Pressures and Toxic Positivity

07:08 Practical Steps to Navigate Unmet Expectations

09:25 The Impact of Social Media on Grief

10:10 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

12:46 Conclusion and Resources

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Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss—because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives.

Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed—this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.

No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through.

https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com

hello@griefisthenewnormal.com

www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist

Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language.

Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX

Dive deeper into your grief support skills with the Professional Grief Collective. This exclusive membership offers targeted training and resources for clinicians and coaches who are ready to elevate their practice. Don’t miss out—join our community today and start transforming the way you support those in grief. Check out the details in our show notes or visit https://bit.ly/GriefClinicianMembership

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Opening Music by The Dadicorns

Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

All Rights Reserved.

This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.

Navigating Mother's Day Part 2: A Guide for Those Grieving Invisible Losses

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor addresses the unique challenges faced by individuals grieving on Mother's Day, particularly those dealing with infertility, miscarriage, or the loss of a child. This is part two of the Mother's Day series. Dr. Taylor offers compassionate strategies on coping ahead, setting emotional boundaries, and creating an aftercare plan. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and acknowledges the invisible grief often overlooked by society.

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:26 Acknowledging Invisible Losses on Mother's Day

01:24 Understanding the Invisible Grief of Childless Motherhood

04:45 Coping Strategies for Mother's Day Weekend

08:35 Emotional Boundaries and Self-Care on Mother's Day

10:08 Aftercare: Navigating Grief Post-Mother's Day

13:06 Final Thoughts and Resources

------------------------------------------------

Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss—because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives.

Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed—this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.

No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through.

https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com

hello@griefisthenewnormal.com

www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist

Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language.

Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX

Dive deeper into your grief support skills with the Professional Grief Collective. This exclusive membership offers targeted training and resources for clinicians and coaches who are ready to elevate their practice. Don’t miss out—join our community today and start transforming the way you support those in grief. Check out the details in our show notes or visit https://bit.ly/GriefClinicianMembership

-------------------------------------

Opening Music by The Dadicorns

Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

All Rights Reserved.

This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.

Navigating Mother's Day Amidst Grief: Part One

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, discusses the complexities and emotional challenges that Mother's Day can bring for those grieving the loss of a mother or a mother figure. Dr. Taylor provides practical strategies for self-care, emphasizes the validity of all types of grief, and offers support for both those grieving and their supporters. She stresses the importance of acknowledging one's unique grief and giving oneself permission to opt out of traditional celebrations if they feel too painful. This episode aims to create a compassionate space where grief is acknowledged and supported.

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:26 Mother's Day: A Complex Emotion

01:53 Acknowledging Different Forms of Grief

05:54 Creating a Care Plan for Mother's Day

09:35 Support for Grief Supporters

10:03 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

11:10 Resources and Final Words

-------------------------------------------------

Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss—because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives.

Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed—this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.

No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through.

https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com

hello@griefisthenewnormal.com

www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist

Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language.

Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX

Dive deeper into your grief support skills with the Professional Grief Collective. This exclusive membership offers targeted training and resources for clinicians and coaches who are ready to elevate their practice. Don’t miss out—join our community today and start transforming the way you support those in grief. Check out the details in our show notes or visit https://bit.ly/GriefClinicianMembership

-------------------------------------

Opening Music by The Dadicorns

Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

All Rights Reserved.

This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.