Growing Through Grief: Recent Episodes
diana curtis
Join Your host, Diana Curtis for a weekly sprinkle of inspiration, grace and personal greatness.
Diana knows from personal experience that Grief Matters!
After losing her MoM, the ebb and flow of grief was constant in her life.
She will be sharing unfiltered stories of her own life, and those of many other courageous individuals, spiritual advisors, and grief experts, who have healed their pain of loss; and, are now honoring loved ones who are no longer with them.
These rich, calming conversations will help you see unlimited possibilities on the other side of grief.
Together, let's open this curious gift.
Episode 79 - This “Secret” Can Help You Live a Life of Total Freedom
In this intriguing episode, I delve into the captivating world of freedom and liberation. I take you on an inspiring journey, sharing my personal experiences and eye-opening insights on achieving true freedom in life.
I emphasize that regardless of our background or where we live, we all share a common humanity and a desire to be seen, heard, understood, and loved. I believe that true freedom comes from healing from the inside out and encourages self-awareness, curiosity, and the release of past hurts. Get ready to embrace a new path towards joy and freedom as you learn to embody and affirm positive qualities throughout your day.
Furthermore, I delve into the topic of unlocking the power of connection in your life! Discover how simple acts like a smile or a meaningful conversation can uplift and shift your reality, making you feel more connected and alive.
This podcast is more than just words—it's a call to action! As you listen to this podcast, you'll be inspired to take action, embrace change, and pursue your dreams fearlessly. Emphasis on compassion, self-love, and personal growth will leave you feeling motivated and empowered to live life to the fullest.
In this episode you will learn:
- Freedom comes from within and requires healing and choosing a positive self-view.
- Each day, one should meditate and choose a quality to embody and affirm
- Utilizing a supportive community or journaling can serve as reminders of the chosen quality.
- Cultivating curiosity, self-awareness, and releasing past hurts are essential for achieving true freedom.
- Compassion, self-love, and personal growth play pivotal roles in attaining liberation
Resources:
- Compassionate Hearts Community - Contact Me Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Embark on a Transformative 6-Week Journey of Healing. Engage in a series of thoughtfully structured modules addressing every facet of grief. A well-rounded approach, fostering a holistic transformation of your grief experience.
Growing Through Grief System – DIANA CURTIS
Enroll in SOL MASTERY, a program that takes you through eight carefully crafted modules. Each module is designed to not only guide you but also to light up and energize your inner soul, unlocking the timeless truth that is always present and freeing your consciousness.
DIANA CURTIS
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are you seeking a deeper, more profound experience of inner freedom and liberation?
This enlightening episode will take you deeper into realms of unspeakable freedom and liberation that extend beyond the norm.
In this episode, I explore how to trust and embrace freedom no matter your current reality of equality.
You'll hear about my personal journey towards inner freedom and the significance of living consciously and intentionally.
Together, we’ll explore the effects of attachment and the importance of detaching from past experiences and relationships. And the importance of healing so that your life-long experience is true inner freedom.
In this episode you will learn:
- Two principles to guide you on the journey of reconnecting with yourself and attaining inner freedom (17.50 - 20.44)
- The importance of self-connection and having a healthy relationship with yourself (17.40 - 19.56)
- The role of curiosity as a way to navigate through pain and challenges on the path towards inner freedom (19.55 - 20.44)
- How to embrace pain and difficult experiences for personal growth, fostering strength and empowerment (20.49 - 20.57)
- A process for a transformative freedom from limiting beliefs, attachments, and relationships (20.59 - 21.29)
- Four key aspects to consider when seeking inner freedom (12.55 - 17.56)
- And, receive a reflective life assignment by answering two crucial questions about your life (21.25 - 24.59)
Resources:
- Compassionate Hearts Community - Contact Me Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s episode of the "Growing Through Grief" podcast, I continue the conversation on loneliness. My focus shifts to the phenomenon of individuals actively choosing solitude over staying connected to the world and others, despite their inherent yearning for love and intimacy.
