Rho Thomas: The Power Of Self Love

Episode Introduction

When was the last time you thought to yourself that you were more important than anybody else, that it was only when you took care of yourself that you could take care of others and be fully functional? If you've been missing out on prioritizing yourself, this episode is for you.

Today, I speak with Rho Thomas, an attorney and financial coach who believes that true wealth is having control of your time. I describe Rho as a woman who is not only self-anchored but truly loves herself.

Rho talks about her naïve shift to motherhood and how she lost herself to parenting and responsibilities. By the time she had her second child, she had understood that she needed to go to therapy. One question from her therapist changed her way of thinking completely- "What do you want to be?". While she was explaining how she was failing as a mother, a wife, and a lawyer, her therapist made her realize that she couldn't be any of the above without making time for herself. Rho started to spend time in the morning by reading the Bible, praying, and just being herself, which made all the difference, especially during the pandemic.

Rho talks about her truth in life. She did not value herself the way that she valued everyone else in her life. It was when things were falling that she realized she had to put herself first.

Rho says that her therapist and her husband were the two most essential connections she had in life. She also discusses the importance of being financially independent. Rho explains that financial freedom to her is in control, staying flexible with her finances and having time in life. Towards the end, she tells how our mindset is everything. She also talks about the financial bondage we put ourselves into due to our entitlement mentality and comparing tendencies with others' lives.

Tune in to the episode to learn Rho's incredible transformative journey in life.

About Our Guest

Rho Thomas is a trademark lawyer and financial coach who helps lawyers regain control of their time, build wealth, and live the lives of freedom and choice they deserve. She is also the host of the Wealthyesque podcast.

Episode Quotes

“Telling the truth truly liberates the soul.”- Herdyne [00:58]
“Our mindset is everything. “- Rho [33:11]
“The story that you tell yourself is optional.” - Rho [33:47]
“Trying to like comparison just never leads to good things.” - Rho [33:47]
“Your life is unique to you.” - Herdyne [37:50]
“Being able to have that control to take back control of your life is so important.” - Rho [39:20]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

What have you learned about yourself? [40:24]

I've learned that I am the most important person in my life, like if I'm not okay, I can't show up for other people to make sure that they're okay. And then the second thing is, I've learned that I can do hard things, like, going through and really facing that debt.

If today was your last day on earth, and you had five words or less, what would they be? [41:17]

Don't forget to live.

During your hard times what song gets you through? [42:59]

Hezekiah walker - Grateful

Episode Time-Stamps

[07:58] – Herdyne describes Rho Thomas
[08:13] – Rho’s shift to motherhood
[12:02] – Herdyne’s wifeidence
[20:02] – Rho shares her truth
[26: 30] – Rho’s drive
[33:11] – Our mindset is everything
[34:06] – Financial freedom

Reference Links

YouTube link to Rho’s favorite song:

Hezekiah Walker – Grateful

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE0W-kQyz6A

Connect with Rho

Website: https://www.rhothomas.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamrhothomas/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamrhothomas/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamrhothomas/

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

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Brandi Harvey: Beyond Her

Episode Introduction

Many of us hover over unworthy relationships and habits only because saying a healthy goodbye is hard. We end up going back to places that don't serve us, being around people who don't love us, and spending money on things that deplete us. Today, we learn that there's a lot more to us than we can visualize.

In this episode, Herdyne speaks with Brandi Harvey, Founder of Beyond Her, a network for women at the start of their careers who want to feel less like imposters and more like instigators. Brandi and Herdyne speak their hearts out on topics of life, fitness, and goals. Herdyne also talks about how she was searching for wisdom three years ago and how her life changed when she ultimately found it and enabled her to air her first podcast episode; gave her purpose.

Brandi narrates her life journey to us. She recalls that her first podcast made her life upside down; she got fired, had to commit to going to therapy every year, and expanded her podcast theme to mental and physical health from physical health alone. Her journey with silent meditation taught her to be still. We learn that people find it hard to heal because they confront situations not knowing how to be still. Brandi also discloses her freedom class which mainly focuses on healing your life from the inside out and not on money and fame.

Attaining stillness isn't an easy journey. Brandi shares that she had to confront the silence band after being still, feeling irritated and angry. But she continued to practice the same because she wanted to elevate herself.

Herdyne talks about healthy goodbyes. Brandi remembers how she had to talk about the first chapter – Lose to Win, of her book in a conference and describes how we have a scarcity and poverty mentality that causes us to refrain from healthy goodbyes to things that we might not receive any more than that. Herdyne talks about her struggle with the concept of Lose to Win when she had to manage the household when her husband had to go for a Ph.D. It led her to commit to a strict diet to get fit. Here, Brandi also talks about how commitment is not a feeling but an agreement you make to become better.

Brandi's advice to anyone grieving is to ditch their story and old beliefs. She believes there's power in having somebody else hold you accountable – a physical fitness trainer takes you out of the comfort zone that restrains you from getting fit.

We are destined from the time of Adam, a gardener, to cultivate spirits just like a gardener grows plants. Towards the close of the episode, Brandi reminds us that our word is our wand and that we need to master our emotions to become mentally and physically healthy. Listen in, for there's a lot of wisdom in their words!

About Our Guest

Brandi Harvey is the founder of Beyond Her, an active wellness brand for women of color. She believes women should eat well, give a damn and move their bodies daily. Committed to teaching women how to care for their mind, body and spirit, Brandi is recognized as both a national and international speaker.

Episode Quotes

“Life is not perfect, but the requirement of living it is.” - Herdyne [00:43]
“People can't heal because they are afraid to be still and deal with the emotion.” - Herdyne [15:49]
“Commitment is not a feeling. It's an agreement. “- Brandi [35:07]
“Every time the muscle breaks down, when you're working out it is building it back up so that you can see more growth and development in your body. It's the same thing about your own life.” - Brandi [36:46]
“When you have a desire for more, you're willing to get pushed out of your comfort zone.” - Brandi [47:13]
“Be consistent and don't allow the weeds in your life to suffocate you like they do in the garden.” - Herdyne [52:15]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

What have you learned about yourself since redefining the grief in your life? [57:33]

I've learned that I'm worthy and that I'm deserving of this big life. I spent so much time trying to downplay myself and fit into a box that other people thought, the expectations that they have for me, and I think I'm redefining the grief of my own life of losing the wind of shedding the old beliefs of leaving some things, some people behind, and know that I am deserving of this big life that God has promised me.

If today was your last day on earth, what would be your five words or less? [58:21]

I lived it all the way.

What's that song that gets you through? [59:33]

Sounds of blackness - I believe.

Episode Time-Stamps

[05:56] –Herdyne introduces Brandi
[08:21] –Herdyne talks about her first podcast
[13:05] –Brandi’s shift in life
[18:26] –Brandi shares her truth
[22:57] –Healthy goodbyes
[25:36] – Lose to win
[34:10] –Commitment is an agreement to become better
[39:36] –Ditching old beliefs
[42:35] –Talks about comfort food and lifestyle
[50:16] – Adam a gardener
[52:58] –Brandi’s freedom class

Reference Links

YouTube link to Brandi’s favorite song:

Sounds of blackness - I believe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEY7vxjuuBA

Book:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/breakthrough-sold-separately-brandi-harvey/1133935795

Connect with Brandi

Website: https://beyondher.co/about/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandi-harvey-4784b819/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambrandiharvey/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAmBrandiHarvey

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

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Jameson Mercier: Hope Is Not A Plan

Episode Introduction

According to Jameson Mercier, "Hope is not a plan". We need to understand that possessing a practical plan for our goals and then working sincerely to make it work is the starting point of liberation. In this episode, my husband Jameson Mercier sits with me and talks about honesty, sincerity, hope and plans, and how these elements are vital for keeping your relationships content and happy.

Jameson describes his thoughts on why hoping could not amount to planning. "If hope is your plan, then you have a problem." He narrates how he drew inspiration from Obama's mantra about hoping and possessing an effective plan. "And so he did not just have hope, but he also had a plan." To heal, one requires to set a goal and come up with a plan. He considers reverse engineering as the finest possible way to achieve that. "And so that way you figure out what your steps were all along the way."

Jameson's ideas on sincerity and truthfulness in a relationship are unique and unparalleled. He says that being sincere with yourself is key to achieving liberation. Jameson and Herdyne talk about the reason why some individuals prefer to remain in their comfortable world, even if it means living in despair.

Jameson and Herdyne talk about how truthfulness in communication is the most authentic form of intimacy. Jameson understands the seriousness of getting to the root of one's degree of legitimacy. If you speak the truth today only to lie tomorrow, there's nothing you can accomplish in that relationship.

Herdyne narrates an episode when she was handling some issues and did not have the strength to deal with the world. She felt hypocritical even though she was able to move on with the day. She claims she felt content and satisfied and that she decided to face the day no matter what she was dealing with.

We also discuss why acknowledging your sentiments is necessary and why society needs to stop believing that men alone have to save their significant other. Assumptions and expectations out of a relationship could be deceived and would be like setting unrealistic hopes on your significant other.

Listen to the episode today as Jameson also gives expert advice on nurturing relationships and facing challenges together!

About Our Guest

Dr. Jameson Mercier specializes in Marriage/ Family Therapy, parenthood and Relationship Systems Consulting. He is a professional relationship counselor who realizes that in order to make a relationship function, you have to put the effort. He believes that hopelessness is usually felt when disputing about money, infidelity, poor communication, or lack of intimacy.

Episode Quotes

“If hope is your plan, then you have a problem.”- Jameson[08:00]
“Because we're all blessed, and we are all highly favored. But what are you doing with that favor?”- Jameson[11:22]
“You can be happy, full of joy and heal, even while you're struggling, even in the midst of loss and difficulties.”-Jameson[19:12]
“Simply because you can't operate on emotions alone doesn't mean that you should be totally dismissive of them.” –Jameson [26:10]
“Nobody's really taught to look in the mirror. People are taught to point the finger.”-Herdyne[43:15]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

What have you learned from the fourteen years of your life journey? [49:24]

Any two people, if they want to have a successful marriage, and they are committed to achieving that, they will have it. There's nothing that says that it is reserved for soulmates. And so after 14 years of being married, I've essentially learned that if we are going to be together, I have to get out of the fantasy so that we grow to love each other authentically, for who the person is. It's not about being my soulmate; it’s about being my teammate.

Episode Time-Stamps

[06:55] - Jameson explains how hope is not a plan.
[14:46] - Jameson explains why some people continue to live in despair.
[17:41] - We can only heal if we fully reveal ourselves.
[25:50] – Jameson explains how we shouldn’t be dismissive of our emotions.
[37:43] – Expectations in a relationship.

Connect with Jameson

Website: https://mercierwellness.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jamesonmercier/
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwNs4gy3jW-t6hCX58De_w
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJamesonMercier
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesonmercier

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

View Details

Sinika Calloway

Episode Introduction

Do you know that at times of grief, knowing that there are others who have been where you are can greatly help you heal? There is inexplicable power in human connection.

In this episode of Redefining Grief, I speak with Sinika Calloway about her journey through grief and where it took her in life. Sinika’s life draws a parallel to my life personally and there’s a lot of good things to imbibe from this healing conversation.

Sinika narrates those incidents that led her to a phase of profound grief. She lost her mother to multiple sclerosis when she was eight years old. Two months after her death, her maternal grandfather passed away too. It was when she was getting over this compounded loss that her father passed away due to prostate cancer two years later. Though the death of her mother was anticipated, her grandfather’s was a sudden demise. And her father died in a hospice in another state.

Losing a loved one brings in pain that’s hard to get over, and when it is sudden and unanticipated, you don’t even have a fair chance to say goodbye. As Sinika shares the painful backstory, she also throws light on something more important. She learned that there are others like her with either the same story as she does, or have experienced the loss and grief that she has in life.

Learn today some healing superpowers that Sinika shares with us. She suggests 4 keys to getting over grief, the number one factor being connection. When you're grieving, you have to connect. The next one is to educate yourself on how to cope and get through the pain. Equally important are self-care and faith. You need a source to get through.

Today, we also talk about Sinika’s professional life and why she started Grief Tees and Things. Listen in to learn the transformational journey of this incredible female entrepreneur!

About Our Guest

Sinika is an author, life coach, and entrepreneur who has fought different battles to reach where she is today. Her success did not come without hard work, faith in God, a support system, and adversity. After both her parents died, she was taken in and raised by her aunt who treated her as her own child. Overcoming poverty, a single-family home, low socioeconomic status, the death of both parents at the age of 8 & 10, and low performing schools, Sinika is an example that faith in God, and determination, along with a strong support system is vital to success. Sinika hopes to be a beacon of hope for others and to inspire people to achieve success in life despite a lack of resources.

Episode Quotes

“How I beat death, is by allowing myself to be present at the moment with them. And being very aware that this can be our last time together.”- Herdyne [07:21]
“I feel like just connecting with other people, knowing that you're not alone has been the biggest lesson for me, like, having dealt with the things I've dealt with as an adult with grief.” - Sinika [09:27]
“We all grieve, but everyone's journey is different. Everyone is unique, and therefore everyone's journey is going to be different.”- Sinika [19:24]
“If you want to be at a place in your life where you can sip tea with joy, you have to be committed to doing the work that's actually actively, actively, actively healing.” - Herdyne [25:55]
“If you do not process or come to a place of completion, with the unresolved grief around moving, it would take you into your new season and flip you upside down and spit you out if you don't deal with it. “- Herdyne [29:27]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [26:33]

I am not alone. I'm not alone, that there are others who do have a story like mine. And if their story is not like mine, they also know grief, and they also know loss.

If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [27:18]

For those who are still alive- to never give up; never give up on your dreams or your goals.

During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [27:53]

I Am Not Alone by Kari Jobe

Episode Time-Stamps

[12:06] Sinika’s advice for parents or caretakers taking care of God’s children
[15:56] When did Sinika finally come to a place where she had to look in the mirror and tell the truth about her grief journey?
[18:12] Sinika explains her full circle grief
[20:24] Active healing tips from Sinika
[24:16] Her journey from grief to purpose

Reference Links

YouTube link to Sinika’s favorite song:

I Am Not Alone by Kari Jobe

Connect with Sinika

Website: https://sinikacalloway.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sinika-calloway-lmsw-7b633492
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sinika_calloway/?hl=en
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/sinikac/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

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Marshawn Evans Daniels

Episode Introduction

Do you want to discover the path to your life’s purpose? However hard the course may appear to you, this episode would change your belief altogether. I welcome on the show today Marshawn Evans Daniels, a reinvention strategist and life coach, mentoring women worldwide to live bolder in the areas of faith and business. As a serial entrepreneur, TV personality, creator of the Godfidence movement, and founder of SHE Profits, she helps women turn ideas into income and faith into action!

