As we age, the landscape of our lives changes — not only through the adventures and milestones we celebrate, but also through the goodbyes we must face. Loss becomes more frequent, and the weight of grief can feel too heavy to carry.
In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Laureen Quick sits down with hospice nurse and death educator Gabrielle Elise “Gabby” Jimenez to talk about how to live with loss without being consumed by it. Gabby shares her now well-known ritual — the Grief Bowl — a simple, tangible practice that gives sorrow a place to rest so it doesn’t have to live inside us alone.
Together, they explore how to make peace with loss, protect your own heart, and keep your spirit open to love and joy, even when people you cherish are no longer here. 💭
In This Episode, we cover:
-Why grief can feel heavier as we age — and how to hold it differently
-The story and meaning behind Gabby’s Grief Bowl ritual
-How caregivers and helpers can create boundaries that protect their emotional well-being
-What “healthy grief” looks like — and signs you may be overwhelmed
-The healing power of small rituals, remembrance, and gratitude
-Ways to begin releasing the weight of cumulative grief and rediscover presence 🌿
About Gabby
Gabrielle Elise Jimenez is a hospice and palliative care nurse, end-of-life doula, grief educator, author, and public speaker. Through her blog, “The Hospice Heart,” and her workshops, she helps people navigate death and dying with tenderness, honesty, and reverence. Her Grief Bowl practice has inspired thousands to honor loss with ritual and grace.
🌐 Learn more about Gabby’s work and resources at:
Website: https://www.thehospiceheart.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehospiceheart.net
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielleelisejimenez
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielle.elise.jimenez
✨ Take a Moment to Reflect
If today’s conversation spoke to you, consider creating your own grief bowl. Find a small bowl that feels comforting in your hands. Place inside it small objects, stones, or notes that represent the people, places, or seasons you’ve had to let go.Let it remind you that your love doesn’t disappear — it simply changes form.
If you want to learn more about the Grief Bowl, check out this blog post by Gabby at:
https://www.thehospiceheart.net/post/the-grief-bowl
💌 Stay Connected
If you found this episode meaningful, please share it with someone who might need these words today. Leave a comment or review — your reflections help more women discover these conversations and remind us all that we’re not walking this path alone.
🌸 Connect with Laureen Quick at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laureen.quick
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laureenquick
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejourney4u
© Laureen Quick, 2025