I draw upon engaging conversations with both men and women, centering around this fundamental question. Their insightful answers have provided me with a wealth of understanding and great many insights.
I delve into a couple of important truths, such as how loneliness isn't silent but rather filled with a noise of mental chatter and unwanted emotions. We delve into topics of trust, the desire to be seen and understood, and the potential for personal growth and vulnerability during periods of isolation.
In addition, I discuss the various narratives we often construct that hinder our path to happiness. I explore the fear of rejection, the longing to be truly understood by our loved ones, and the detrimental impact of self-doubt that can stifle our voices.
Consequently, I share how being a part of a community has aided me in self-discovery. I openly share how these collective experiences have allowed me to uncover significant aspects of myself.
As my conversation concludes, I emphasize the profound significance of overcoming these challenges. By doing so, we can attain a sense of liberation—freedom from the constraints of our own selves and from the burdens of our past.
In this episode you will learn:
- How to discover the extraordinary power of curiosity as it unlocks the doors to our hearts. (8.40 -13.50)
- Crucial significance of choosing self-healing to break the cycle for future generations. (15.15 - 17.00)
- How to embark on a journey of self-healing through compassionate self-inquiry, as an exploration of identity and belonging. (17.03-19.00)
- About the multifaceted nature of loneliness as we explore its different types. (20.05 - 21.14)
- The profound repercussions of numbing specific emotions such as loneliness and allowing ourselves to fully experience our emotions but not identify with them. (19.02 - 22.16)
- The importance of community to experience yourself through others. (11.30 -23.04)
- How to manifest and attract people that share similar goals as you. (23.20 - 25.20)
Resources:
- Compassionate Hearts Community - Contact Me Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode of the Growing Through Grief Podcast delves into the impact of loneliness on individuals, communities, and the world at large.
Loneliness knows no boundaries and affects us all. The moment has come for us to pay attention to its impact and confront it directly.
In this episode, I will:
- Discuss the four types of loneliness: emotional, social or relational loneliness, collective loneliness, and existence loneliness.
- Take you on a journey of uncovering the impact of isolation, individually and within communities.
- Provide tools and skills that are easy to apply in your life.
- Offer an encouragement of truth and knowing that you are never alone.
I warmly invite each and every one of you to join me on an extraordinary expedition. Tune in to the captivating "Growing Through Grief" podcast and embark on a transformative voyage towards genuine connection and a deep sense of belonging within a vibrant community. Together, let us take that crucial first step towards a brighter and more fulfilling future.
In This Episode, you will learn:
- The four types of loneliness: emotional, social/relational, collective, and existence loneliness (00:51 - 19:11)
- How to squash the stigma around loneliness (00:15 - 02:0)
- The negative consequences of long-term loneliness and ways to ease back into society and life (15:19 - 16:30)
- Importance of a healthy support system for addressing emotional loneliness (00:13:59 - 13:21)
- About creating a community to transition from isolation to connection and community (22:20 - 23:29)
Resources:
- Compassionate Hearts Community - Contact Me Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feeling the weight of loneliness? Let the 'Growing Through Grief' podcast be your guiding light.
In this episode, my guest Sharon Rolph and I continue the conversation on the topic of the detrimental effects of loneliness on mental and physical well-being and emphasize the importance of choosing to reconnect with the world after experiencing loss or harm.
We discuss how to combat loneliness and the importance of connection as a tool for growth and healing. We explore different facets of our lifestyles that we can improve upon, cultivating healthy habits that serve as uncomplicated yet powerful means to stay connected with both others and ourselves on a spiritual level.
We wrap up by delving into our purposeful initiatives, tailored to offer a place of belonging to women. Through sharing wisdom and providing practical tips, we aim to ignite the inner spark within women, empowering them to make choices that nurture and invigorate their being. By doing so, we strive to enable women to infuse their lives with greater purpose, fulfillment, and personal empowerment.