Learn how you can step into your life’s mission by believing bigger. Marshawn shares the 5 keys that can take you to achieve that. Listen in!

Marshawn shares how it all started and how she was brought to this point in life where she chose to be a coach. It was six days before her wedding that she found out her fiancé was cheating on her. More intimidating was the fact that she had just left her law firm- a successful sports agency managing NFL, NBA players, and WNBA players. It was the fastest-growing woman in sports agency in the country in less than a year. Her first client was the highest-paid defensive in the NFL. Life was all good. But she let it go. And that too, for the wedding. She compromised on her choices to go for something that gave her more happiness and fulfillment. Love, to her, was more substantial than business, and becoming a mom to three kids was something that tapped into real significance.

After that incident, she opened Believe Bigger, with the story of how she found out on a Monday morning before her Saturday wedding while her fiancé is on the plane that he had been cheating all along. She got out of the slumber to create a promising life ahead.

Marshawn shares the 5 stages to believing bigger and living your life’s purpose. Firstly, face it to fix it. The five words that most of us are embarrassed to say out loud is “I don’t know my purpose.” So, discovery is the first step.

Secondly, know what you want to be. Discover your talent. Next up, break out of your comfort zone. God didn’t put us here for the purpose of retirement.

The fourth is knowing your gifts. Find out what you were designed to be in life. Lastly, know your influence. Your life is not your own. You have been brought to this for some reason. Uncover that.

As you listen through this episode, ask yourself what your story, purpose, and voice are? The best is within you and is waiting to manifest through you.

“Have you stopped believing?”

About Our Guest

Marshawn Evans Daniels is a reinvention strategist, founder of the Godfidence movement, and is a millionaire faith and business mentor to everyday individuals looking to build an extraordinary life and business. She is also a serial entrepreneur, TV personality, and founder of SHE Profits, where she helps women turn ideas into income and faith into action. She has authored 2 books - Believe Bigger and 100 days of believing bigger.

Episode Quotes

“Purpose isn't about what you do. The purpose is a byproduct of who you are, it's the function of your life, it's the essence of who you are, it's actually more personality-based than producing.” - Marshawn [11:34]
“It's important for us to understand there are certain things that we've learned that have been navigating our lives that have gotten us here, but it won't get us to where we're designed to be.” - Marshawn [15:32]
“One of the things I dare you to actually be bold enough to believe about yourself is, that you are an addict. “- Marshawn [18:26]
“Curiosity is the seed of greatness, it is the doorway into your calling, but you can't enter into your calling and have a burning bush moment if you're not curious enough, because it's curiosity that enables us to see the bush that's burning.” - Marshawn [19:46]
“Every life shift first begins with a mind shift. And the Split Rock comes in the disruption, comes in the betrayal, comes into your life to break you up with an outdated version of yourself.” - Marshawn [26:49]
“We're taught retirement not reinvention. We're taught predictability, not peculiarity. - Marshawn [28:16]

Episode Time-Stamps

[07:03] – Marshawn introduces herself
[10:36] – Why we don’t know our purpose
[14:00] – Five stages
[22:30] – Her life story and infidelity
[25:36] – What do you mean by the gap?

Reference Links

Believe Bigger by Marshawn Evans Daniels
100 Days of Believing Bigger By Marshawn Evans Daniels

Connect with Marshawn

Website: https://marshawn.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshawnevans/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshawnevans

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

Believe Bigger: Discover the Path to Your Life Purpose

100 Days of Believing Bigger: Devotional Journal

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Jazlyn Denise: The Prayer Playbook

Episode Introduction

Things that you have been destined for need not happen to you in challenging ways always. Have you known how mysteriously you could be brought to understanding your life's purpose? Listen in to this episode of Redefining Grief as I introduce to you Jazlyn Denise, a professional prayer coach, real estate expert, fundraising professional, author, and public speaker.

Jazlyn truly believes in living out her life's purpose and has chosen to do so in all areas of her life. She was born and raised in the church and has hence, over the years, seen people's lives transform through the Word of God. There has never been a time in her life where she didn't know who God was- he's always been a constant source of power and wisdom.

Her journey as an adolescent mother has the power to revolutionize society's norms of motherhood and a promising career. Jazlyn had her son when only 19. She did that because life left her with no choice other than to have the baby. But her responsibilities as a mother did not stop her from pursuing her dream career. She graduated as a single mother and did so, along with students who couldn't achieve the feat despite leading an everyday life. She says had it been not for her son, she wouldn't have lived her best life and hustled on her job and responsibilities.

She jokingly says that both herself and her son have had the degrees together because he was on her hip all the time she attended them. This had helped him value education. He knows there are no shortcuts to success and cannot make any excuses for not doing his part well.

Jazlyn shares how she found out she was destined to be a prayer coach. Helping others with the power of prayers has been something she did for the longest time. It ultimately found her life's calling. She wanted that to be in alignment with the Word of God. If your purpose is grounded in love and authority, anything else is not his voice.

Do you find yourselves wrestling in your faith? The faith anchor allows us to examine those feelings and move forward towards healing. Jazlyn Denise's principles of faith, love, inspiration, integrity, and gratitude are all that enriches the very soul of our existence. I am absolutely thrilled to share with you this episode. Join in and make the best out of these few minutes of your life!

About Our Guest Jazlyn Denise is a professional prayer coach, real estate expert, fundraising professional, author, and public speaker. She truly believes in living out her purpose and has chosen to do so in all areas of her life. Through her personal experiences of adolescent pregnancy and single motherhood, Jazlyn has not only defied stereotypes she has redefined them. Jazlyn holds a BA in Sociology from CSU Dominguez Hills and an Executive MBA from Loyola Marymount University. Her extensive resume includes expertise in the fields of administration, fundraising, education as well as customer service.

Episode Quotes ● “Life and death are in the power of your tongue.” - Jazlyn [10:38] ● “Because if he can trust me, then some of the weight or some of the lessons that I need to have learned are going to start to manifest.”- Jazlyn [19:27] ● “My community has helped me to really maneuver in this time because I don't, I don't always know.”- Jazlyn [22:41] ● “Once you can identify what his voice sounds like, it becomes so much easier because he says, My sheep know My voice and a stranger they will not follow.” - Jazlyn [26:33] ● “Wherever it is, create that space for God, because one, it makes when I come here, this is what I'm going to do.” - Jazlyn [30:10]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions ● What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [40:51]

That I have more power through God than I thought I would have

● If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [41:52]

I know I did well.

● During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [42:54]

For Every Mountain by The Kurt Carr and The Kurt Carr singers; Angel by Anita Baker

Episode Time-Stamps ● [09:02] - Jazlyn shares her journey with us ● [14:57] - Jazlyn talks about the hardest thing she had to write about ● [17:15] - Jazelyn shares how she connects with her Father at all times ● [29:39] - When and where do you pray? ● [40:51] - Jazlyn answers the POW questions by Herdyne

Reference Links ● YouTube link to Jazlyn’s favorite song: The Kurt Carr and The Kurt Carr singers’ For Every Mountain

Anita Baker’s Angel

Connect with Jazlyn ● Website: https://www.jazlyndenise.com/

● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jazlyn_denise_/

● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jazlyn.denise.1

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources ● To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com

● To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com

● For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com

● To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/

● To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

View Details

J. Nicole Jones - The Grief Bully

Episode Introduction

When times are hard and grief has hit over, how do you know if you really want to feel better? Sometimes, life wants us to embrace the happy and sad times and not run away from them. But when grief robs you off of life’s joys, allow yourself to bully it in return.

Wondering if you could actually do that? Join me on this episode of the Redefining Grief podcast as I interview speaker, podcast host of the Grief Bully podcast, and life impactor, .J. Nicole Jones. She plans to impact your life by communicating to you that you have to learn how to thrive, create a healthier place for yourself, and learn the importance of managing your grief journey. Listen in!

Nicole has experienced loss in extreme ways in her life. It all began in 2013 when she faced the death of her friend. Then, in 2016, her grandmother died. When things had been settling slowly, in 2019, she lost her father also. This was when grief started taking her downhill. She realized people needed to have open conversations about their pain and sufferings to bully grief in its overpowering form. Her podcast, she says, is a vehicle for other people to share their stories. And that works as a coping skill.

We learn today how the five grief anchors can actually help you in your healing journey. Sometimes, people do not realize how they become so familiar in their grieving that they do not make an effort to or want to come out of it. The trauma, the pain, the agony, the discomfort, all of that becomes familiar. And it feels more comfortable to be there. Nicole suggests asking yourself deep down if you really want to come out of it. This could then be the beginning of your recovery and happiness.

Nicole’s podcast and her social media are all about educating individuals on grief, especially if you have lost someone. Telling also that you’re not alone in the process, her words make you feel good. To know there is somebody else spreading this right message that you too can be empowered, enlightened, and educated about your grief journey, is therapeutic in itself.

If you have been struggling to embrace life and explore its opportunities and joys for grief always clouded your sight, these few minutes of listening would do the magic for you!

About Our Guest J. Nicole Jones is a speaker and podcast host of the Grief Bully podcast. In addition, Nicole is a Life Impacting Communicator and the author of the successful guided journal, "The Grief Bully". She educates people through her platforms on how to create a healthier, thriving, and manageable grief journey. The New Jersey native and incredibly motivated individual is adept at making anyone understand that grief is normal to human existence and that you are never alone in the process.

Episode Quotes ● “Your anointing has an audience.” - Nicole [10:32] ● “I strongly believe when we take the time to examine our heart, we open ourselves to the possibility of healing.” - Herdyne [17:55] ● “If you haven't experienced it, I do think sometimes it's hard to really be as empathetic to them as it might need.“ - Nicole [19:23] ● “We know that grief is like your DNA, very unique for you and your healing process. And that roadmap is going to be different for you.” - Herdyne [22:22] ● “When you're shining your light on the world. Be careful that your own backyard doesn't get too dark. ” - Herdyne [25:05]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

● What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [31:52]

That I trust me. I trust myself and my emotions. I don't know if I always did that because I think it came with a certain level of needed vulnerability that can be uncomfortable and scary.

● If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [33:35]

Keep the legacy going

● During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [35:48]

It ain't over by the Clark sisters.

Episode Time-Stamps

● [09:12] - Nicole shares her life story with us ● [18:36] - The grief squad or people who helped her during her trying times ● [22:34] - How her grief squad helped her heal ● [24:14] - Taking the time to recharge oneself ● [26:16] - Why you shouldn’t be neglecting yourself ● [28:56] - Political grief and how it impacts people

Reference Links ● YouTube link to Nicole’s favorite song: 1. It ain't over by Maurette Brown Clark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVoJf6j9JjE

● Book: 1. The Grief Bully: A Guided Journal

Connect with Nicole ● Website: https://www.jnicolejones.com/

● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-nicole-jones-aa3900193

● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_am_jnicole/

● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/417772959025040/

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources ● To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com

● To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com

● For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com

● To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/

● To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

View Details

Jessie May Wolfe

Episode Introduction

Some of us have a wall around our hearts that we're afraid to allow through or break. Do you realize this is robbing you of living your life's purpose? If you need to set free from its clutches, I firmly believe that this episode will help you. Tune in today as I converse with Jessie May Wolfe, a brave heart leader, speaker, visionary, and founder of the HeartRise movement, which was born out of her genuine curiosity to understand how interconnected we all are.

Jessie shares being an empath ever since she could remember. She recollects that she has always been super-sensitive and a very heartful person, that heartfulness has been her guiding light in her life's journey. She advocates acknowledging the places and spaces or experiences that bring up hard memories because usually there's resistance. It helps in not letting ourselves feel there the resistance.

Losing her father, which she did eight years ago, was on multiple levels, a profound grief experience in her life. Her sister was pregnant and due in two weeks, and all of it added to the trauma. She shares how she stayed and spooned her mother for a month and cried it out until she could reorient herself and felt through it. In her words, "The heart is so the epicenter of who I am and what I believe makes us all who we are, that connection with someone we love; to lose them really is the sort of emancipation of the most intense grief that I've ever experienced." Following this was the loss of her fur baby, which also hit her hard.

To anyone who's feeling stuck, Jessie explains why bringing our hands to our heart and just taking some long, easy breaths might help alleviate the pain at most times. We have an instinct to know that this is our emotional center, our resource center.

We all want to believe in the heart, but we're doing it from the head. We want to breathe and just let ourselves feel what is actually in there that we've been holding. 'Rise' in the HeartRise preaches just that. Rise stands for Radiant Integral Soul Energy. Jessie voices the rhythm of see, feel, free, and flow to help you live through your grief journey.

With this, I welcome all of you to the Women Wisdom Freedom series! I hope this episode lights the way out through your grief experiences. Join in!

About Our Guest

Jessie May Wolfe is a brave heart leader, speaker, and visionary. She empowers teams of creatives, entrepreneurs, and executives around the world using the HeartRise Method. Following her gift of heartfulness and empathy, Jessie started the movement to help people heal through their grief journeys. HeartRise was born out of her genuine curiosity to understand how interconnected we all are.

Episode Quotes

“I think of all the clients who have built really a wall, and certain clients have really built a cemented wall around their heart because they don't ever want to feel that first heartbreak again.” - Herdyne [10:29]
“We've actually been taught to really discard our feeling wisdom, or that emotional sort of capacity.” - Jessie [11:29]
“I'm carrying the torch for the heart in him that never got to fully heal, and I believe so for many men, and I'm called to work with men. And I initially began working primarily with women, but I see how much the heart of so many men aches and hurts and is so hard and because they haven't been given permission to be free to release to feel.“ - Jessie [20:57]
“And every time you put handcuffs on your emotions, you are locked up from not being able to get access to the next best thing in your life.” - Herdyne [24:04]
“We get stuck at that place where the emotional blockages reside.”- Herdyne [24:58]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [41:14]

I have learned that I am stronger when I allow myself to fully come through it. That the courage lives on the other side of coming undone.

If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [42:37]

I love you

During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [44:40]

‘Hallelujah’ and ‘You Are My Sunshine’.

Episode Time-Stamps

[03:46] - Introducing Jessie May
[07:30] - Learn about the heart movement
[16:14] - Jessie shares her life journey with us
[26:54] - Jessie’s advice for the grief crusaders
[41:10] - Jessie answers Redefining Grief’s POW questions

Reference Links

YouTube link to Jessie’s favorite songs:
Hallelujah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrLk4vdY28Q
You are my sunshine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGa3zFRqDn4
Book:
Believe Bigger by Marshawn Evans Daniels.

