Finding safety while grieving loss and change with Kayleigh O'Connor

I am joined today by Kayleigh O'Connor, Holistic Grief Coach and founder of Good Grief where she trains other grief coaches including me. We explore the complexities of grief, focusing on the our patterns of avoidance, what we can and can’t control, and the impact of secondary losses. 

We discuss the role of the nervous system in processing grief and the significance of connecting to and expanding our sense of safety in our body as we navigate grief. Emphasising self-compassion and the ongoing journey of grief, encouraging you to validate your feelings and take gentle steps forwards with grief as a part of you. 

Takeaways

• We often have unrealistic expectations of ourselves during grief.
• Avoidance can manifest in various ways, including overworking and numbing.
• It's essential to validate where you are in your grief journey.
• Taking back control can start with small, manageable steps.
• Secondary losses are often overlooked but are significant in the grieving process.
• The nervous system plays a crucial role in how we experience grief.
• Finding safety in our environment can help regulate our nervous system.
• Self-compassion is vital in navigating grief and loss.
• Grief is not linear; it requires ongoing attention and care.
• It's okay to seek help and support in your grief journey.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Nor is it a substitute for professional support. 

Follow Death on the Daily:

• Do Like, Comment & Subscribe to this channel  @deathonthedaily  
• Share this episode with a friend who might need it. 
• Subscribe to my Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/deathonthedaily/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/death_onthedaily
• YouTube: http://youtube.com/@deathonthedaily
• Find out about my work as a Grief Coach and connect with me here: https://www.tanyawilkinson.co.uk

You can connect with Kayleigh O’Connor here: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodgrief_uk/
• Holistic Grief Coach certification which is enrolling now for January 2026: https://good-grief.mykajabi.com/holistic-grief-coach-certification-september
• Website: https://good-grief.co.uk 

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

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 beautiful Empowered Heart work here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.katiegray.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  

Chapters

00:00: Intro and theme

02:26: The Journey of Grief and Avoidance

11:06: Taking Back Control in Grief

15:29: Navigating Secondary Losses

22:35: The Role of the Nervous System in Grief

32:15: Finding Safety and Presence in Grief