Discover the transformative impact of embracing the outdoors, nourishing your body, engaging with others, and fostering a sense of community. For those in search of effective methods to navigate their grief journey and fortify their resilience, I strongly encourage you to tune in and listen to this episode.
In This Episode, you will learn:
- The importance of being outdoors, eating healthy, and engaging with others to combat loneliness (12:44 - 14:40)
- About the negative effects of loneliness on mental and physical health (03:27 - 07:39)
- The importance of choosing to reconnect with the world after experiencing loss or harm, even if it can be difficult (09:17 - 12:01)
- Information from the Surgeon General's book on loneliness and its health impacts (06:25 - 07:39)
- How a sense of community can help combat loneliness (03:46 - 06:13)
Resources:
- Compassionate Hearts Community - Contact Me Now
Connect with Sharon:
- Connect with Sharon - Sharon Rolph | Coach (@sharon_queenofcourage) • Instagram photos and videos
Let's Connect! (me)
- Website
Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Sharon Rolph, an accomplished author, influential figure, and behavioral scientist. Our conversation centers around the pressing issues of loneliness, isolation, and feeling invisible, which have been recognized by the U.S. Surgeon General as a new public health epidemic in the United States.
Sharon openly shares her personal journey of grappling with the feeling of invisibility throughout her life. She attributes this struggle to childhood experiences of being ridiculed and bullied, which deeply affected her ability to trust others and form meaningful relationships. However, she also reveals how these experiences have granted her a sense of authenticity.
Moreover, Sharon delves into the intricate relationship between her religious faith and her pursuit to overcome feelings of invisibility. Despite enduring life's hardships, she managed to excel in academics and work. Sharon credits her mental strength and unwavering faith as the driving forces behind her ability to lead a purposeful life and assist others in discovering their own inner spark.
During our conversation, we explore the significance of mental fortitude, resilience, and a powerful technique for evoking warm memories as a means of overcoming challenging situations.
Ultimately, the objective of this podcast episode is to provide hope and encouragement to you if you are grappling with the profound feelings of loneliness, isolation, and grief and to inspire you to uncover your inner potential, discover meaning in your life, and forge connections with others.
Some Questions Diana asks Sharon:
- How did your experiences of grief shape your inclination to remain unseen? (10.24)
- How did your personal family struggles influence your ability to trust others and impact your relationships? (14.30)
- What enabled you to find the bravery to courageously disclose your own narrative and ignite a sense of connection among individuals facing similar hardships? (18.30)
- To what extent did mental resilience contribute to your journey of healing? (21.55)
- What advice would you offer to someone who harbors fear about reconnecting with others due to past experiences? (30.30)
- How has keeping secrets affected your life, particularly if they remain undisclosed? (35.05)
Resources:
- Compassionate Hearts Community - Contact Me Now
Connect with Sharon:
- Connect with Sharon - Sharon Rolph | Coach (@sharon_queenofcourage) • Instagram photos and videos
Let's Connect! (me)
- Website
Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join me on a transformative journey of personal growth in this episode of the "Growing Through Grief" podcast.
I will guide you on a discovery path to freedom, fulfillment, and joy with “The Five-Selfies” Model.
Through mindfulness practices, you will learn how to replace self-criticism with self-compassion, prioritize self-care, forgive yourself, and embrace self-love.
My hope is that by sharing my journey and these empowering tools, you will feel inspired to take action towards your own personal growth.
Together, you can create a brighter future for yourself and those around you.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- How to cultivate mindfulness and enhance self-awareness regarding your thoughts and emotions.
(13:09-16:22)
- How to practice self-compassion and cultivate a nurturing attitude towards yourself.
(19:58-32:52)
- 5 powerful SELFIES that will nurture profound freedom in your life.