Connect with Jessie

Website: https://www.heartrisemovement.com/founder
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessiemaywolfe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessiemaywolfe/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessiemaywolfe

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

View Details

Patrice Washington - Redefining Wealth

Episode Introduction

This is a special episode of the Redefining Grief Podcast. Our guest today is my dearest friend and personal business coach, Patrice Washington. She is a professional finance expert, America's money Maven turned holistic lifestyle innovator, award-winning author, and host of the Redefining Wealth podcast. She has used her podcast to teach millions of people that wealth is much more than money and not materialistic things. And I'm one of those individuals that she has taught that to.

If passion is about what energizes you, and purpose is what defines how you serve others. Why are money, influence, prestige, and notoriety not important things to consider in life? Patrice explains why she doesn't think there is anything wrong with considering them essential.

She also explains what the truth about her journey has been for her. She believes God is calling her to teach the women that she serves that this journey doesn't have to have all this stress, struggle, and strife, that if we are indeed in alignment, there are so many things that we will be attracted to. She believes the Lord is teaching her how to be still.

Patrice has, for years, tried to earn her family's love. She has always wanted to earn their affection. Growing up feeling really ugly about her appearance, she felt really unloved and unworthy, was teased in school for all the things, and always thought that she needed to earn love, so she became addicted to achievement.

This brought her to get a real estate license at 19 and become a broker at 21, and though all this sounds great on paper, they were not done from a place of just being purpose-driven. It wasn't until she started therapy at 22 and started to work through those things she began to dig into her purpose. There was a lot of unlearning and undoing, healing, and forgiveness, and it took her to reach a point of stillness and forgive everyone who never even asked for it.

Patrice says, if you don't heal, whatever the grief and the trauma is, there's no separating, that. If things linger unresolved, there's no active healing going on. They are going to deal with you. And it is better to be proactive in dealing with them than reactive.

Patrice also talks about the importance of showing up confidently in whatever you do. She explains how you start feeling very differently about yourself by sharing how she could forgive others and live a better life that way.

As she rightly shares today, at a certain point, as your purpose starts to evolve, you realize that every opportunity that comes is not for you. Listen in to experience the magnitude of Patrice's words for yourself!

About Our Guest Patrice Washington is a professional finance expert, America's money Maven turned holistic lifestyle innovator, award winning author, and host of the Redefining Wealth podcast. She shares with her listeners on the podcast, the many stories, principles, and practical examples, based on her six pillars of wealth. She guides you step by step through the process to create a life of peace, purpose, and prosperity. Patrice’s thoughts on wealth and purpose are truly unparalleled and is wisdom that needs to be shared.

Episode Quotes ● “I want the women I serve to understand and then that's why I say we chase purpose, not money.” - Patrice [9:56] ● “I realized that at a certain point, as your purpose starts to evolve, every opportunity that comes is not for you.” - Patrice [14:09] ● “In order for us to get to a place where we are actively healing, we have to commit to being uncomfortable.“ - Herdyne [19:30] ● “I believe that I'm learning to truly detach from what the world would see as, quote, unquote, success.” - Patrice [20:08] ● “Just because you learn how to surrender something on one level, doesn't mean you've learned how to surrender in other areas of your life ”- Patrice [22:53] ● “If there are things that are lingering, unresolved, there's no active healing going on. They are going to deal with you. And I'd rather be proactive in dealing with them than reactive”- Patrice [33:40]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions ● What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [50:02]

Keep defining wealth for yourself.

● If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [50:36]

Since redefining the grief in my life, there was nothing wrong with me to begin with.

● During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [52:20]

Speak to my heart by Donnie McClurkin

Episode Time-Stamps

● [09:31] - Patrice shares why she does what she does ● [12:21] - The importance of being still ● [13:28] - What purpose really means to her ● [20:08] - Learning to detach from the world ● [24:27] - Why faith, obedience, and trust are your key driving factors ● [31:23] - Patrice shares her backstory with us and how it all started

Reference Links ● YouTube link to Patrice’s favorite song: 1. Speak to my heart by Donnie McClurkin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud-YSDFTboQ

● Book: 1. Redefining Wealth for Yourself by Patrice Washington

Connect with Patrice

● Website: https://patricewashington.com/

● LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/patricecunninghamwashington

● Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/seekwisdompcw

● Facebook: http://facebook.com/SeekWisdomPCW

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

● To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com

● To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com ● For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com ● To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/●

To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier

MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

Redefine Wealth for Yourself: How to Stop Chasing Money and Finally Live Your Life's Purpose

View Details

Valerie Johnson-Reed: Triumph Over Tragedy

Episode Introduction

What if you learned someday that your name symbolized what you will go through and how you will handle life? Some learnings could be just as incredible. Often, we have to not say anything at all, for it is not about saying something; it is about being there.

Join me on this episode of the Redefining Grief podcast as I interview a mindful and strong woman and my dear friend, Valerie Johnson-Reed. Valerie's moving journey in life is a ray of sunshine for anyone who wishes to declutter from the infinite hardships in life and feel heard.

Her journey through grief started when her only sibling, her brother, passed away after suddenly being diagnosed with a tumor on his back that left him paralyzed from the waist down and then from there, ending up having a blood clot traveled to the lungs. And then her mother, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer before her brother passed away, died. Giving her very little time to recover, life threw upon her another mishap. After celebrating 15 years of marriage with her husband, he was diagnosed with a rare form of soft tissue cancer. He passed away in the October of 2012.

The compounding loss left Valerie with a surreal feeling, and she didn't know how to get things done. It took a lot of God's grace and mercy and angels watching over her, she says, that she was able to get me where she is today. She also makes us understand why sometimes, you're not emotionally available to grieve during the service because you have the pressure of just making sure that everything goes right for your loved one. When her husband passed away, she had her children to look after and give strength to, and breaking down in front of them was never an option for her. She battled through it alone until finally making the move to ask for help.

Valerie recollects all that played the hardest for her. She was used to her husband getting things done for her, and his absence left her tormented. She knew not where to start and how to do all that he had been doing for her all this time. She shares how the strongest connection with God gave her the strength to endure the most challenging times and keep moving.

Voicing your emotions and speaking the truth is crucial to your journey to recovery. There is always someone who needs to hear what you have to deliver. Sometimes, you don't need to save those who grieve. You just have to be there to listen. Listen in and learn how Valerie's learnings could pave the way for your healing too!

About Our Guest

Valerie Johnson-Reed is a mother, author and motivational speaker. She started with Strong To The Finish Motivational Speaking, to create a positive place to talk about the hardness that life can bring. Realizing she needed to share her story with the others to give them hope, she wrote three books, ’ Through Micah's Eyes’, ‘Grieving under God's Grace’, and ‘Stay Strong, Finish Strong’. Having known grief and its immeasurable depth, Valerie’s words are invaluable wisdom to overcome life challenges and still emerge out of them victorious.

Episode Quotes

● “I remember certain things about the service, but I don't remember truly engaging in the service.” - Valerie [10:34]

● “They are in the business of making sure the funeral and the service goes right. And they're not in the business of emotionally being vulnerable, to be present, to grieve.” - Herdyne [13:13]

● “Once I started talking about it, I started feeling better. And then other people started coming saying you know what, I know somebody that needs to hear this.“ - Valerie [19:31]

● “When you go through what your life situations, having what we call grief, no matter what that grief may be, you empower yourself and you educate yourself.” - Herdyne [20:37]

● “Sometimes we have to not say anything at all. It's not about saying something, it's about being there. “ - Valerie [22:14]

● “People cannot support us when they are emotionally unavailable, because supporting us sometimes mean for them that they have to deal with the reality of the truth that is currently happening.” - Herdyne [26:30]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

● What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [42:30]

I have learned that there are times when I do need help. And then, I need to ask.

● If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [43:36]

Enjoy life. Live. Be present.

● During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [45:02]

Breathing to me oh Lord by Fred Hammond and one by Marvin Sapp, ‘Not the time, Not the place’.

Episode Time-Stamps

● [05:11] - Valerie shares her grief journey with us

● [14:47] - How did the healing process look like for Valerie?

● [18:53] - Learn why the truth anchor is real

● [21:14] - Educating oneself on what to say

● [29:10] - You’re not alone

● [31:27] - What it was like putting the pieces back together and the emotional part of it

Reference Links

● YouTube link to Valerie’s favorite songs:

Breathe Into Me Oh Lord by Fred Hammond:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXiK1-84RHs

Not the time, Not the place by Marvin Sapp:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7WwmCNkJMk

● Books by Valerie:

Through Micah's Eyes
Grieving under God's Grace
Stay Strong, Finish Strong!

Connect with Valerie

● Website: https://strongtothefinishmotivationals.com/

● Email: strongtothefinish4@gmail.com

● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongtothe/

● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongtothefinishmotivational/

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief

Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

● To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com

● To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com

● For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com

● To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or

http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/

● To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier

MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

View Details

Latrese Kabuya: Overcoming The Odds

Episode Introduction

Any pain that you bury inside would keep resurfacing until you deal with it the way you're supposed to. Do you wish to come out of all that is eating up your mental space?

Whatever it is that you're going through right now emotionally, I want to tell you that you're going to feel pumped and ready to overcome it. Get ready to tackle it with confidence and grace as my guest today shows you how she did it right.

Join me on this episode of the Redefining Grief podcast as I speak with the powerful Latrese Kabuya, who shares how she's had to actively get to a place where she had to tell the truth to overcome the pain she was burdened with. Learn about the moving journey Latrese had in life and how truth and faith had her come out of the many challenges she was hit with, in life.

It wouldn't be difficult to realize that Latrese was overwhelmed with the challenges that came her way. Years back, Latrese had lost her oldest child, oldest sister, had faced a rough divorce, and was a single mother. Added to this, she was looked upon for her body figure and had also faced molestation. She felt disconnected from God, her belief system was shattered. When things like "If you cry, that means you don't have faith in God", "God took her because he needed an angel", "You're tough, you'll be okay" burdened her even more.

She did not grieve; until 20 years later, when she cried herself out through the misery— Latrese recollects how this started her healing process. When you don't face it, it keeps manifesting in very stressful ways. She put her faith in God only to realize she was blessed. However hard life could get, he had his presence over her and loved her no matter what. Latrese also shares how she made her way out of her divorce from her ex-husband and how eventually, she found love in her husband today.

Connecting strongly with God not only helped her heal herself but had her discover and redefine herself in unimaginable ways. She got the strength to endure and never quit. When she changed her mindset about her purpose, her value increased.

Sometimes, what you require is to pause and introspect. If Latrese could find her purpose in life, it was because she faced and told the truth. The Truth anchor is real. Listen in and learn how this conversation could resonate with you too!

About Our Guest

Latrese Kabuya is a recognized empowerment speaker, coach, makeup artist, beauty consultant, and media personality. She is the Founder of Let's Get P.R.E.T.T.Y.™, a company dedicated to bringing in a complete lineup of cruelty-free makeup, and It's All About You™, an Empowerment Seminar for young girls. Latrese’s primary passion for uplifting and encouraging others is achieved through her empowerment coaching. Her motivational speaking is frequently sought-after and featured on her Monday Motivation radio segment, Men and Women’s Wellness seminars, editorials for The RealKC & SheKC Lifestyle, beauty clinics, and more. Her journey not only moves anyone listening but also inspires them to make the best out of the gift of life!

Episode Quotes

“If you don't deal with it, it's gonna manifest, it's gonna keep coming up.” - Latrese [11:09]
“Oftentimes, I really do believe that we get so caught up in the business of life, in the business of what people told us how we should heal, that we don't even realize that we're being stagnant emotionally.” - Herdyne [12:43]
“I allow myself I give myself permission to deal with the emotion that is attached to it.” - Latrese [15:13]
“When I started getting a hold of the Word of God and it started resonating in my spirit, that's how I started healing from the inside out. “ - Latrese [25:28]
“What's so interesting about my past is because I always dealt with insecurities and issues and self-esteem. But I was this makeup artist, you know. And so I was always making people pretty on the outside. “ Latrese [21:07]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [37:36]

That I'm powerful, that I have value and purpose. And that I am an overcomer. I went against all odds.

If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [38:04]

Live your life on purpose.

During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [38:44]

The Story I’ll Tell by Maverick City. Because it's talking about overcoming. It's talking about who God is in your life.

Episode Time-Stamps

[08:33] - Latrese’s thoughts on overcoming challenges
[15:59] - How did healing from the inside out, look like for Latrese
[19:33] - Dealing with divorce and how she came out of it
[23:34] - About Latrese’s company
[24:56] - How faith had her heal and redefine herself
[29:08] - Latrese talks about knowing her husband

Reference Links

YouTube link to Latrese’s favorite song (The Story I’ll Tell by Maverick City): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjY26wzFm2U

Connect with Latrese

Website: https://www.latresekabuya.com/
Email: info@latresekabuya.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tresekabuya/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tresekabuya/

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

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Whitney West: Grieving The Life You Had

Episode Introduction

Sometimes, life gets awfully messy and unpredictable en route to reaching your goals. Recentering yourself and accepting the changes that you are to undergo could be overwhelming. But remember, those are the times that actually trick you into discovering what you are truly capable of!

Have you been wanting to battle your way out through challenges to living the life you have always wanted to? The keys to your happiness and fulfillment often lie in your insides. Take a moment to listen in to this insightful conversation today with the incredibly inspiring Whitney West, who shares her powerful journey of finding light in the darkest times of her illness and discusses how truth and acceptance are her ultimate superpowers!

About Our Guest

Whitney West is a success strategist, coach, speaker, and the face of her brand The Whitney West. Her mission is to help chronically ill women strategize ways to redesign their lives and successfully overcome obstacles that prevent them from living abundantly despite their diagnoses.

She offers one on one coaching, group coaching, and speaking and has also created a community for black women with chronic illnesses on Facebook called Sistas with Chronic Illnesses. This community is a safe space for black women to discuss the struggles they go through with their chronic illnesses that are unique to our population.

Episode Summary

Whitney West was diagnosed with a rare chronic illness that depleted her body of the required oxygen levels severely. She was alone, frustrated, and depressed. Managing her everyday work was inexplicably draining, both physically and mentally.
She shares how she was fortunate to have found a good listener in her doctor, who helped her realize, accept and face the challenges that came her way.
Whitney shares how she stepped on to relearning herself and how the death of her close friend who was battling a chronic illness herself, changed her in deeper ways. Whitney’s friend passed away doing what she really loved to. She realized that there is no perfect time to do what you have to do.
We learn the importance of advocating for yourself by asking for help when you actually require it.

Episode Quotes

“People do not understand that their healing is in their hands, the moment they have an awareness of what is going on.”- Herdyne
“Anytime you ignore something, you're gonna run right into it.”- Whitney
“I didn't want to be stagnant. I didn't want to stay the same.”- Whitney
“I strongly believe if you really want to get to a place where you're at restoration, where you feel hold, and you feel like you can, whatever you face, you can move forward in faith, you first got to tell the truth.”- Herdyne
“What comes with truth is freedom. Freedom for you to be yourself, freedom for you to show up. And freedom to realize who was really in your corner.”- Herdyne
“It's harder to convince somebody that they can live a life of abundance and happiness if they haven't even begun to get on that journey.”- Whitney

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

What have you learned about yourself since redefining the grief? [43:04]

That I am resilient. I always can find the light. It's like no matter how dark things get, I'll always bounce back.

