Have you ever noticed how pain can linger quietly in the background, even when you think you’ve moved past it?

In this episode of Childless and Moving Onward, host Gail Miller explores why we sometimes hold onto grief without realizing it—and how this hidden weight shapes the emotional realities of being childless not by choice. Through personal stories and compassionate insights, Gail reflects on the tension between longing and freedom, the ache of familiar sorrow, and the small joys that can still shine through.

She offers gentle practices for loosening grief’s grip, including creating rituals, embracing self-compassion, and seeking out communities of understanding. This conversation isn’t about forcing yourself to “move on,” but about honoring your pain while opening space for new meaning and joy.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why pain can feel familiar—and why we unconsciously hold onto it
• How unacknowledged grief shows up in everyday life
• Practical ways to soften pain’s hold through compassion and ritual
• How to carry both loss and joy without denying either one

If you’ve ever wondered why your grief feels so persistent, this episode is here to remind you: holding pain is part of being human—but it doesn’t have to define your future.

Subscribe now for real talk, compassion, and hope delivered every Tuesday.

Resources:
Finding You: Beyond Motherhood Group Coaching Program coming soon! Join the waitlist: https://path-onward.kit.com/8d4b621a3b
Free Support Group: https://pathonward.com/support-group/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenbeingchildlessisntbychoice/

Stay connected with us:
Dr. Gail Miller: https://pathonward.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childlesspathonward/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pathonwardlifecoaching
Full transcript and more: https://pathonward.com/72-why-we-hold-onto-our-pain-without-realizing-were-doing-that/