Coping with Grief While Running Your Business

Coping with Grief While Running Your Business

Grief is an unwelcome visitor who arrives without invitation, disrupting life as we know it. It presents an even greater challenge for business owners—how do you keep things running when your heart feels broken?

This topic is deeply personal to me. I recorded this episode of Chaos Busters 3-2-1 Action after my mother passed away on November 30, 2020. It hit me hard. The grief wasn't just emotional; it impacted my focus, my ability to make decisions, and even my energy to run my business. On top of that, as the executor of her estate, I found myself driving 600 miles every six weeks to manage responsibilities I had never encountered before. It was overwhelming.

In this episode, I share my raw and honest experience of navigating grief while running a business—a topic many avoid, yet so many of us will face at some point in our careers.

Grief Takes Many Forms

While I speak about the loss of my mother, grief isn't limited to losing a parent. It can stem from:

• The loss of a child, spouse, or close friend
• The passing of a beloved client or mentor
• Even the loss of a business relationship

I have been surprised at how deeply I grieve the loss of a client. When you work closely with someone, they become a part of your routine, your world. Their absence is felt, just like any loss. It reminds me of something Star Trek's Data once said:

"As I experience certain sensory input patterns, my mental pathways become accustomed to them. The input is eventually anticipated, and even missed when absent."

This quote resonates with me. The people we interact with—whether in business or in life—become woven into our daily experience. Their absence creates an emptiness that is hard to fill.

How Do You Keep Moving Forward?

Grief has no set timeline. It doesn't disappear after a few weeks or months. But as business owners, we often don't have the luxury of stepping away indefinitely. Here are a few things I learned along the way:

1️⃣ Give Yourself Grace – Productivity won't look the same, and that's okay. Prioritize what truly needs to get done and let the rest wait.

2️⃣ Lean on Systems and Support – If you have a team, delegate. If you don't, consider outsourcing small tasks. Simplify your workload where you can.

3️⃣ Take Breaks Without Guilt – Grief is exhausting. Step away when needed, whether for a short walk, journaling, or resting.

4️⃣ Connect with Others Who Understand—Don't grieve in isolation, whether it's a coach, a support group, or close friends.

5️⃣ Honor the Loss—If you have lost a loved one, client, or mentor, find a way to remember them. A simple ritual, a written tribute, or continuing their legacy in some way can be healing.

You're Not Alone

If you're navigating grief while trying to keep a business running, know you're not alone. This podcast episode is my way of saying, I see you. I understand.

Join me for this heartfelt conversation on Chaos Busters 3-2-1 Action. I hope it brings comfort, validation, and a reminder that even in grief, we can find a way forward—one step at a time.

Sometimes, We Need Someone to Listen

If you're struggling and need to talk, please know you don't have to go through this alone. Sometimes, we need someone to listen.

Feel free to email me or schedule a free call—I'd love to be your listening ear.

📩 Email me at lisa@olindaservices.com

📅 Schedule a free call here: https://lisaolinda.consulting/listen

You are seen. You are supported. And you don't have to navigate this alone. 💙