If today was your last day on earth, and you have the opportunity to say five words or less, what would those words be? [44:04]

Life is generous. It's just like the sky is beautiful today. Despite everything else, those small moments and just being thankful for having experienced such beautiful things, I would just say life is just life.

During your dark times, was there a song that got you through? If so, what is that song? [45:33]

I Love The Lord by Whitney Houston. That song is very touching for me.

Episode Time-Stamps

[04:54]- Whitney shares her journey
[14:25]- Google searches gave no solid information about her illness
[19:35]- Grieving the old Whitney and accepting changes
[34:00]- Asking for help and being honest
[35:57]- On allowing herself to mourn and then driving the purposeful living
[38:39]- Whitney shares what her group is about

Connect with Whitney

Website: thewhitneywest.com
Email: info@thewhitneywest.com
Instagram: com/thewhitneywest
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhitneywest
Other: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17012988

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

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Ebony Tutora

Episode Introduction

As kids, our instinctual intelligence guided us when understanding right and wrong. We knew it when something was not right, we could sense danger and steer clear from it. What happens to that instinctive light as we grow older? Why does it get so clouded that you find yourself afar from the truth? Ebony Tutora is a revolutionary thinker and creator who emerged out through the darkest of times to become the best version of herself.

Ebony joins us on this episode of the Redefining Grief podcast, to talk right everything that needs to be about shielding from the truth in the most disheartening times. She also elaborates on why it is important to view your grief experiences as a learning journey and repeat healthy everyday habits that help heal. Listen in to experience the magic of the conversation for yourself!

Ebony experienced a fair share of childhood trauma- from having a chaotic household with a drug-addicted father, and living month-to-month on public assistance, she saw it all. When 15, Ebony got into a relationship with a guy from Ghana who was 10 years older. It had been an extremely violent relationship that ended with her being raped and held hostage. She kept going back to her abusive boyfriend: it was like a vicious cycle until she took some time to learn about it for herself. She dated him for over 3 years before breaking up with him finally. This experience had Ebony learn a major life lesson- You have to trust your instincts and face the truth.

All this childhood trauma finally led her to this wake-up call and she found that the right books made their way into her hands. Being open to the ways of the universe, God began showing her the path. Ebony narrates a life-changing experience that is not just exciting, but also mystical. When she was in New York City, she met a guy on the train she was traveling on. He sat next to her and whispered in her ear- “You are beautiful, beautiful in your soul”. And ended with, “You should go to Church”. And she did. But she was never able to find him there. Never. Later she talked to a person who sees angels, and she said, “That’s who he was, an angel.”

Repeating everyday healthy habits and doing necessary things to heal every day or, you know, in a way that is intentional can make all the difference in the world.

About Our Guest

Ebony Tutora is a revolutionary thinker and creator. Her purpose and passion are to share her truth authentically via transformational Life Coaching so that others who have faced the same struggles can be inspired to know there is hope. With a passion to teach about self-worth, and finding it so we can find our purpose; she has done this through her empowerment brand Queens Recognize Queens®. Giving others a platform to gain clarity around who they are, by encouraging them to harness the divinity within. Ebony specializes in holistic coaching, one on one, and her mission is to globally impact and uplift 1 million women and girls by encouraging them to love themselves and one another, heal, and walk boldly and courageously into a lifelong goal of becoming the best version of themselves.

Episode Quotes

“If you have a belief that you shouldn't experience storms, you have no wisdom.” - Ebony [8:03]
“If you continue to look for the light in your storm, the day is just going to get brighter and brighter.” - Herdyne [18:10]
“Wisdom has taught me that I need to learn to surrender because I cannot control every waking hour. “- Ebony [30:29]
“Sometimes, growing means pruning or cutting off the people that are not growing with you.” - Herdyne [39:23]
“The inability to take wisdom, the inability to say goodbye, that inability to cut off things, people, and places that are what is creating strife in your life.” - Ebony [40:51]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [44:34]

I learned that life doesn’t happen to you. But you happen to live. Everyone has the power to change and when you share your stories with each other, you help each other heal and evolve.

If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [33:35]

Turn your pain into power.

During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [35:48]

Tasha Cobbs – For Your Glory

Episode Time-Stamps

[10:35] – Ebony shares her life story with us
[19:12] – Ebony reinforces how examining the truth is the only way to gain liberation from your grief
[25:04] – How to release your grief
[27:49] – Wisdom is not solidified ideas, but a current. You need to catch the wave.
[34:29] – Ebony shares a miraculous story
[42:22] – How to turn your pain into power

Reference Links

YouTube link to Ebony’s favorite song:

Tasha Cobbs – For Your Glory

Book:

Forgiveness: Overcome Emotional Trauma, Heal Relationships And Find Inner Peace In Just 8 Simple Steps

Connect with Ebony

Website: https://www.queensrecognizequeens.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebony-tutora-358608149
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/QueensRecognizeQueens/photos/

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

Forgiveness: Overcome Emotional Trauma, Heal Relationships And Find Inner Peace In Just 8 Simple Steps

View Details

Do you find it hard to communicate with your creator? Do you not know what to say? Maybe you are at a place in your heartbreak that the prayers of others are providing you strength. In today's episode, Herdyne will be praying for The Grief Crusader Community.

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community.

Join here https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com

To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com

For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com

To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or

http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/

To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

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Healing Requires Action - Herdyne Mercier Episode Introduction

Battling your way out through grief requires you to take action. It is the little things that help you build the muscles to take up more significant things, which applies in the context of healing also. Start by not feeling comfortable with your grief and pain. It is not normal. Don't coddle it like a baby. Be vulnerable to pain. Face the truth, however terrible it feels. If you find yourself suffering right now, it's time for you to take action.

Listen in to the few tips I share with you today that could help you in your healing-

Have a vision- know that healing is possible. No matter how dark your days are, there is going to be a healing light. I am not saying you will not cry or experience pain, but on the other side of that pain lies a life worth living.
Have small, exciting healing goals- goals that even scare you a little. Celebrate when you fulfill them. Have smarter goals- make sure that you can measure them, that you're able to time them out, and that they are relevant.
Embrace counsel and new knowledge.

It's time for you to make a commitment to yourself. To really understand that you are worthy. Take action.

I have been hurt in so many ways that now I wish to support other people going through their own grief and suffering. Listen to the episode as I share my learnings through life with you!

Episode Quotes

● “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result” Herdyne [6:55] ● “We are so used to being comfortable with our pain that it is uncomfortable to heal.” - Herdyne [8:57] ● “Your healing requires you to allow your spirit to be vulnerable to experience the pain so that you can heal.” - Herdyne [10:15]

● “On the other side of that pain is waiting for you is a life worth living.” - Herdyne [12:38] ● “You're going to be able like you're gonna feel free to breathe because you are betting on you.”– Herdyne [22:24]

Episode Time-Stamps

● [04:32] – Healing requires action ● [13:28] – Starting with a vision ● [14:48] – Making small, exciting healing goals ● [19:09] – Understanding that you are worthy of restoration ● [21:26] – Commitment to healing

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources ● To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com

● To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com

● For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com

● To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/

● To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

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New Year, Same Grief - Herdyne Mercier

Episode Introduction

This new year, let us all take that step forward to redefining grief. You know that healing requires you to take action and make informed decisions. The pain may have been around for so long that we really do not know what to do with it. Though it might feel normal, know that it should not.

Today, I want you to explore this thing I call Actively Healing to Live. Listen to the episode today as I address our 5 grief anchors once again to help you live the best lives ever.

A few tips to help you in your grief journey-

See healing on your calendar- journal writings, church podcasts, and faith sermons could help. Learn to sit in silence and deal with your inner thoughts.
Identify your healing community- supportive, accountable individuals who don’t judge you. These are the people who create that safe space for you. Make sure you are not bottling up emotions that make you emotionally stagnant. Experience all of it and live a purposeful life.
Educate yourself- Know that healing requires you to be uncomfortable. There will be good days and bad days. Though it would be a roller-coaster ride of emotions, stay committed to yourself. You’ll then reach restoration.

Your emotional health requires you to share your tears and embrace those emotions that come with them. Always remember that although your heart is broken, you are not broken.

Episode Quotes

“My model this year is really exploring this thing called actively healing to live.”- Herdyne [5:28]
“Your healing, your grief; is just like your DNA, it is unique to you.”- Herdyne [10:47]
“Healing requires you to be uncomfortable” - Herdyne [12:03]
“Get to that place where you feel emotionally healthy enough to share the tears and embrace the emotions that come with it.” – Herdyne [12:40]
“Your heart might be broken, but you are not broken.“-Herdyne [13:18]

Episode Time-Stamps

[3:19] – The five anchors of grief
[5:23] – Active healing
[7:48] – Tips for active healing
[12:28] – Place of restoration

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

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Sean Rodgers

Episode Introduction

Our society has forever seen crying or expressing grief to be a sign of weakness. And men are expected to not cry or let out their feelings even if everything around them is falling. Why does it have to be that way? Why do we not see that men have emotions too?

Join me on this episode of Redefining Grief as I welcome Sean Rodgers, who’s a dear friend of mine and also a successful entrepreneur. He owns Response- Marketing and Mailing, a print fulfillment and direct mail advertising company where he helps clients grow their business, and has been passionate about helping others since 2008.

It seems Sean has always had activism and leadership in his blood. Back in school, his best friend was called stupid and dumb one day by his then teacher. Hurt and furious at this, he went on the break and asked everyone in the class not to attend the classes that day. Surprisingly, all 75-100 students did not enter the class! The school authorities called his mother and she prayed he should not land into trouble for his leader-like or activist nature. He found it very difficult since then to get the real him outside.

After school, he had to face the death of his grandfather who was one of the most important people in his life. He taught Sean how to be a man and was his support system. His demise made him all the more rebellious and he reached a point where he resented everything. He resented everyone, even his mother. He was adept at proving to be someone he is not, to everybody around him.

All this ended up with him going to jail in Oklahoma City. Despite the fact that he had never been in any trouble, never had a record, never did anything wrong, this happened. And they gave him 90 years for drug possession. How then did he get out if it? How did God bestow his grace upon him? Tune in to the episode today to learn the entire story of revival.

Sean surrendered himself to God entirely. He says, if you are not going be what you’re destined to, you're blocking everything that God wants you to do. “You're missing your purpose. You're missing your calling.”

About Our Guest

Sean Rodgers is a charismatic entrepreneur who is passionate about serving others since 2008. He owns Response- Marketing and Mailing, a print fulfillment and direct mail advertising company where he helps clients grow their business. As a business owner, he realized there is some freedom that comes with being a business owner. He volunteers and helps fatherhood projects by mentoring young men at the juvenile detention center. He helped young men's fathers facing life sentences acknowledge and accept their role and responsibilities in their children's lives. In addition to leading men, Sean, also with his wife, mentors premarital and newlywed couples to help them build the foundation of their marriage. They are in the process of launching Steadfast Love with the Rogers, a semi annual retreat for couples married less than five years. Sean has also been featured in a documentary called Real Men Don't.

Episode Quotes

“At the end of the day, if you don't decide to deal with your heartbreak and your emotions, it will deal with you. Period.” - Herdyne [15:46]
“It is like I never shed a tear to release. Crying is releasing sometimes. I never released.” - Sean [20:34]
“When I start releasing the tears when I start to cry, I start coming out of some things I started realizing, you are just not crying for your mama, you're crying because of your grandpa, you’re crying for past hurt, you’re crying for what happened in your life, how you got stagnated.“- Sean [22:42]
“Find somebody that you trust and you love that you can just listen. Learn how to cry.” - Sean [39:52]
“I needed to rest in him. I needed to settle down again in him.” - Sean [44:29]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [46:55]

I'm dynamic and not scared. What God has informed me no more, I have done that.

If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [47:59]

Love. Love yourself. Get we get lost in that love for yourself. Because it's easier to love somebody else.

During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [49:34]

Kirk Franklin and pastor TD Jakes- 911.

Episode Time-Stamps

[02:40] – About Mr. Sean Rodgers
[07:25] – Know Sean’s truth
[18:21] – How Sean felt when his grandfather passed away
[25:11] – What did it look like pulling himself out of the fire?
[42:20] – How he got to restoration

Reference Links

YouTube link to Sean’s favorite song:

Kirk Franklin and pastor TD Jakes- 911.

Connect with Sean

Website: https://responsemm.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r.steadfastlove/

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

View Details

Paul Mompremier

Episode Introduction

Paul Mompremier joins us on this episode of Redefining Grief and walks us through his struggles of growing up with a father who hasn’t always been the most supportive. He also talks about his books and tells us his key mantra in life.

Paul is an author, a model, a motivational speaker, and a truly intelligent person. He talks about his past experiences in the podcast and also sheds light on how this will affect his parenting style in the future. We’ll be getting to know about his latest book ‘The Gentlemen Code’ in this episode too. This episode is a reflection of his struggles in life and how he hustled hard enough to overcome them.

As a young man who decided that although he didn't have a guide, he was going to do what he needed to do to emotionally show up in his life. Although he may have made mistakes in his life, he said that wasn’t any excuse for him not becoming a man. Paul for brought up by his mother alone and met his real father only when he was 26. He constantly missed his presence on various occasions and moments.

Paul hated his mother back then. He felt she was keeping him away from his father. This caused him more emotional issues and he went doing heavy cardio and workout so he could distract himself.

Paul shares that ever since he stepped into the healing journey, he prays to a higher power. He does not prejudge anyone that believes in any religion because that religion has maybe helped them or saved them through dark times.

He explains the three most important “P”s in his life- Patience, persistence, and Prayer. Paul says you can't control the world and when you go outside, you don't control everything that's around you. So being patient is a very important piece.

A lot of people dream big while a lot of people dream small. But if you're not persistent in working towards your goals, and achieving everything that you want to live, you will fail. So persistence is another thing that you can apply to your life.

Tune in and learn how Paul practices self-love in little forms every day!

About Our Guest

Paul Mompremier is a motivational speaker, an author, and a model. He has authored two books, Prince Motivation: How a boy became a man, and Gentleman Code: Be a prospect, not a suspect.