(13:06-29:45)
- How to release and process your thoughts in a healthy and constructive manner.
(21:36-22:35)
- About my Community Initiative aimed at addressing loneliness and grief.
(30:00-31:54)
Resources:
- Compassionate Hearts Community - Contact Me Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
During the third segment of my conversation with Rosio, we delve into the topics of personal liberation and transformative growth in the context of grief and trauma, focusing on the experiences of Black and Brown people.
Throughout our conversation, we recognize that healing begins when you fully embrace the concept of assuming complete responsibility for your healing journey, regardless of your race or ethnicity.
I share five(5) key principles that supported me while on my personal journey of discovering inner liberation through an exploration of my family heritage and genetic makeup.
Additionally, I emphasize the significance of cultivating empathy towards children burdened with unresolved traumas, particularly those from BIPOC communities.
Consequently, we delve into the crucial aspect of acknowledging the notion of biological freedom, wherein ancestral trauma and emotional burdens are imprinted within our DNA.
The conversation highlights the profound truth that attaining personal liberation from trauma and grief is an internal journey, where individuals possess the power to heal and mold a brighter tomorrow for future generations.
Some Questions Rosie Asks Diana:
- How would you describe the essence of freedom? What does it signify to you in terms of breaking free from certain constraints? (4.00)
- What played the most pivotal role in your spiritual journey towards healing and personal transformation? (10.00)
- Are the principles you have established to overcome racialized trauma and grief exclusively intended for individuals of black and brown communities? (20.00)
- In a world affected by racism, particularly for black and brown individuals, what does freedom truly represent in the face of systemic discrimination and prejudice? (23.00)
- What message would you like to convey to white individuals who are seeking personal liberation and freedom? (28.20)
- Is there any additional information or insights you would like to contribute? (34.20)
Resources:
- Contact Rosie - excited.curiosity | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree
- Compassionate Hearts Community - Contact Me Now
Connect with Rosio:
- Rosio’s IG - Excited Curiosity (@excited.curiosity) | Instagram
Let's Connect! (me)
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, I delve into the second phase of my personal transformational journey.
I am once again, joined by my guest host, Rosio Fuentes.
Throughout our conversation, Rosie and I discuss various topics centered around conquering one of my core beliefs of inadequacy and the inclination towards people-pleasing. Through this journey, I discovered the significance of embracing my genuine self and safeguarding my mental and emotional well-being.
Furthermore, I recount the profound impact of the 100 free therapy sessions I decided to gift, including how my clients recognized similar struggles within themselves. I strongly underscore the significance of recognizing one's inner voice and fully engaging in the transformative process.
In this episode, you will learn the importance of knowing your history and your ancestor’s history. Knowing where you started is critical to understanding who you are and why you think, feel, and take certain actions in your life.
Some Questions Rosie Asks Diana:
- In order to transform your significant loss, what was the core belief you had to let go of? (3:04)
- What does it mean to be authentic and your true self? (7:00)
- How did giving 100 free therapy sessions free of charge change your life? (15:30)
- What are some common misconceptions clients have about therapy sessions (19:30)
- What are some new principles you learned and integrated into your life after offering the 100 free sessions? (21:58)
Resources:
- Contact Rosie - excited.curiosity | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree
- Compassionate Hearts Community - Contact Me Now
Connect with Rosio:
- Rosio’s IG - Excited Curiosity (@excited.curiosity) | Instagram
Let's Connect! (me)
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Rosio Fuentes, interviews me with the intention of sharing my journey through the healing, growth, and transformation process.
Rosio is an Excited Curiosity coach and a Compassionate Inquiry trainee who has been with me through my spiritual journey, growing, learning, and evolving as part of my BIPOC women’s community.
Rosio and I discuss trauma, its effects, and the importance of compassion. She asks about my community work in mental health and my personal journey.
