grief guide — Grief Blog — Forced Joy Project

When Brad first died, self-love involved alcohol and weed. I’m not proud of it, but it felt like the only way I could love myself was by numbing my feelings.

Dana FrostFebruary 6, 2023grief, self care, self love and grief, widow, young, young widow, cancer widow, grief support, grief guide Comment

Why I Share

I didn’t understand then why I craved other people’s stories of grief. It felt wrong to want the dark moments. But what I know now is that it wasn’t just about being a voyeur into someone else’s tragedy. It was about holding space for someone else’s pain and then, ultimately, feeling less alone in my own.

Dana FrostApril 27, 2021grief and loss, grief guide, grief support, grief, loss, widow, Widowhood, young widow, life after loss, cancer widowComment

Moving after Loss

I sat crosslegged on the floor of the loft. The loft that used to be ours but now was just mine. It was empty, except for the beer can that sat in front of me and the disco ball in the corner. But even in its emptiness, the space felt so very full by the life that was lived within those four walls.

How to Support a Grieving Friend

It is inevitable we will show up in the wrong way and say the wrong thing. That’s part of being human. But that doesn’t mean we stop trying.

Dana FrostMarch 30, 2021grief support, grief, grief resources, Widowhood, loss, grief guideComment

Grief Groups, Sex, and Jesus Guilt

I was a mourning widow and I was a 30-something with a desire to be touched. The latter felt like a betrayal to the former. I felt like a horrible human being and an even worse wife.

“Did He Smoke?” And Other Things Not to Say to a Grieving Widow

I had zero interest in sharing the most affecting part of my life with this stranger, but I must admit, I did respect his complete drunken disregard for platitudes and his desire to jump straight to the juicy details.

“Cancer,” I replied, leaning away.

Dana FrostMay 14, 2019Grief, Cancer, Widowhood, widow, young widow, grief support, grief guide Comment

No One Ever Told Me That Grief Felt So Like Fear

It’s been 18 months since Brad’s death and I still feel full of fear. Grief tends to do that - bring up all kinds of fears, some more rational than others.

Anchorlight CreativeJuly 22, 2018grief, loss, grief guide, widow, Widowhood, young widow

Dating as a Widow

I would be lying if I said I never think about my future and the idea of possibly someday sharing my life with another person again. Because Brad taught me to love.

Everyday Grief

My sister recently made the comment that nobody really discusses loss and grief on an everyday level.

Even those of us that write about it (and talk about it), still do so in mostly sweeping statements about waves and universal truths and fragmented stages in time.

Dana FrostMay 22, 2017grief, grief guide, grief support, loss, Widowhood, widow, young widow

Tomorrow

I’m on my final leg of this journey. I’m dirty. I’m exhausted. I’m sore. I feel beat up and raw. I also feel powerful and proud. I found a strength and openness I didn’t acknowledge before that I will carry with gratitude as I head towards home. Tomorrow.

Anchorlight CreativeMay 13, 2017Widowhood, widow, young widow, road trip, grief, grief guide, grief support

For my most up-to-date writings & thoughts, please check out my substack, I’m Fine (& Other Lies)

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