Episode Quotes

“Life is this delicate balance of embracing the good times, and the bad times, the happy times, and those times that are sad, so that we can really have what I believe is emotional well, being that peace, that joy, that sorrow, all of it is a makeup of our DNA, our emotional DNA of making us who we are.” - Paul[10:38]
“I also feel that I will not judge, I would not prejudge anyone that believes in any religion because that religion has maybe helped them or saved them through dark times.” - Paul [14:57]
“You can't control the world when you go outside. You don't control everything that's around you. So being patient is a very important piece“- Paul [17:40]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [32:03]

Let go of whatever is holding you back. Let it go

If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [34:13]

Prayer, patience, and persistence are key.

During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [34:58]

Great man by Kevin Gates.

Episode Time-Stamps

[06:31] – What is your truth?
[08:32] – About his book
[14:54] – The 3 important Ps and prayer in detail
[17:00] – Patience
[19:48] – Persistence
[24:11] - What he is doing for his mental health today

Reference Links

YouTube link to Paul’s favorite song:

Great Man by Kevin Gates

Book:

Prince Motivation: How a boy became a man without guidance.

Gentleman Code: Be a prospect, not a suspect.

Connect with Paul

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-mompremier-21a058137
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/princepaul954/?hl=en

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

Prince Motivation: How a boy became a man without Guidance

The Gentlemen Code : Be a Prospect, Not a Suspect

View Details

Jay Cameron

Episode Introduction

The absence of certain people could create voids that nobody else would possibly be able to fill. But what if that emptiness is actually protection from something worse that could be?

Join Herdyne on this episode of the Redefining Grief podcast, where she interviews Jay Cameron, an entrepreneur, world traveler, speaker, playwright, community leader, and philanthropist. Jay's ventures have been featured in media publications and news outlets nationwide. Today, he elaborates on his painful past, making known the struggles and grief behind being raised by a single parent. Jay talks of how fatherlessness hit him hard during the initial days of his childhood and why later on, he realized it actually did him good.

Jay shares that his father had many kids from four different women. He never had his father with him for giving him validation and affirmation. When at school, he always landed into some form of trouble and kept making mistakes. His identity was tied to his father's absence. It brought in him a lot of insecurity, assertiveness, and rejection issues. When you are a kid, you are not mature enough to see the big picture; you don't think that your father is not good because he had a bad childhood. What you think is- "What wrong did I do?", "Why does my father not love me?".

This led to ugly relationship issues, and everything kept getting destroyed- even his marriage almost did. That's how he finally became who he is today, but at a high cost. There was a lot of pain. He suppressed a lot of emotions, so he had shown a lot of passive aggression. He had to get over the vicious cycle of unhealthy behavior, deep-seated trust issues, and rejection issues. He couldn't bring himself to trust anybody as he felt everybody would disappoint. He always wanted to be the first one to leave, the first one to strike. And that led to highly dysfunctional relationships. He broke out of all of this to live a better life today.

Looking back, as Jay learned more about his father, his history, personality, habits, and ways, he found his absence to be protection because he could see the results of those who were with him.

People experience grief in multiple ways in life. Family, work, culture, even religious circles, but when they try to talk about it, people pounce and shut them down because everyone is taught to suppress emotions. This erodes you emotionally and spiritually, and once they have kids, you pass on all this trauma to them.

You need to face the truth, however ugly it might be. You need to peel back the scab, sometimes, with no anesthetic. That's how life works. That's how you redefine grief.

About Our Guest

Jay Cameron is an entrepreneur, world traveler, speaker, playwright, community leader, and philanthropist. His ventures have been featured in media publications and news outlets nationwide. His philosophy has been developed over the years by a unique blend of life experiences. Jay was raised in a single-parent household in the multicultural southwest section of the Washington, DC and attended private and public schools. This upbringing proved to be beneficial for Jay as he gained a deep appreciation for people of all different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Despite the many hats that he wears, Jay is the proudest to be a husband and father of four children. He currently resides in the suburbs of Washington, DC.

Episode Quotes

“People are still in that mindset of wanting to be accepted by all I have come to a place in my life where I figured, if you don't like me, in my truth, you might as well not like me.”- Herdyne [0:46]
“When you suppress emotions, they either manifest internally or externally- Jay [12:11]
“For me and other people who've gone through situations where perhaps the parent was in the home and very toxic, they're having to look at it through a different lens.” - Jay [26:23]
“We have been trained on so many levels, to cover up the dysfunctions and to keep quiet” - Jay [27:20]
“If you really want to heal, if you want to get to the root of an infection, sometimes you have to peel back the scab, go down into the wound and that's painful.” - Jay [29:12]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [1:07:42]

I learned that there is nothing wrong with me. Growing up, I was into some very unhealthy behaviors, and I got asked that question a lot: what is wrong with me? Now I know that there is nothing.

If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [1:08:31]

I split them into two- to my family, I love you; and to my master, thank you.

During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [1:09:11]

Fred Hammond’s Give Me A Clean Heart and Kirk Franklin’s Conquerors

Episode Time-Stamps

[1:46] – How fatherlessness had a deep-seated impact on Jay’s childhood
[9:16] – The toxicity that can come into your life as a result of fatherlessness or motherlessness
[15:24] – The patterns Jay had to break to get to where he is
[20:23] – From fatherlessness to being a good father
[22:33] – Seeing it through a different lens
[27:16] – How society tries to shut you up when you try and talk about emotions

Reference Links

YouTube link to Jay’s favorite song:

Fred Hammond’s Give Me A Clean Heart

Kirk Franklin – Conquerors

Book:

Fatherless Fathering: A Practical Guide for Men and Women Who Lacked the Benefit of Being Properly Raised by a Father

Connect with Jay

Website: https://jaycameron.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-cameron-532a2951
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaycameronofficial/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaycameronofficial/

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

Fatherless Fathering: A Practical Guide for Men and Women Who Lacked the Benefit of Being Properly Raised by a Father

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Gerald Washington

Episode Introduction

He went from two college degrees, a multimillion-dollar business, tailored suits, a BMW, and a Range Rover and all the luxury to coming home in a uniform smelling of lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and sour cream. But whatever the job was that he undertook, Gerald made sure that in his mind he was the CEO of the role he had been assigned. Why do you think life sometimes forces us into roles and figures we have never anticipated being in?

Gerald Washington has been taking brands and businesses to the next level of success. His leadership, innovation, and business acumen leave only two words to describe him: Empire Builder. Today he’s building a family empire that includes several multi-unit real estate holdings, a transportation company, a brand management division, and now a transformation arm via his speaking, coaching programs, and new book, Don’t Just Start a Business, Build an Empire. Washington’s latest venture takes him off his Hollywood Hiatus and back into the amazing world of entertainment and television productions. With the launch of Driveway Productions his Atlanta based production company, a renewed sense of purpose, a laser focus, and a commitment to providing programming that will not only be entertaining but will tell the types of powerful, culture-driven, complex, perspective-based, impactful stories so many viewers are craving.

Gerald’s passion for business and entrepreneurship started in his youth. In high school, he launched a profitable 5-figure candy business. While attending college, he founded a marketing company that promoted national concert tours and counted major brands such as Coca-Cola among its clients. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Advanced Economics with a minor in Psychology from Occidental College, he launched a boutique real estate company with his then-girlfriend, and future wife, Patrice. Within a few years, Gerald had built a multi-million dollar real estate empire. With several successful million-dollar companies under his belt in his early twenties, Gerald took a huge financial hit during the economic downturn of the late 2000s and lost the majority of his businesses.

He had taken up a number of jobs for which he was overqualified then. He was so desperate to make his ends meet and provide for his family, that he worked with Taco Bells at a point. Through all the odds Gerald had faced in life, he has been able to distinguish clearly between an entrepreneur and an empire builder. He says, “the steps it takes to build an entrepreneur or business in my mind are the same steps except multiplied that it takes to build an empire”.

Determined to rebuild his portfolio, gain momentum in the business, and surpass his previous success, Gerald bounced back stronger and wiser than ever. He created his own empire. Listen in to the episode today and take away wonderful nuggets of wisdom!

About Our Guest

Gerald Washington. The Empire Builder has been taking brands and businesses to the next level of success with his leadership, innovation, and business acumen. He is building a family empire that includes several multi-unit real estate holdings, a transportation company, a brand management division, and now a transformation arm via his speaking, coaching programs, and new book, Don’t Just Start a Business, Build an Empire. Washington’s latest venture takes him off his Hollywood Hiatus and back into the amazing world of entertainment and television productions. With the launch of Driveway Productions his Atlanta based production company, a renewed sense of purpose, a laser focus, and a commitment to providing programming that will not only be entertaining but will tell the types of powerful, culture-driven, complex, perspective-based, impactful stories so many viewers are craving.

Episode Quotes

“I was the CEO of my role because that is my mindset.” - Gerald [19:50]
“Becoming the CEO is not attached to $1 amount, I think it's attached to being the chief executive officer of the situation.” - Gerald [22:01]
“People are watching with the power to bless you and you were blessed. “- Herdyne [27:29]
“The humility I needed in order to be successful, I had to learn by going through what I went through” - Gerald [29:13]
“I needed to rest in him. I needed to settle down again in him.” - Sean [44:29]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [36:25]

I'm not as strong as I thought I was. And that's okay. That I don't have all the answers.

If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [37:57]

I love you.

During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [39:33]

Closer

Episode Time-Stamps

[08:06] – Know Gerald’s truth
[16:28] – Feeling loved
[18:05] – How did Gerald reconstruct himself
[30:35] – Advice for people who are emotionally stuck and not willing to deal with the humiliation in that short season
[32:20] – Employee vs. Entrepreneur

Reference Links

YouTube link to Gerald’s favorite song:

Closer

Connect with Gerald

Website: https://www.geraldwashington.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwempirebuilder/

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

View Details

Darren Bennett

Episode Introduction

Losing someone dear to you always brings inexplicable misery. In those deteriorating times, it is only justifiable if you ask for some space to grieve the process. But how would you imagine the situation to be when the death of someone close to you becomes a worldwide affair?

Shannon Bennett was a hugely respected and admired cop who died contracting COVID. In this podcast, Herdyne Mercier talks to his brother, Darren Bennett, who expands on his overwhelming journey through grief.

In the middle of the global pandemic, Darren lost his brother, who was also one of his closest best friends. Shannon was 39 and healthy, and Darren just took for granted that he would make it through the illness. He could not go see him or be with him; he was isolated. Shannon loved people and poured into his community and family. Considering all the impact that he had on them, Shannon’s death was painful for the entire community.

As everyone was trying to get over the trauma, the VSO Deputy sheriff then publicized this without asking for the family’s permission. A week later, there were hateful words spoken by the former chief police and many others, who taunted Shannon for being a gay policeman.

Darren shares with us that it cannot be that anyone can understand your grief. Losing his brother amid a global pandemic, isolated, and facing the wrath of some people’s hate, is not very understandable to many.

To deal with the myriad and magnitude of his grief, faith helped. Being a pastor, Darren and his family found a lot of sustenance in God’s Word and the scriptures. Darren’s book, “I’m My Brother’s Keeper” was his way of honoring his brother. He says it was therapeutic and helped him get out of the basement of grief. He could put all the pain and the grief and the frustration and even the anger on paper. The book is about how love-filled the gap between an openly gay cop and a conservative evangelical preacher and that in the end, love always wins.

Tune in to the episode to hear Darren’s story in his words.

About Our Guest

Pastor Darren Bennett is also a public speaker, podcast host of “Miami VOICE”, and the author of the book “I’m My Brother’s Keeper”. God called Darren and his family to plant a church in North Miami, and after much prayer and confirmation, the couple opened their hands and let God lead the way. God spoke specifically to Darren when the church taught through a series on Jonah emphasizing God’s heart for the city. Darren and his family reside in North Miami Dade so they understand the unique opportunity they have to infuse the message of the gospel to a very culturally diverse demographic.

Episode Quotes

“That in the midst of chaos, your life still has purpose.”- Herdyne [1:58]
“You can't police anyone's grief. All you can say is, I may not understand it, but I need to know how I can support you in this season. - Herdyne [15:03]
“The Holy Spirit is infused into us. And so we have an all-access VIP pass to the Savior, and we can go before him, and he can handle the hard questions.” - Darren [33:58]
“Suffering creates this perseverance and perseverance creates character, and through character, we have hope. “- Darren [37:30]
“There's no such thing as wasted pain” - Herdyne [41:17]
“I do believe that we should bend and stretch ourselves into uncomfortable context so that we can show how to love others in a culture that's not necessarily like ours.” - Darren [1:06:14]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [1:07:42]

I am not Superman. Even though my default mode is solitude, I can’t always be on an island all by myself. I need community, and I might need it for all eternity.

If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [1:08:31]

Delight solely in the Lord.

During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [35:48]

Hillsong Christ by Cornerstone

Episode Time-Stamps

[11:50] – Darren talks about the grief that hit him
[17:09] – Darren elaborates upon the incident
[24:36] – You don’t just “get” other people’s grief
[27:36] – God and grief
[53:38] – Darren’s experience about writing the book

Reference Links

YouTube link to Darren’s favorite song:

Hillsong Christ - Cornerstone

Book:

I’m My Brother’s Keeper – Darren Bennett

Connect with Darren

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-bennett-87182a39
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrenbennett82/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darrenbennett82

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

View Details

Faith Dickens

Episode Introduction

Have you had to face back-to-back losses in life? Do you find yourself drenched in the pain and not able to make out how to get over it? In this episode, Herdyne and Faith have a genuine heart to heal chat about her journey of grief.

Faith Dickens is a certified counselor, author, speaker, and Chief Executive Officer of Live Again Counseling Services. Live Again Counseling Services was created to assist people in processing grief, pain, trauma, relationship challenges, and disappointment. Faith is experienced and trained to help people overcome adverse life-changing events.

She was born and raised in South Florida where she currently resides with her family. Faith is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University with certifications from the North American Association of Counselors and Columbia University’s Center for Complicated Grief. Although, we will have ups and downs throughout the course of life.

Faith’s heart desire is to see people become completely whole while living out their purposed destiny. Today, allow Faith to counsel you in this thing called life. She takes pleasure in navigating people out of relationship issues, grief, trauma, and self-improvement to bring healing and hope.

Faith did not get married. When she had set plans to do so, and life seemed to begin to widen, her to-be husband passed away all of a sudden. She gave CPR to him, not realizing he was already gone. Today, she explains to their daughter why she never got married and how life had robbed her of that opportunity at the best time of her life.

She believes God placed her on the earth to use her as a vessel. Not only to bring people back to him but to help to restore and to bring healing, restoration. She found God to be a healer to the broken heart. But also somebody that wants to take what you've experienced from broken heartedness. She believes that despite going through all the pain and trauma, you can move forward and continue to live life.

Today, learn how her name reflects her inner calling. Listen in for her powerful wisdom and grace!

