Your Thursday Three Things for 8 August 2024 (This week we're talking about grief - gimme a chance & I'll explain!)

Three things that reside at the intersection of wellness and leadership.

Hey everyone,

Jon Macaskill here, back with your weekly dose of wellness and leadership tips. This week, I’m gonna get into a topic that might seem a bit heavy but is incredibly important—grief.

I know what you’re thinking: “What does grief have to do with wellness and leadership?” Well, stay with me, and I’ll explain why understanding and experiencing grief is crucial for both.

Why Grief Matters

Grief isn’t just about losing someone; it’s about dealing with any significant change or loss. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or even the loss of a job, grief is a universal experience. Here’s why it matters in the context of wellness and leadership:

1. Human Connection: Understanding our own grief helps us empathize with others. As leaders, being able to connect with and support our team members through their tough times builds stronger, more resilient teams.

2. Emotional Health: Suppressing grief can lead to emotional burnout. Acknowledging and processing our grief is a vital part of maintaining our mental and emotional well-being.

3. Authentic Leadership: Leaders who show vulnerability and acknowledge their own grief demonstrate authenticity and strength. This creates a culture where people feel safe to express their own emotions.

Now, let’s get into this week’s three things that can help you understand and manage grief, both personally and within your team:

1. Podcast Episode: Men Talking Mindfulness with Elaine Smookler

Shameless plug… Will Schneider and I (hosts of the Men Talking Mindfulness Podcast) had an incredible episode with Elaine Smookler, where we got real deep into the topic of grief. Elaine brought a wealth of knowledge and compassion to the conversation, helping us understand how to feel and express our own grief and support others through theirs. Trust me, this episode is a must-listen. Check it out here: https://pod.fo/e/161355.

2. Article Highlight: "New Life, Who’s This? Rediscovering Who You Are When Everything Has Changed" by Elaine Smookler

Elaine also wrote a fantastic article on Mindful.org about rediscovering yourself amidst significant changes. It’s a powerful read that offers practical advice and profound insights on how to cope with grief and find a new sense of self. You can read the article here: New Life, Who’s This? https://www.mindful.org/new-life-whos-this-rediscovering-who-you-are-when-everything-has-changed.

3. Tool Highlight: Grief Journaling

One of the most effective tools I’ve found for processing grief is journaling (yes, I’m beating the journaling drum again!). It might sound simple, but writing down your thoughts and feelings can be incredibly therapeutic. Whether it’s a dedicated grief journal or just jotting down notes in your regular journal, the act of writing helps you process and make sense of your emotions. Plus, it’s a great way to track your progress and see how far you’ve come in your healing journey!

And there you have it! Three resources to help you understand and navigate grief. Remember, grief is a natural part of life, and embracing it can lead to deeper connections and stronger leadership.

Catch you next Thursday with more cool stuff. Until then, keep leading with heart and living with purpose.

Cheers,

Jon

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