In this episode, we’re talking about something that comes up for so many people in grief—especially early on—when others ask, “What do you need?” and your mind goes completely blank.

Not knowing how to answer doesn’t mean you’re doing grief wrong.
It doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful, closed off, or failing at receiving support.
Often, it means your nervous system is overloaded and focused on one thing: surviving.

Together, we explore why not knowing what you need is such a common—and normal—part of grief, why support can feel complicated even when it’s well-intentioned, and what support can look like when it needs to be smaller, slower, or different than expected.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why not knowing what you need is common in early grief—and what’s happening emotionally and biologically when your system feels blank or overwhelmed
• Why support isn’t one-size-fits-all, and how mismatched support doesn’t mean anyone failed
• The gap between wanting support and knowing how to receive it
• Why control, distance, or saying “I’m fine” can be protective—not problematic
• What support can look like when it needs to be more contained, lower-pressure, or less demanding
• Why clarity doesn’t come from trying harder, but from feeling safer over time

A gentle reminder from this episode:

• Not knowing what you need does not mean you don’t deserve support
• You are allowed to change what support looks like now
• You don’t need clarity to be worthy of care
• And you don’t need to have it figured out yet

Grief isn’t asking you to manage this well.
It’s asking you to stay—one moment, one breath at a time.

Looking for additional support?

If you’re navigating early grief and want gentle structure, guidance, and validation at your own pace, my self-guided program Through The Fog opens this coming Monday.

You can learn more and join the waitlist at laurenlentz.com under the Through The Fog tab.

Thank you for being here.
Thank you for listening.
And thank you for continuing—even in the not-knowing.

Episode 14 — Living in the Fog

Early grief often doesn’t arrive with sharp edges or clear emotions.
Instead, it shows up as fog — disorientation, slowness, numbness, and a sense of moving through life slightly out of reach.

In this episode, Lauren explores what it means to live inside the fog of grief — why it happens, how it affects daily life, and how to meet yourself with more understanding and less pressure during this tender season.

You’ll hear about:

• What “the fog” of grief actually feels like — mentally, emotionally, and physically
• Why fog, numbness, and disorientation are protective responses, not signs of failure
• How daily tasks can feel overwhelming in early grief (and how to soften expectations)
• The emotional waves and contrasts that often arise unexpectedly
• Gentle curiosity as a way to stay present without forcing clarity or healing
• Small, grounding micro-actions that help you feel steadier inside the haze

Lauren also introduces Through the Fog, a gentle, self-guided companion created for early grief — and for anyone who still feels unsteady, disconnected, or unsure of their footing after loss. The course includes short videos, small workbooks, grounding practices, and emotional language designed to support you without pressure to “move on” or perform your grief.

Interested in Through the Fog?

You can add yourself to the waitlist in one of two ways:

• Visit www.laurenlentz.com
  and click the Through the Fog tab - where you will find the "Join The Waitlist" button
• Or send Lauren a DM on Instagram @imsorrywerefriends with your email and a note that you’d like to be added

The course isn’t available yet (real soon), but joining the waitlist ensures you’ll be notified when it’s ready.

If you’re feeling foggy, slow, or not quite yourself — this episode is a reminder that you’re not broken. You’re adjusting. And you don’t have to do that alone.

Episode 13: The Days That Bring You to Your Knees

In this episode, we talk about shock, sudden loss, grief waves, and the ways grief can show up unexpectedly in the body.

Gentle note for listeners:
Some of what’s shared here may feel activating or tender. You’re invited to listen at your own pace. Pausing, stepping away, skipping sections, or coming back another day is always okay. You don’t need to push through anything here. Your body gets to lead.

This episode explores:

• What shock actually feels like after loss
• Why grief doesn’t come all at once—and why waves are normal
• How triggers can show up suddenly and physically
• Why being “brought to your knees” isn’t failure, but a human response to love and loss
• Reframing strength when this life wasn’t chosen

If you’re in the early days of grief—or finding yourself knocked down by moments you didn’t see coming—I created Through The Fog, a 6-week self-guided program designed to offer steadiness and support when everything feels disorienting and heavy. There’s no rush and no expectation of progress—just a reminder that you don’t have to do this alone.
Available the last week of January.

Thank you for being here. I’m really glad you found your way to this space.

Explore my website for offerings like 1:1 and group grief support, and a glimpse into Through The Fog. Www.laurenlentz.com

Follow me on Instagram for more resources, insights, and community support at @imsorrywerefriends