I elaborate on my decision to shift my career path after retiring, driven by my aspiration to aid others in their journey towards healing from trauma. Throughout the discussion, we delve into my life’s history, including my experiences with grief after the loss of my mother. We discuss the effects of trauma and the importance of realizing and healing from it. We impart personal anecdotes and insights to aid listeners in their learning and personal development.
Some Questions Rosie Asks Diana:
09:31
Rosie asks Diana who she is today in terms of her spiritual journey.
14:47
Rosie asks about the evolution of Diana’s spiritual journey over the past ten years.
15:47
Rosie asks Diana about the truth and realizations that she gained during her decade-long spiritual journey.
28:38
Rosie asks which truth took Diana the longest to uncover.
.......
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
10:23-13:45
A way to determine your spiritual growth with the 5C’s formula.
17:18-18:40
The connection between purpose and clarity.
19:28-20:38
The importance of spiritual growth as opposed to material growth.
22:55-25:17
One of the underlying reasons for the pursuit of perfection.
29:09-30:41
The importance of uncovering and healing your trauma.
Resources:
- Contact Rosie - excited.curiosity | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree
- Compassionate Hearts Community - Contact Me Now
Connect with Rosio:
- Rosio’s IG - Excited Curiosity (@excited.curiosity) | Instagram
Let's Connect! (me)
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I wanted to share a moment of pure joy and trust in life and God, with the purpose of encouraging all my listeners to cultivate more trust in their lives, embrace gratitude, and let go of worry and blame.
In this episode I’m taking you through a guided meditation exercise that encourages listeners to acknowledge their feelings, ask themselves how they would like to feel, and expand their hearts.
Throughout the episode, we discuss the importance of living life with purpose and fulfilling your purpose. I share personal anecdotes about my own journey towards self-discovery and invite you to embrace your own unique journey.
Join me, and together let us dive deep in cultivating joy, trust, and purpose in our lives.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
01:34-08:54
How to have a perfect day.
13:35-15:40
How to transform anything with your mind.
15:40-25:58
Ways to come up with one-word qualities to embody, throughout the day.
27:31-29:51
Ways to turn your intentions into reality.
Resources:
- Compassionate Inquiry Session - Book Now
Let’s Connect!:
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Let’s explore the transformative power of meditation and mindfulness in our lives and discuss the importance of being present, observing our emotions without judgment, and not allowing them to hinder our future.
And, the importance of being a part of communities that can help you heal spiritually and encourage you to reach your goals and desires?
In this episode we will delve into the importance of not fighting emotions but rather observing them, and how this change can lead to personal growth and transformation. As a certified meditation teacher, I offer a unique formula for addressing challenges and transforming lives through mindfulness.
You will learn how to use the breath as a way to center yourself and the benefits of practicing gratitude. Here, I use an experience I had with a client who was anxious about a job opportunity. The client had applied for a position that they really wanted, but they were feeling overwhelmed and doubtful about their chances of getting the job. The story highlights the power of visualization and manifestation in achieving desire goals. By focusing on your thoughts and intentions, you can transform your life and manifest your desires. It also emphasizes the importance of having a supportive community and seeking help when you need it.
Join us for this insightful conversation about the power of mindfulness, community, and visualization that will transform your life for the better.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- The Definition of Faith (2:00 - 2:52)
- How to transform your mind to stop self-sabotage (04:52- 06:39)
- One of the ways I transformed into who I am today (06:46 - 09:38)
- How to transform and manifest using your breath as a guide to center yourself
( 10:05 - 11:29)
- The 3 “R’s Formula for rejuvenation of your state of being (11:30 - 15:15)
- How one of my clients let go of fear and anxiety to achieve a goal (15:16 -20:25)
Resources:
- Compassionate Inquiry Session - Book Now
Let’s Connect!:
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Something Happens Before the Grief
- Even those of us who work within this body of work called grief, often find it necessary to take a break. Taking a break doesn’t mean that the curiosity and exploration stops. It’s quite the opposite. Taking a break at least for me is an opportunity to step back from the world and dive into a deeper understanding of all of the dynamics of grief, including the other emotional companions that show up after a significant loss.