About Our Guest

Episode Quotes

“We don't really need you to say anything. Sometimes. We just need you to support us and what supporting us looks like when we're going through our despair” - Herdyne [24:37]
“I'm not interested in, is having these situations in my life that keep reoccurring, because I'm trying to do God's work. ” - Faith [29:06]
“I had to understand something about myself. And that was, take my expectations of what faith would do off of other people.“- Faith [33:01]
“People will take advantage of you when you're grieving.” - Faith [34:34]
“You all become somebody that's just so broken that you just take anything that shows up. ” - Faith [35:35]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [01:03:10]

Just try to stop stumble you up.

If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [01:04:05]

Pray, Love, Forgive, Release, Live.

During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [01:04:30]

William Murphy- Everlasting God

Episode Time-Stamps

[07:08] – What is Faith’s truth?
[19:19] – Faith explains her story of life
[25:59] – How can you be there for someone grieving?
[26:45] – Some of the therapy sessions she held
[42:27] - How Faith’s mom is also her dad today

Reference Links

YouTube link to Faith’s favorite song:

William Murphy’s Everlasting God

Connect with Faith

Website: https://www.liveagaincs.com/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myaidensfaith/?hl=en

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

View Details

Trina Casey

Episode Introduction

Do you feel you have been abandoned in life? If yes, why were you brought to that unimagined extreme? Healing required Trina Casey to say good-bye to the dream of what was supposed to be the relationship with a mother who might be ready to love, support, and care for her in an emotional matter.

In today’s episode, I am joined by my dear friend Trina, who is a thought leader. She is the creator of This Real-life Books, is a certified family trauma professional, CBT coach, children’s book author and EQ based Educator. Trina has taught all over the world. She currently resides and teaches in Amsterdam, and has lived and taught in Italy, Indonesia, and all over the US.

Trina had a passion for writing at a young age and uses her inner child to tap into her imagination to write children’s books that focus on teaching Emotional Intelligence. She created This Real Life Books with the encouragement of her son, who loved the bedtime stories she told him every night to help him deal with the self-doubt caused by bullying in school. All of the stories would give him practical tools to deal with the problems he faced at school while retaining a positive view of himself. He soon was able to speak his truth not only to his peers but also to the teachers who were not giving him the support he needed. It was then; she decided Teaching EQ would be her purpose!

Trina’s mom had a harsh past. She went through a lot of trauma herself and that translated into her parenting style. She had seen poverty, was an introverted person and on top of that, had an abusive father. Her mom left because of the abuse. And she could never really got over that. Also, she had Trina when very young.

All this caused Trina to think she wasn’t lovable. She started to resent her physical experience even, because she was reminded of her mother- they looked alike. It was when she was 12 or 13 that she stayed with one of her friends’ in her house that she realized how a mother’s love showed in her nurturing and caring. She recollects, “It wasn't about having clothes, it was about getting hugs and contact and being told that I was great.”

Trina was always in contact with her mother and that also helped him in the healing. Because she gave validation to their emotional state and gave them space. She also talks about Buddhism and how that helped her in the journey forward. It helped her find the center of her mind for herself and relax.

Tune in today to hear her story in her own words. Also, learn how you could view your sufferings of the past and bring up your kids in the best manner possible!

About Our Guest

Trina is the creator of This Real-life Books, is a certified family trauma professional, CBT coach, children’s book author and EQ based Educator. She has taught all over the world. She currently resides and teaches in Amsterdam, and has lived and taught in Italy, Indonesia, and all over the US.

Episode Quotes

“I was obedient, I was quiet. But I had all of this stuff inside of me that I wanted to express.” - Trina [10:11]
“We have a tendency to think that our emotions are exclusive to us, as adults, and that children are not allowed to have an emotional expression.” - Trina [12:25]
“Because once you are aware and can tell the truth, then change happens.“- Herdyne [22:39]
“I didn't want to be in this dimension this life anymore. I wanted to go beyond it. Because I knew there was something beyond it.” - Trina [32:57]
“That woman who birthed me who loves me in the way that she can, can never give me the emotional support that I need or the emotional space that I need.” - Trina [34:44]
“I understand what you're saying because marriage is a partnership of growth, not stagnant.”- Herdyne [37:51]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? 49:21]

I've learned that I have overcome a lot of grief like I have lived it, been in it.

If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [50:18]

Forgive me, I forgive you. I love you. And I'm sorry.

During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [51:31]

Adore

Episode Time-Stamps

[05:31] – What is your truth?
[14:17] – Why are children not allowed to have an emotional expression?
[16:54] – When you have self awareness, you are able to see how you are feeling in your body, how were you are feeling about you
[26:21] – What are some examples of not having emotional space?
[30:09] – What does faith look like for Trina?
[37:38] - How is Trina anchored in faith?
[40:06] - How has your Buddhist faith healed her and helped her get to a place of restoration with.

Reference Links

YouTube link to Trina’s favorite song:

Adore

Connect with Trina

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisreallifebooks/
LinkedIn: https://nl.linkedin.com/in/thisreallifebooks

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

View Details

Sybrina Fulton

Episode Introduction

The death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin during a violent confrontation in the February of 2012 has made Sybrina, a household name. She developed a foundation in his honor called the Trayvon Martin Foundation, out of the need to bring awareness to end senseless gun violence and strengthen the families through holistic support and mentoring. She holds an annual retreat where she honors and empathizes with the pain of the mothers of children killed by gun violence.

Sybrina joins me on this episode of Redefining Grief today. She shares her deep grief story with us sharing also how she pulled herself out from the darkness to take action for others. Listen in for a mother’s take on justice for her late son and advice for people who have to face racism in one form or the other in life.

Sabrina shares that in the beginning, she tried to run away from it all. She says a lot of people try to protect themselves from their bad days but that those are just like the weather, you can't stop them from coming. You have to allow yourself to have them. She also shares that the hole in her heart for her son will always remain.

To move forward, she had to constantly work on something. She decided she did not want to be depressed and tried to move on with life. She started reaching out to moms and created a circle of mothers experiencing some of the same feelings that she did. This took some of the pressure off of her chest. Trusting God again helped her make the move forward.

To anybody raising a black kid in America, Sybrina says there’s the need to have that talk with them. We have to make them know that some people will judge them by the color of their skin, that there are hateful people in the country, and there are people that will shoot and kill you because of the color of your skin. Not because they really know you or you did something to them, but simply by the color of your skin. We need to face the truth, not to live in fear, but to be aware and have faith in God.

Sybrina says that this is not just a black and white thing, that it is about right and wrong. Regardless of what race you are, murder is wrong. It’s wrong to not hold the person not accountable. Justice to her is also the fact that the person who shot Trayvon was arrested, even though he was not prosecuted.

Listen in to learn how Sybrina finds her way forward talking to other people going through the same thing and making them feel comfortable and safe in the community.

About Our Guest

Sybrina Fulton has dedicated her life to transforming family tragedy into social change. Since the death of her 17-year-old son, Trayvon Martin, during the violent confrontation in 2012, Fulton has become an inspiring spokesperson for parents and concerned citizens across the country. Her message not only appeals to people’s hearts as it relates to children but is also one of hope and change, exemplified by her personal experiences and endeavors. As a mother, she inspires audiences to continuously educate their children about civil rights and to help them feel accepted as part of an ever-changing society. An honest and relatable speaker, Fulton always looks forward to sharing her powerful message with everyone from colleges and legal professionals to community and family organizations, and all other proponents of social justice.

Episode Quotes

“Now my energy wasn't all about what I was going through, I was seeing different situations and trauma that other mothers were going through.”- Sybrina [10:15]
“A lot of people try to protect themselves from their bad days. It's just like the weather, you can't stop the rain. The sun will shine again.” - Sybrina [20:06]
“A lot of times people rely on other people to make them feel better, but you got to know what your triggers are” - Sybrina [21:52]
“It is okay to have a purposeful life with happiness and sadness. It's about learning to embrace both emotions. “- Herdyne [23:24]
“The ones that show up, that's who you have to put most of your energy and that's the ones that you have to pay attention to.” - Sybrina [34:44]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [32:57]

I see myself as the conductor of a train. Some people leave the train halfway through the journey, and some people stay. I focus on the ones that stay.

If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [34:57]

Stay focused.

During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [35:48]

Fred Hammond - Blessed

Episode Time-Stamps

[08:50] – Sybrina talks about how she confronted her grief
[14:09] – Raising a black kid in America
[20:05] – Sabrina’s bad days
[29:22] – What justice for her son looks like
[30:38] – Sybrina on her plan of action, moving forward

Reference Links

YouTube link to Sybrina’s favorite song:

Fred Hammond - Blessed

Book:

Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin

Connect with Sybrina

Website: https://www.circleofmothers.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sybrina-d-fulton-329b2133
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sybrinafulton/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sybrinadfulton/

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin

View Details

Kara Vaval

Episode Introduction

Allow your heart to break. Go through it. Because getting on the other side is so beautiful. And in the process, know that you are absolutely worth fighting for!

Join me on this episode of Redefining Grief as I interview Kara Vaval, President and founder of Vaval Law, formerly the Vaval Injury Law Group. Kara practices mainly in the areas of Personal Injury Land Family Law. Kara is a dedicated attorney and counselor of law. Understanding that the attorney-client relationship is based on trust, respect, and confidentiality, Kara is committed to providing her clients with quality legal representation and counseling combined with unparalleled client service. In addition to practicing law, she is a published author, motivational speaker, and empowerment coach with a passion to inspire and empower everyone she comes in contact with.

Kara shares her life story with us today. It was on November 9 1996, that her father was brutally murdered. The shock that came to the family cannot be described in words completely. Her mother was 40, traumatised and immovable. Her dad, she recalls, was an incredible human being. That is one of the reasons why she is roaring today- because she has always been chasing this ideal of being even half the human he was. His death left her mother completely disoriented. Her kids were only 17, 14, and 5 years old and they needed her.

She had considered herself a victim for most of her life. She couldn’t get close with people, She had to value herself. After her divoce with her ex-husband, Kara shares how she feels lighter. She says she left a good man. And she did it because she had to value herself over anybody else. This is a major learning- when you decide to put yourself over anything and anyone else, life happens. She believes sticking onto the marriage “for” the children does not do them any good. It’s because when you are not happy, you cannot expect your children to be happy with you either.

Kara constantly reminds us that you can always make choices and change your mind for the better. Tune in today and learn Kara’s journey through grief!

About Our Guest

Kara Vaval is the President and founder of Vaval Law, formerly the Vaval Injury Law Group. Kara practices mainly in the areas of Personal Injury Land Family Law.

Kara is a dedicated attorney and counselor of law. Understanding that the attorney-client relationship is based on trust, respect, and confidentiality, Kara is committed to providing her clients with quality legal representation and counseling combined with unparalleled client service. In addition to practicing law, Kara is a published author, motivational speaker, and empowerment coach with a passion to inspire and empower everyone she comes in contact with.

Episode Quotes

“Before you can get a harvest, you have to plant the seed. And sometimes when planting the seed, you have weeds.” - Kara [11:46]
“It's very important that you are your own cup of tea. Okay, because when you're your cup of tea, you own you.” - Kara [26:43]
“It's not working because who I would need to be to be in this is not who I am. And I've played that part long enough and I'm dying the real me is dying.“- Kara [32:58]
“I'm creating my life. And I am the author of my life. And I can have anything I want. I don't have to be the victim. I don't have to settle.” - Kara [34:35]
“People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. And the pain comes when you're trying to make a seasonal person, a lifetime person” - Kara [37:02]
“I understand what you're saying, because marriage is a partnership of growth, not stagnant.”- Herdyne [37:51]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [49:12]

Liberating, Freeing, Loving, Honoring Yes, and Compassion for myself and for other people.

During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [50:17]

I didn’t know my own strength by Whitney Houston

Episode Time-Stamps

[10:23] – What is your truth?
[28:49] – What tears represented for her
[33:37] – What caused the resurrection of Kara?
[40:08] – Talking about Kara’s book
[45:57] – That one step that the listeners can take to have their resurrection.

Reference Links

YouTube link to Kara’s favorite song:

I didn’t know my own strength by Whitney Houston

Book:

The Conscious Parent by Shefali Tsabary

Connect with Kara

Website: https://www.theinpowermentinstitute.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karavavalofficial/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karavavalofficial

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

The Conscious Parent: Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our Children

View Details

Tanya King

Episode Introduction

Liberation is that ultimate state where you are off of your agony and pain. Today, we talk about the obstacles and hardships one has to conquer to get to this place after grief. In this episode of Redefining grief, Herdyne interviews Tanya King, life coach and founder of Derailed in Life.

Tanya King is a role model to all those who are uncertain about stepping out of their comfort zones. She quit her job as a nurse to pursue something she was passionate about- changing lives. Tanya had to deal with several obstacles before she could discover her purpose in life.

We learn today her experiences in life and what led her into pursuing the path she is now traversing. Tanya had fallen out of a twenty-two-year-old relationship. Getting over it, Tanya learned significant life lessons. She narrates the painful time going through her divorce- it was grieving the story's loss, she says. Speaking on the importance of not giving up your focus at moments of despair, she says, "I don't have to manipulate anything; I don't have to move anything. All I have to do is to have complete focus, and surrender and have faith that he's got it."

The interpretation of grief depends on the perspective we chose to view it from. You can choose to experience it or not. It's based on our philosophy and the meaning we get from what's happening.

Tanya reveals the emotional baggage she had to let go of to arrive at that place of restoration. "I had to let go of the lies and the perspective that I wasn't serving anyone." Today, she also talks about the book "The Little Souls and the Sun" by Donald Walsch and how it influenced her to come to a state of acceptance.

When asked what emotion would be the character name for her story, Tanya answers Love. Isn't that what binds us all to our respective life stories? Tune in to the episode to hear her words of magic!

About Our Guest

Tanya King is a revolutionary woman whose purpose in life is to Inspire. For over 15 years, Tanya has been encouraging women to unleash their inner goddesses. She helps people come out of their comfort zone and arrive at their greatest potential. With the benefit of her unconventional solutions to problems and years of experience as a life coach, she has empowered, influenced and transformed those around her.

Episode Quotes

“So my truth about grief is that we can choose to experience it or not.”. - Tanya[15:50]
“So I needed somebody who would hear me not brushed under the rug, make me see myself without any judgment.” - Tanya[22:08]
“You liberate yourself by telling the truth. “- Herdyne [29:15]
“I had to grieve the loss of a 22 year relationship. You know, you you grieve the loss of the story.”- Tanya [41:07]
“It’s the most powerful, liberating thing that will happen to you, when you realize that nothing is happening to you.”- Tanya [42:58]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

What have you found to be your truth? [48:58]

Whatever the situation is, just allow it to unfold. Stop trying to control and micromanage it because it’s for nothing anyway. So that I think that's the truth I’ve really embraced.

