A New Path: A Practical Workbook and Planner for the First Year of Grief and Settling Your Person's Affairs

A New Path: A Practical Workbook and Planner for the First Year of Grief and Settling Your Person's Affairs

Death enters the landscape. Grief complicates the simplest tasks. The to-do list is more than never-ending. Sometimes it's written in collegiate-level vocabulary. And each piece of paper feels like a heavy weight. Megan Malick, a licensed relational therapist, pastor, and educator, meets grievers, their families, and their friends on the journey that begins after they lose their beloved person. She guides readers on A New Path and invites them to see the practical tasks of settling their person's affairs as more than paperwork. Megan integrates education about the grieving brain and the grieving process with functional tasks that grievers must complete during the first year. She offers that mundane tasks become meaningful when grievers engage in accomplishable tasks as part of the mourning process. Megan's compassion and practicality shine through in the monthly and weekly tasks, reflections, and practices she provides. She offers both education and real-life examples, ensuring that grievers and their support system have a reliable guide to navigate the complexities of grief. A New Path is an invaluable guide for anyone navigating the overwhelming process of settling a loved one's estate while carrying the profound weight of grief. Written with deep compassion and clarity, this workbook masterfully blends practical tools—such as checklists, step-by-step instructions, and resource guides—with thoughtful emotional support. Grief is a life-altering experience that can feel debilitating, and A New Path provides a gentle yet empowering framework to help readers through the double burden of loss and estate settlement. I would wholeheartedly recommend this resource to any of my clients who need guidance in managing both the logistical and emotional challenges of this journey. With tenderness and care, the author offers clear, actionable steps to help readers navigate the often-daunting maze of estate settlement with grace and confidence. Rev. Thaeda Franz, PhD, LPC, NCC Interfaith Minister/Psychotherapist Between the Two Trees Interfaith Ministries (BTTIM, Inc.) This workbook is such a unique offering to those who have lost a loved one, guiding readers through their grieving process on emotional, spiritual, and tactical levels. Having lived through the difficulty of navigating the loss of both her parents in several months' time and being the executor of their estates, Megan generously shares what she has learned while also guiding us with the expertise she brings as a pastor and therapist. I am so grateful for this resource and plan to buy a copy for everyone I know who has recently lost their person and needs to walk this new path that they never asked to be on. With Megan's resource by their side, I'm sure they will feel far less alone. Sarah Rentzel Jones Rev. United Church of Christ A New Path is a wonderful guide for anyone navigating the overwhelming first year of grief and estate administration. Rooted in Megan's personal experience, this workbook offers step-by-step support, helping readers break down daunting tasks into manageable actions while acknowledging the emotional weight of loss. A New Path is a valuable resource in bridging the gap between the logistical demands of estate administration and the realities of grief. Megan has covered issues of grief, caring for basic needs, practical logistics required after a death written through experience and compassion. Her work uses beautiful analogies of a forest and rituals touches the human element of self care during times of loss. I highly recommend this book and thank Megan for providing this valuable resource for us. Lynn Lambrecht Founder The Living Planner Megan Malick has poured her deep wisdom and lived experience into A New Path, offering a guiding light to those navigating the overwhelming journey of grief. This deeply compassionate and practical guide assist those navigating grief and the overwhelming responsibilities that come with loss. As a dedicated therapist, Megan understands the complexities of loss—not just emotionally, but practically as well. Her empathy shines through every page, making this an invaluable resource for anyone facing the first year of grief. This book is a true gift—one that has deeply impactful and will undoubtedly provide comfort and guidance to many. Heather Corbet, MOTR/L Brainspotting Consultant & Holistic Healer