- That’s exactly what I did. I took a break and now I’m stepping back in with a more profound insight on this mystery gift called grief.
- In this episode, I will share with you what happens before the grief occurs.
- Throughout our conversation, I share what unfolded during my personal period of exploration and curiosity around healing and growing through grief.
- Plus, you will learn my unique formula for addressing grief in a more holistic manner.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- How to experience grief with compassion and curiosity when it shows up (3:35-3:40)
- The missing parts that go unnoticed within your mind and body before the grief (4:40-4:45)
- How to know when it’s grief (4:58 - 5:15)
- The importance of experiencing the wisdom that grief has to offer (5:50 - 5:55)
- The relationship between grief and growth (6:00 - 6:20)
- Resources:
- Compassionate Inquiry Session - Book Now
- Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Everything is about growth. Just like roses stop growing when they are not watered or given sunlight, so does life.
In this episode, we are closing out another season of the Growing Through Grief Podcast and moving into a new season. But before we do, let’s travel down memory lane with a few excerpts of the most listened to episodes of the season.
We discuss spiritual practices, growth, relationships, mistrust, truth, asking for support, triggers, living in the past and the beauty of life!
Take a listen to how you can start growing on purpose and not get stuck in the past.
In This Episode, You Will Learn to::
- Take responsibility for the role you play in relationships (4:44)
- Create space for empathy and forgiveness for others (5:14)
- Take action when you no longer want to grow with another person (5:27)
- That the ego can’t handle the future so it brings up the past (6:53)
- Turn your deepest pain into your greatest growth (7:36)
- Surrender to the truth and not allow mistrust to take control of your mind (11:00)
- Release old beliefs that no longer work for you and replace with new beliefs (13:45)
- Practice gratitude which opens the door for more in life to celebrate (14:44)
- Allow your soul to flow more freely (17:39)
Compassionate Heart Community - Contact Me Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Whether or not we are aware of it, trauma is a massive transformative force. It molds the way we think and also how we see, react to, and accept reality. In other words, we are a byproduct of our traumatic experiences and the mechanisms we developed to deal with them.
However, that doesn't mean there is nothing we can do about it.
In this episode, I invite you to bring conscious attention to your inherited family trauma. We learn how to look at it with compassion and curiosity, recognize our responses, and modify our reactions to it. We think of inherited family trauma as a group responsibility and not an individual experience.
Plus, we learn mechanisms to accept and embrace painful memories, to allow them to go through us, and, more importantly, how to let them go. We also learn to accept our truth, and I share three points to consider when bringing attention to inherited trauma.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- What does it mean to bring attention to inherited trauma? (3:58)
- Addictions are evidence of family dynamics (8:31)
- You can let go of most of the things you are carrying (12:15)
- What if you accept that traumatic experience you endured as a child? (20:29)
- Three points to remember when thinking of your inherited family trauma (22:06)
- Your job is to remember the best is yet to come (26:35)
Resources:
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We make a conscious effort to learn how to grieve a loved one. We are aware of the challenges we might be forced to face, the pain we must endure, and the growth we should seek. But what about our own transition? How prepared are we to talk about it?
In this episode, Jane Duncan Rogers visits us to encourage the conversation that no one likes to think about, yet everyone should. Jane is the Founder of Before I Go Solutions, a non-profit dedicated to creating end-of-life plans. She is an Author and Facilitator specializing in conversations about dying, death, grief, bereavement, and end-of-life planning, and was the first person to lead You Can Heal Your Life® study groups in the UK, inspired by the book of the same name by Louise Hay.
Throughout our conversation, Jane shared the story of how one of the chapters of her book, Gifted by Grief, originated a discussion about end-of-life conversations. We go through Jane's grief journey, her emotions after losing her husband, and how she dealt with them. We also talk about front door/back door feelings, normalizing feeling angry, creating a living will, advanced healthcare directives, and so much more.
Some Questions I Ask:
I heard you say you and your husband went through cancer together. Would you share a little bit about that? (5:55)
Could you talk a little bit about the work you started decades ago, about healing yourself? (15:28)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
About Jane's book, Gifted by Grief, and what people loved about it (3:51)
There's nothing like facing the end to see things more clearly (7:13)
What you feel, you can heal (15:41)
Anger is not necessarily a bad thing (18:21)
Some of the things we should take care of while we are still here (25:34)
Never judge yourself for the feelings you have (40:12)
Resources:
website
YouTube
Book: Gifted By Grief: A True Story of Cancer, Loss, and Rebirth
Book: Before I Go: The Essential Guide to Creating a Good End-of-Life Plan
Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Connect with Jane:
Let's Connect!
Website
Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Although the mind is a known, familiar, and predictable space where we spend a lot of our time, it is not always a safe place. The mind guides our lives, whether we are aware of it or not, but it does not always lead our life in the direction we would like. So, is it possible to control where our mind is taking us, to change what is floating there?
In this episode, we unravel the best-kept secret to healing a broken heart. We learn how to deal with the shadows that reside in our minds and blur the paths we would like our minds to follow. We talk about love, not in a conventional way, but in a way you might not have heard before.
We learn how to cleanse our hearts, center ourselves, and be surrounded by nothing but love. We also explore the law of reciprocity, learn how it really works, the best way to get the best out of it for us and those we love, and so much more.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- A clear mind creates a clear heart (3:52)
- How do you allow goodness to come into your life? (5:39)
- What happens in your life once you can BE with your emotions (8:07)
- The law of reciprocity. How to embrace it? (14:13)
- How to fill your heart with an abundance of empathy, love, and understanding (17:27)
- Why you should choose to move to the next level of your life (24:47)
Resources:
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today, as I was celebrating the culmination of a very intense, compassionate, and loving year-long process, a warming phone call helped me realize that growth is all that matters. Regardless of how we choose to do it, keeping on growing is the perfect way to free ourselves from past trauma, enjoy being present, and be filled with peace.
In this episode, we learn how to open our hearts even when it hurts. We explore why some past experiences we don't remember clearly or aren't consciously aware of come to haunt us, what we can do about them, and how to set ourselves free from them.
We understand why some of our personal relationships with those we love might change during our growth process, how to deal with that, and what is the only relationship we can't neglect. We also go through an interesting analogy between mountains and challenges that will help you understand why a new difficulty arises after every victory.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Life is about growth, growth, and more growth (1:45)
- Climbing through challenges becomes easier with practice (2:41)
- Growth processes aren't cookies and cream all the time (4:19)
- Why it is so hard to understand how we feel (10:27)
- How to process and release the things that put us down (16:04)
Resources:
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Generally, the urgent receives more attention than the important, and there is nothing particularly wrong with that; we must take care of what's bothering us right now. Still, there is always something else beyond the current issue. It is a fact that every unwanted habit or pattern is rooted in childhood trauma, and to find the way back to ourselves, we must revisit what hurt us in the past and find a way to make peace with it.
The inspiration for today's episode came from a totally unexpected source; someone asked me a question that triggered a whole new way of looking at disconnection with the self and the feeling of losing track of who we are.
I invite you to search and explore the origin of your pain and the past experiences that trigger the behaviors or habits you want to get rid of. I offer some of the golden nuggets my mentor shared with me about pain and its origin and the best way to get rid of it. We also learn how to deal with trauma using the SURE acronym, my approach to finding the way back to ourselves, and the three questions that will make that challenging task more accessible.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Are you chasing yourself? What does that mean anyway? (2:21)
- What you can do to stop feeling the pain from childhood traumas (7:39)
- The past is always paying you a visit (9:21)
- The SURE acronym and how it can help you (11:51)
- What you can do to find a way back to yourself (13:51)
- Three questions that will help you get back on track towards who you are (16:43)
Resources:
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How often do you have the overwhelming sensation of being trapped in your mind, engaging with senseless thoughts in endless chatter? If you let yourself go and nurture that inner conversation, you'll be a captive of crippling anxiety in no time. But don't worry, there is a remedy to that, and it lies right within you.