In five words or less, what do you want to tell people? [50:11]

You are the author.

What song got you through? [51:24]

Beyonce- “I was here”

Episode Time-Stamps

[14:38] – Tanya shares her truth about grief.
[17:04] – Tanya shares her experience going through divorce.
[25:04] – Tanya shares how her faith and community helped her get over her grief.
[32:42] – Herdyne narrates her own personal experience with liberation.
[37:46] – Tanya reveals what she had to let go of to achieve restoration.
[44:42] – What emotion would your character name be?

Reference Links

YouTube link to Tanya’s favorite song:

Beyonce –“I was here”

https://youtu.be/hDb3jZfWpoA

Book:

The Little Soul and the Sun by Donald Walsch.

Connect with Tanya

Website: https://www.derailedinlife.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-king-1423479/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanyalife/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tanya.king.104855

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

View Details

Samantha Jean Washington

Episode Introduction:

“My mother used to put me on the cheese grater – the sharpest part of it, the one with the little teeth sticking out. This sounds like I made it up, but no. I would be on my knees, arms like this crossed across my chest.”

A mother is the very being who breathes life into you. She is hailed, revered and worshipped for being an epitome of love, sacrifice and tenderness. But what if she happens to cause you more trauma and abuse than any known individual?

Samantha Jean joins Herdyne in this episode of Redefining Grief and expands on her traumatizing past. Talking of her mother, she says "There was no hugging. There was no ‘I love you.’ We were just there." She makes understand that the opposite of love is not always hatred. The opposite of love could be indifference.

She grew up around a lot of violence – emotional, physical and verbal. The relationship she had with her mother was that of abuse. Her mother used to put her on the painful part of a cheese grater, down on one knee. Her hips and knees used to hurt – it was ugly. On top of all this, there was an emotional distance between them.

Samantha struggled to find a means for escape – she tried sports, and even joined the army. But fitness was just a mask that she used to conceal the festering trauma underneath- one that kept haunting her, following her.

Today, she is a trauma-informed personal and group trainer and founder of the company Mended fitness. Her intention is to provide a safe place for trauma survivors to train their mind and body to break free from the shackles of their past.

Today's episode is her narrative of rising from the ashes. If you are someone who feels that trauma never completely faded from your life, this episode might just transform your life.

About Our Guest

Samantha has been in the fitness industry for 8 years. She is a veteran military spouse, and a mother of two. She grew up playing sports. She used it as an outlet to avoid the hardships at home. When she joined the military, she became anxious and depressed. The trauma flash backs and mental health issues that she experienced in the past got worse. She separated from the military and eventually found an opportunity to teach group fitness. Fitness was where she found solace. She became certified and became a fitness instructor. As she began to teach at different gyms, she noticed that there was something missing in the community. There was a lack of care, community, confidence and safety. She decided to start her own business for trauma survivors because she saw the power of fitness and what it did to save her life. she experienced. It was pivotal in her healing and self-care goals.

Episode Quotes

“Healing is about preparation. If you are not prepared, you will not heal” - Samantha [11:03]
“I don't want you to be tough. I want you to be real. I want you to show up in your true space” - Herdyne [12:44]
“Grief can become a just a distraction that robs us of this opportunity of living a full life “- Herdyne [29:26]
“All the things that happened, it kept on refining me.”- Samantha [42:36]
“I had to understand that I didn't need validation from other people to be who I was.” - Samantha [51:06]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [52:50]

That I’m resilient. Even while I had a traumatic childhood, I was still a person. I still had things that I could call my favorites, I still had things that I enjoyed. Yes, I had a traumatic childhood, but my identity is not limited to that.

If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [54:53]

Pain is not permanent.

Episode Time-Stamps

[12:44] – Samantha paints her life story with us in broad strokes
[15:10] – Samantha narrates a dream that awakened her fighting spirit
[18:26] – Herdyne in turn, shares her dream
[34:29] – Samantha shares her precious POWs
[46:53] – Samantha gets real
[50:49] – The final questions

Connect with Samantha

Website: https://mendedfitness.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-washington
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesamanthawashington/

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

View Details

Jeri Lyn Wash

Episode Introduction

In this episode, Herdyne interviews Jeri Lyn Wash, a mom, leader, and wellness preacher. We discuss policing grief and review why as humans, we hurt, and that's different for everyone.

Jeri Lyn Wash is a woman who wears many hats. She finds her purpose in being a mother, community leader, mentor, author, and business owner. Amidst her healing of her mother's tragic passing, she founded her organization called "Missing Our Mothers Inc." which is a haven for any and everyone who's experienced the loss of a mother and is searching for a community of understanding. She birthed "Just Jeri "(the Life/Grief Coach and Motivational speaker) with immense success. With this platform, she's providing tools of understanding, compassion, and trusted techniques that one can use to guide them through the grieving process.

Jeri recalls herself as a happy-in-love person who was about to get married in early 2016. A miscarriage left her shattered, and she started developing problems with her fiancé leading to their breakup. After all the loss that year, Jeri received a call from her sister a day before thanksgiving saying her mom didn't make it through the emergency heart surgery. Following this, Jeri went into a deep depression, also leaving her job in jeopardy.

When her 7-year-old daughter asked her to get out of bed and stop being sad all day, saying her grandma wouldn't want her to be that she realized she needed help. 4 months after her mother's death, she went for counseling and understood she had situational depression.

Two weeks before mother's day, she felt God was asking her to brunch on mother's day and miraculously came up with a name - "missing our mothers." Jeri talks about how on mother's day, 21 people came for her brunch and ultimately found her life's purpose.

Both Herdyne and Jeri have an intrigued curiosity about grief and death. They want to be funeral directors and have a gift to heal other people's grief.

There is peace after pain, and it's okay not to be okay. Tune in to this episode to hear the complete story!

About Our Guest

Jeri Lyn Wash is a mother, community leader, mentor, author, and business owner. Amidst her healing the tragic passing of her mother, she founded her organization called “Missing Our Mothers Inc.” which is a safe haven for any and everyone who’s experienced the loss of a mother and is searching for a community of understanding. With the immense success of her organization, she birthed “Just Jeri “(the Life/Grief Coach and Motivational speaker). With this platform, she’s providing tools of understanding, compassion, and trusted techniques that one can use to guide them through the grieving process. Healing has become a way of life for her through her many business ventures because they all allow her to help the hearts of many by uplifting and coaching them on just how to cope with grief positively.

Episode Quotes

“In order for us to be great, you have to have the wisdom and the capacity to take in the information and take these steps in life lessons to take you to the next level.” - Herdyne [ 07:08]
“When you are grieving you need the right people who will see and validate your feelings.” - Herdyne [21:56]
“It's okay to not always be okay. “ - Jeri Lyn [32:46 ]
“We birth things out of our pain.” - Herdyne [33:53]
“The little ones in our lives truly know how to activate us.” - Jeri Lyn [45:51]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

What have you found to be your truth? [40:38]

My truth is just in knowing that I'm going to have good days, and I'm going to have bad days. But my good days outweigh the bad days. My truth is helping people ministering to people, healing people, in any way because death is not just losing a loved one. There are so many different reasons that people grieve like loss of Finance, loss of a pet, loss of a friendship. So just healing and knowing that God is using me and all the glory goes to God, because there's nothing about Jeri, nothing about me.

What have you learned about you? [41:54]

What I learned about me was, I was grieving for a very long time, and I didn't know I was unhappy and sad for a long time. And now that I've come to a place where I can recognize it and understand it, I learned that it's okay to not always be okay.

Episode Time-Stamps

[00:49] – Making grief sexy
[08:52] – Herdyne introduces Jeri Lyn Wash
[12:02] – Jeri shares her truth
[15:00] – Jeri’s deep dark depression
[20:39] – Two weeks before mother’s day
[25:14] – Intrigued curiosity about grief and death
[33:53] – We birth things out of our pain

Reference Links

Link to Herdyne’s Writing Coach’s website:

Mrs. Candace L. Davis

www.candiceldavis.com

Book:

Bible: Book of Ecclesiastes 7.2

https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/7-2.html

Connect with Jeri

Website: https://www.missingourmothers.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missingourmothers/ https://www.instagram.com/justjeri___/
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000275845062

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

View Details

Latoya Mathews

Episode Introduction

Going through an abortion can be a traumatic experience. It distorts one’s emotional balance and scars one’s mental health. In this episode of Redefining Grief, transformation coach Latoya Mathews opens up about her own personal experience going through an abortion. She shares the challenges she had to face to completely reconcile from her past. From originally being broken, burdened with guilt and shame to ultimately being on a path to restoration, Latoya reveals her inspiring journey of self-healing and rebuilding.

Herdyne gives an introduction to her episode and announces her new masterclass on how to unlock your purpose in life by healing from grief.

Latoya Mathews is an inner healing coach, author, and transformation speaker who specializes in helping women who had abortions. In this episode, she joins Herdyne and reveals her life's truth, sharing that no matter what challenges we pass through, god carries the strength to reconstruct our ashes into beauty. Healing is available to those who are eager to receive it.

Latoya recalls the time she found out she was pregnant. Being a senior in high school, who had two college fellowships, she recognized she would be giving up too much if she hadn’t decided on getting an abortion. She wasn’t in an atmosphere to support a child. She recalls going to the abortion clinic which was crowded with protesters, making it extremely humiliating for her. “And I remember being in that waiting room, feeling so small, waiting for them to call me back for the procedure and being on to fill this paperwork and just being there with no one there".

Latoya talks about the shame and guilt that showed with her judgment. She recalls asking God for forgiveness. “I don’t know if you have ever sat in a room that feels so big, but all of a sudden it felt so small."

She was enlightened with her ultimate quest to rebuilding. She speaks about the pastor that escorted her to self-healing. “And I prayed every night for God to forgive me. Immediately, my pastor told me, God forgave you. God forgave you the very first time that you said that I prayed.”

Latoya talks about the seriousness of establishing a safe space for women who had gone through a similar traumatic past. She describes the consequence of the presence of a proper community in supporting self-healing and improvement. She places emphasis on the importance of openly communicating the concept of abortion.

Latoya reveals her path to strengthening back her relationship with God. “I had to start all over. I had to pray and ask God to give me eyes to see what he saw."

Tune in today to learn more about restoration. For Latoya, "Restoration was releasing those very things that have held you bound, releasing those things that you have held on for too long.”

About Our Guest

Latoya Mathews is an inner healing coach, author, and transformation speaker who specializes in supporting women who had to go through abortions. With a mission to enlighten and educate the community, Latoya is determined to empower women who had similar struggles by building a safe space to assist their mental healing and emotional recovery. Latoya wishes healing, hope, and forgiveness to women all over the world by creating an impact of wholeness and freedom.

Episode Quotes

“There's always a wound, there's not a wound that can't be healed” –Latoya [12:46]
“I don't know if you've ever sat in a room that feels so big, but all of a sudden, it felt so small?”- Latoya [21:04]
“And I prayed every night for God to forgive me. Immediately, my pastor told me, God forgave you. God forgave you the very first time that you said that I prayed.”- Latoya [23:30]
“And so I just really had to learn to accept that. I'm imperfect that I'm a person that makes mistakes because I would work just thinking that everything had to be perfect to put on this facade that nothing was wrong.”- Latoya [39:40]
“Something has to be broken in order for something to be released, and I had been broken before, so that I can release whatever is inside of me.”- Latoya [42:30]
“You know, so I realized that I'm stronger than what I actually thought I was.”-Latoya [46:50].

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

One word to describe your grief journey.[45:50]

Hard, It was hard.

What have you learned about yourself during your cross-role?[46:09]

I'm actually stronger than I thought I was.

What truth are you holding on to today?[47:01]

I am holding on to Luke 1312. That is my truth. “Woman, you are free”.

Episode Time-Stamps

[12:17] - Latoya reveals her truth.
[14:33] - Latoya shares her own personal experience with abortion
[26:24] - Latoya talks about her trust issues
[30:26] - The importance of having the right community.
[36;34] - Strengthening back relationship with god.
[41:57] - Latoya talks about restoration.

Reference Links

Book: True Measure of a Woman by Lisa Bevere.
Latoya Mathews- “31 Days Devotional Journey for Women”

Connect with Latoya

Website: https://www.latoyaMathews.com/
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/thelatoyamathews
Instagram: http://instagram.com/thelatoyamathews
Facebook: http://facebook.com/thelatoyamathews

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

View Details

Tatiana Fortune

Episode Introduction

Tatiana Fortune joins Herdyne in this episode of Redefining Grief. Tatiana is the owner of Multi-Ethnic Collections and Moments of Fortune Events, a Southwest Florida event planning firm. She is passionate about making a positive difference to affect social change and improving the quality of lives for people in need.

In this episode, Tatiana shares the times going through a crossroad in her life. What she feared the most came upon her 11 years ago, in 2009. Tatiana lost her brother, who was only 25 then.

She grew up in Fort Myers – MSW in Washington University of St. Louis and had big dreams. She expresses how her heart sank when on February 7th the following year, she got a call from her mom’s pastor, who told her that her brother died. She tried to get to happiness without going through the sadness then. She had to deal with the media because her brother and his friend were victims of homicide.

Two months after her brother’s death, she got a call that led her into worry in April. The caller said her mom was in danger at home. The abusive relationship with her dad led her mother into this. He invoked fear through his words and actions. She recalls her dad telling her something in creole since her brother’s death. He said he would tie her waist girdle up because things would be terrible and that she would no longer have a family.

She received another phone call the next day that said her mom was in hospital but alive. Her dad had harmed her to the point of death, and she committed suicide. Tatiana was relieved her mom was safe but being a daddy’s girl; she felt guilty for letting him go through such a tragedy.

Herdyne talks about how Grief is natural, there are conflicting emotions, but we are not taught to deal with them. There is power in questioning, and life review helps to heal. The five grief anchors would always guide you through the darkness.

The duo discusses Tatiana’s famous article as Tatiana shares what she meant by ” nightmares perfected my worship” in her article. She says God helped her through the lens of goodness and gave her enlightenment.

Many of us believe that we shouldn’t love our parents if we have a toxic relationship with them. Tatiana’s love proves otherwise. Tune in to learn how!

About Our Guest

Tatiana Fortune is a MSW graduate and speaks Haitian Creole. She is the Senior Center Director of the Golden Gate Senior Center. Under her leadership the Center was established as the 2nd Senior Center in Collier County. In her role, she oversees the Centers operations and activities, program development, community partnerships, outreach and personnel supervision. Her social work background and experience includes serving youth involved in the juvenile justice system, homeless families and has worked with government agencies and non-profit organizations on community outreach and development initiatives. She is also the owner of a retail business, Multi – Ethnic Collections and Moments of Fortune Events, a Southwest Florida event planning firm. Tatiana is passionate about making a positive difference to affect social change and improving the quality of lives for people in need.

