This Work, Life Balance Lesson episode is not an easy one to broach because it’s on a highly sensitive subject, and one which hits everyone in an individually unique way: grief, and the interplay between bereavement and work-life balance.
I’m reminded of the old adage that there are only two sure things in life: death and taxes.
Sure enough, we will all encounter bereavement and coming to terms with loss at some point in our lives. Some have had to deal with it sooner than others; some have been through shocking circumstances of bereavement; for others it’s been long-awaited and expected; for some the impact of losing just one loved person has rippled throughout their life; and then there are those who have been bereaved multiple times.
Regardless of when and how you experience grief and loss, everything in life is inevitably touched by it. I think anyone that has been bereaved would recognise that grief isn’t something you “overcome” or “recover from” – it is part of your life; something you live with, everyday.
Given the personal and evokative nature of this subject, I’ve decided to approach it in a stripped back, simple way.
Usually in my Work, Life Balance Lesson episodes, I reflect on lessons learned from the people I’ve interviewed on the podcast, for listeners to consider their stories in the context of their own work-life balance juggles; to derive from insights some advice and tips that you can take away and apply to your own pursuit of balance, and what it means to you.
But what can we really learn about finding balance when you’re grieving? Grief doesn’t come with a lesson plan, or a neat and tidy formula or check list.
Instead, in this episode, I share examples of podcast conversations where grief has surfaced. And I let them speak for themselves. The examples aren’t intended to advise; they’re not meant to try to fix anything. They’re just reminders that when we talk about balance, sometimes that means making space for grief too.
You can find links to all the episodes referenced throughout this episode below and in the show notes, and to read more of my blogs on the subject, check out the page entitled: The Pursuit of Balance When… You’re Grieving.
On Legacy, Purpose and Finding Work-Life Balance When You’re Working as a Politician and Elected Official – Johnson Situ’s Story:
On Finding Balance in Grief, Being a High-Achiever, and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome – Katie Ford’s Story:
On Finding Balance When You Want To “Have It All”, Teamwork, and Avoiding Stress: Ruth Todd CBE’s Story:
On Housekeeping, Middle-Age, and Finding Balance When Your Marriage Ends – Helen Hayward’s Story:
The Pursuit of Balance When You’re Living Through War – Featuring Dr Ian Moran: