Episode 36: Anticipatory Joy + Loss | The Grief Guardian Podcast

In this episode, we talk about the emotional whiplash that happens when joy and grief collide. Anticipatory joy is that excitement you feel while imagining your child’s future — the little moments, the big milestones, the life you were ready for. When loss hits, all that joy doesn’t just disappear. It becomes something you tiptoe around because it hurts to look at.

This episode breaks down what anticipatory joy really is, how it shows up after losing a child, why it can feel so conflicting, and how to work with it instead of feeling trapped by it. If you’ve ever felt guilty for remembering the good part, or unsure how to talk about the dreams you once had, this one’s for you.

What we cover:

• What anticipatory joy means for grieving parents

• Signs and emotional reactions you might recognise

• Why this mix of feelings happens

• How it affects your day-to-day life and relationships

• Practical ways to handle these emotions and keep moving forward

If you’re a dad who’s lost a child, or someone supporting a grieving parent, this episode offers grounded guidance from someone who gets it. You’re not alone in this.

Listen, breathe, and take what helps.

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