Episode Quotes

“It is vital that you live for today.” – Herdyne [02:16]
“True happiness comes to a place when you can embrace your sadness “- Herdyne [19:05]
“There's power in asking questions. “- Herdyne [36:23]
“But there's trying time, right where we are perfected, and we grow and we become stronger, and we become better, more brilliant, more amazing than we ever thought we could have been before that circumstance.” – Tatiana Fortune [42:40]
“Life is not perfect, but it must be lived.” - Herdyne [43:19]
“Do not police anyone's grief.” - Herdyne [45:17]

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

One word to describe your grief Journey? [47:16]

Enlightening.

What have you learned about yourself during this time? [48:59]

I learned that I'm stronger than I think. That I have a greater sense of appreciation for who I am and I just love people because of that. And because of the people who showed up. And I value relationships a lot more. I'm more intentional. This has made me very, very more intentional in how I live and how I celebrate and appreciate those around me.

In five words or less what encouraging words can you say to an individual who's listening to your testimony? [49:52]

This too shall pass.

Episode Time-Stamps

[01:20] – Herdyne’s wedding anniversary
[03:04] –Brief introduction about Tatiana
[09:02] –Tatiana’s life before the crossroad
[14:18] –Brother’s death
[17:42] –Grief is a conflicting feeling
[23:12] –Mom’s life in danger
[26:43] –Dad’s suicide
[28:59] –Tatiana questioning God at the crossroad
[37:25] –Counselling and peace
[40:36] –Nightmares perfected my worship

Reference Links

Article:

Overcoming My Nightmare

https://www.protectyourglow.com/guest-post-overcoming-my-nightmare/

Book:

Glory Bible verse of job 3.25

https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Job-Chapter-3/

Connect with Tatiana

Websites: https://aromaticperfumeoils.com/shop https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/moments-of-fortune-events-fort-myers/98eed67f9b8febdb.html
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatiana-fortune-msw-53188b77/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatianafortune/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tatiana.fortune

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

View Details

What Supports Look Like

Episode Introduction:

Supporting someone who is going through grief is a process that needs to be done the right way. Oftentimes, your advice, prayers, or words of affirmation could not work for them the way they require. How do you make your presence known to someone who needs you in the journey? How do you not police grief but still be there for them? I want you to know that your life still has a purpose. Listen to this episode of Redefining Grief as I help you find your answers on being a support system to a person in grief!

Here are a few golden nuggets that you could start with-

Just listen to the broken heart; do not try to advise.
Don’t ask, just do.
Allow them to cry, express themselves. Do not police grief.

Episode Quotes

“The feelings that you feel surrounding grief is all normal.” - Herdyne [01:34]
“If we learn how to embrace grief, I find that you will then seek positive coping skills.” - Herdyne [02:17]
“I often believe don't allow anyone to police your grief.” - Herdyne [08:33]
“Allow your grief to be your experience and show your emotions the way you know how. ”- Herdyne [08:36]

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

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Izmane Jean-Louis

Episode Introduction

Losing a best friend brought Herdyne and Izmane crashing down in life. The emotional shock and sorrow took time to come into acceptance with what was real. In this episode of Redefining grief, Herdyne speaks with her friend and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Izmane Jean-Louis, about dealing with the death of one of their dearest friends, Shasha.

The last conversation they had with her is still fresh in their memory. Izmane speaks about being in disbelief about the tragic news. She was yet in denial and refused to believe until she saw Shasha in person. “No, I have to see her in person to really be a believer because I still had some kind of hope that my friend isn’t gone.”

Herdyne discusses the five anchors of grief to share how her own experiences of heartbreaks helped her come up with them. She shares thinking about Sasha on her wedding day and how she would be her maid of honor if she hadn’t passed away. “And I know if she was still alive, she will be a part of my matron of honor.”

Izmane talks about their grieving process and how they could not receive enough support to channel their despair. We learn the relevance of properly expressing our sentiments. It took time before Herdyne and Izmane could come to terms with the heartbreak. They realized that there was grace in saying goodbye.

Let’s have open discussions about one’s emotions and reflect on the little memories. Join us on this episode today!

About Our Guest

Izmane Jean-Louis is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She received a Bachelor's in psychology from the University of Florida, then went on and pursued a Master of Arts in Counseling. Izmane is currently a full-time doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at Adler University.

Episode Quotes

“And then I remember me saying “we'll see you at church on Friday night.” And this is what I will never forget her response. She said “if god is willing”. - Herdyne[13:43]
“Your grief journey is personal. It's like your own DNA.” –Herdyne [20:28]
” What people need to understand is that even when you're grieving, there are bits and moments that will cause you to laugh, and there's nothing wrong with that” –Izmane[30:57].
“If my friend is really dead, I want to be the one to know. I want to be the one to see and to verify” –Izmane[38:12]
“ We can create new memories mean you thinking about her, honoring her and honoring her life by living our life.” – Herdyne[43:08]

Episode Time-Stamps

[07:33] - Izmane narrates how she found out about Shasha’s death.
[23:58] - Herdyne talks about anchors of grief.
[26:41] - Izmane talks about their grieving process after Shasha’s death.
[39:38] - Herdyne and Izmane talk about how they honored her friend.
[43:58] - There is beauty in saying goodbye.
[47:02] - Importance of going back and reflecting the good memories

Connect with Izmane

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izmane-jean-louis-lmhc-ncc-a18aaa49

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

View Details

Messy On the Outside

Episode Introduction:

My philosophy is that happiness and sadness can coexist. When you create non-judgmental spaces for broken hearts to be seen, heard, and validated, you feel lighter and better. What I want you to feel today is this- that all the messiness that surrounds your life is normal; take your time with it.

I give credit to this episode to my daughter. Why? She drew me a picture a while ago. I want you to picture the drawing with me so that the learning is etched in your mind. She drew a red heart with a blue star in the center of the heart. She added light blue coloring, messy zigzag lines all around the heart. Then, in a black marker, she wrote- Messy on the outside, cute on the inside. How sweet and wise could that sound?

Wisdom is a magical word. It grows with experiences and adds to our judgment. We are all grievers looking at other’s pain from a different lens.

Listen in to the episode today as I guide you through my experience, welcome wisdom into your life, and embrace the beautiful mess you are in.

Episode Quotes

“Grief is a normal and natural reaction to any loss or change in normalcy. It is my philosophy that happiness and sadness can coexist.” - Herdyne [01:23]
“It is only when we learn the power of embracing both emotions that living a life full of emotional abundance, and balance can be attainable.” - Herdyne [01:34]
“When I say wisdom is my favorite word, it is my favorite word because there's so much to gain when you take time to understand or add knowledge or, or insight about a particular situation.” - Herdyne [10:21]
“Grief is being experienced in regards to the loss of your safety, or normalcy.”- Herdyne [12:36]
“Peace comes when you tell the truth about how you feel. Peace comes when you anchor down about your heartache. Peace comes when you anchor down with the connections with your community in your people, and truly see you that see you they hear you they understand you. Peace calms my wisdom circle.” - Herdyne [16:54]

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

View Details

Coronavirus and Grief

Episode Introduction:

Are you experiencing grief following the news and the events related to the Coronavirus? If yes, know that you are not alone. It was important for me to make you feel understood, and that is why I want to ask you to not isolate.

All of the sadness, frustration, anger, irritation that you are going through is only a result of the trauma you are experiencing. Know that this process is normal, and you are allowed to grieve through it.

But do you get stuck, not realizing how to see the light at the end of the tunnel?

If so, understand that the grief is of the loss of our unmet hopes and dreams. Today, I guide you through 5 anchors that could help you heal-

The very first anchor is truth. Be honest to yourself about how you're feeling.
Second, comes the heart anchor. Know that even if your heart is broken, you are not broken.
My third anchor is called the connection anchor. Just think about being in your community and find a connection with people.
The next anchor is faith. When times go uneasy and intimidating, have faith in yourself and the Ultimate power above.
The last anchor is the restoration anchor. It makes you look at the unresolved grief areas in your life. And during this time, please do not walk away from it. Spend some time healing.

Episode Quotes

“ I strongly believe that isolation is like the weed that I may see in my garden or my grass.” - Herdyne [00:55]
“Isolation cuts out the human connection and that's where it reminds me of the weed that I sometimes see in my garden.” - Herdyne [01:23]
“What I learned is the moment I educated myself about that particular situation or about the Coronavirus, my anxiety begins to go down.” - Herdyne [10:13]
“ Be honest about how you're feeling. ”- Herdyne [19:25]

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

View Details

This episode Herdyne Mercier, LCSW will introduce to you the fifth anchor she believes will be the foundation of Redefining Grief. This Restoration Anchor will definitely help you realize that redefining grief is a pivotal anchor in helping you understand that grief is a normal and natural reaction to any loss. The purpose for this podcast is to address the ways people grieve as well as how you can support grievers.

The Redefining Grief Podcast is designed to educate and empower grievers and those who are supporting grievers. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Grief Specialist, Herdyne Mercier provides practical advice with a clear understanding of grief as well as necessary action steps for grief recovery. While life is not perfect, it still must be lived. Therefore, it is necessary to have the emotional tools to help us navigate the grief and losses we are sure to encounter. Episodes are released weekly on Tuesday mornings.

For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast, email us at info@mercierwellness.com.

If you’d like to schedule a consultation, contact us at the link below.

https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation

Find us on social media:

RedefiningGrief #MercierWellness

Instagram

@herdynemercier

Facebook

@HerdyneMercier

Twitter

@HerdyneMercier

View Details

This is my truth. I question God. "Why me?", "Why now?", "Are you even listening?" I felt like he was not listening to my prayer requests. My faith took a hit and my emotions spiriual out of control. Fear, doubt, worry, and hopelessness took the place of faith. Those were some hard times. I am happy to to report. I tapped back in to my faith anchor and life is much better, not easy but better. I pray this episode bring you the clarity you need regarding your faith and grief through my personal life experiences and lesson.

For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast, email us at info@mercierwellness.com.

If you’d like to schedule a consultation, contact us at the link below.

https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation

Find us on social media:

RedefiningGrief #MercierWellness

Instagram

@herdynemercier

Facebook

@HerdyneMercier

Twitter

@HerdyneMercier

View Details

Have you had your heart broken? Do you feel loss and confused about your feelings? Have you been praying for a sign and what happens next. Look no further.

This episode Herdyne Mercier, LCSW will introduce to you the second anchor she believes will be the foundation of Redefining Grief. This Heart Anchor will definitely help you realize that redefining grief is a pivotal anchor in helping you understand that grief is a normal and natural reaction to any loss. The purpose for this podcast is to address the ways people grieve as well as how you can support grievers.

For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast, email us at info@mercierwellness.com.

If you’d like to schedule a consultation, contact us at the link below.

https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation

Find us on social media:

RedefiningGrief #MercierWellness

Instagram

@herdynemercier

Facebook

@HerdyeMercier

Twitter

@HerdyneMercier

View Details

Truth Is

This episode Herdyne Mercier, LCSW will introduce to you the first anchor she believes will be the foundation of Redefining Grief. This Truth Anchor will definitely help you realize that redefining grief is a pivotal anchor in helping you understand that grief is a normal and natural reaction to any loss. The purpose for this podcast is to address the ways people grieve as well as how you can support grievers.

For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast, email us at info@mercierwellness.com.

If you’d like to schedule a consultation, contact us at the link below.

https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation

Find us on social media:

RedefiningGrief #MercierWellness

Instagram

@herdynemercier

Facebook

@HerdyneMercier

Twitter

@HerdyneMercier

View Details

My Story, My Purpose

Episode Introduction:

"If you do not deal with grief, the grief will deal with you"- Herdyne Mercier

Have you had childhood experiences that changed your life forever? Most of us quite have. Back when I was a kid, I found funerals to be a very difficult time for people. I could see church members not crying, individuals trying to stop whoever cried and giving them lessons. I wanted to keep going back to funerals because, indirectly, though, I was creating the don't-do lists inside my mind, making myself aware of all that brought you to that state of pain.

Somewhere down the lane, I realized I had to keep going back to this. I share with you today how the seed of helping others going through pain was planted in my mind. Listen in!

My life's purpose is not to be perfect, not to have all the answers but to walk on water by living in faith.

The Redefining Grief Podcast is designed to educate and empower grievers and those who are supporting grievers. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Grief Specialist, Herdyne Mercier provides practical advice with a clear understanding of grief and necessary action steps for grief recovery. While life is not perfect, it still must be lived. Therefore, it is necessary to have the emotional tools to help us navigate the grief and losses we are sure to encounter.

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

View Details

Lies Told About Grief

Episode Introduction:

Whatever the cause of your grief may be, our society has never taught us how to reply to people who are hurting, what to say when people are hurting. Acknowledging the hurt is often never done.

We have all come across statements like “Time Heals”, “Just give it time”, and the like. Do you not think it is easier said than done?

If you have also believed that showing no sign of weakness should be the goal of a griever, it’s time you give your thoughts a makeover. Know that it is okay to grieve, to express what you feel.

Today, let’s bring the change by correcting our present and not blaming the generation before us. Listen to the keys to starting this revolutionary change, as I share them with you today-

Start feeling your emotions.
Stop replacing the loss with unhealthy activities.
Grieve in a community and not alone.
Stop putting a timeframe on your grief experience.
Stop believing that you must be strong for yourself, your children, or anyone in the community. What you really need to do for the community is show up, unapologetically.
Be still, pause, give yourself the time to grieve.

Episode Quotes

“Society has not taught us how to reply to people who are hurting, what to say when people are hurting.” - Herdyne [03:00]
“I believe we teach people what we know to do, by what we're taught and told, so no judgment on the generation before us.” - Herdyne [04:55]
“Your past experience and emotions become your reality of how you will present yourself to the world.” - Herdyne [05:41]
“If you look for perfection, you will never be content. ”- Herdyne [07:45]

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

View Details

Welcome to Redefining Grief

Episode Introduction:

“Unresolved grief is the root of why you’re not emotionally healthy.” - Herdyne Mercier

Welcome to The Redefining Grief Podcast. This is the place where I help you complete your relationship to the pain, isolation, and loneliness caused by loss.

Many of us do not understand that grief is a natural and normal process that accompanies any negative happening. Learning that in our society we have not been taught how to deal with grief or support those individuals who are grieving, I decided to redefine our journey through grief.

According to John W. James, “We are taught how to gain things but never taught what do when we lose them”. My mission is for this podcast is to address the ways people grieve as well as how you can support grievers.

I want you to remember today that though life is not perfect, it still must be lived. Join me every Tuesday as I help you navigate through the grief and losses you are to encounter in life!

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Recommended Resources

To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier #MercierWellness #Grief

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

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