In today's episode, we discover our way back to love. Not the love we experience through external validation or the sympathy of others out of passion or admiration, but the kind of love only we can give ourselves: self-love.
We explore how despite any circumstances, there's always an opportunity to bring more love into our lives; we learn how to open ourselves to love and use the most powerful tool ever gifted to us to do it, our breath. Together, we discover how blending our mind and spirit can become an unstoppable force capable of silencing the inner chatter and connecting ourselves with what truly matters.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- What does it mean to surrender to love? (2:46)
- There is always space to invite more love into your life (5:40)
- We practice a simple yet powerful exercise to be present (8:25)
- The mind is the king of everything, but the breath is the king of the mind (9:41)
- Why it is so essential to clear out the darkness and bring light into our minds (15:34)
- The mind loves drama, and it has the power to change your experiences (19:33)
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Grief and love are two of our most important emotions, and although they might seem to navigate parallel paths, they have several things in common, and they are more intertwined than we think.
In today's episode, we go through some of those points where grief meets love; we analyze how grief can take us back to love and understand why experiencing pain and suffering is necessary to love and feel loved again. We also look at our responsibility of keeping the loved ones that transitioned alive through our words and actions and what we can do to honor them.
In addition, we learn the difference between accepting fear's presence and giving it a vote and a voice to suggest detours and action plans. Together, we go beyond the surface-level of grief; we choose to love ourselves, praise and celebrate every single baby step in our growth journey.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Can grief be loving? (1:37)
- The best way to deal with fear in our lives (2:28)
- Grief might certainly not feel like love at the beginning (5:01)
- What would you choose, between self-love and self-suffering (9:02)
- My decision about using grief instead of being used by it (12:17)
- God can't change a thing if you don't believe in it (17:06)
Resources:
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We know grief can take us to several places; some are filled with pain and loneliness, others can make us grow and evolve, and some might lead us to connect with other souls walking a similar path. We recognize grief's effects but sometimes forget its practical use. We forget we can use grief as a tool; we forget it's up to us to grab it and use it to heal.
In this episode, inspired by a conversation with a webinar colleague and friend, we explore grief's applicability, unravel grief's healing properties, and learn how it can be a catalyst for healing grief. Together, we question why we let ourselves be dragged into past traumatic or painful experiences and decide to sink and stay in that pain.
We also examine our own grief; what is it that we are really grieving? Is it a previous version of ourselves, perhaps an idealized future version that never came to fruition? Tune in, and let's find out the answers to these questions together.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- About the things that we already know but might change our mindset if we look at them differently (2:19)
- What or who is it that we are really grieving for? (4:27)
- How grief can be a catalyst to heal (7:34)
- "Trauma is not what happens to you (...)" - Dr. Gabor Maté's definition of trauma (8:57)
- What kind of world is the one you want to create? (13:44)
- Life happens, and grief happens with life (16:13)
Resources:
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Do you have an old memory that haunts you? Perhaps you've done something to someone or yourself that makes you feel bad every time you think about it. Is there anyone in your small circle of friends constantly reminding you about that thing that automatically puts you down? If so, do you know how to deal with it? Do you know what to do when you are not okay? Let's find out.
In this episode, we talk about those moments when we struggle to feel like ourselves, when sadness takes over, and our mind insists on returning to old thoughts, hurting feelings, and sad memories. We address some of the most common responses to this feeling and explore examples of how NOT to deal with it.
In addition, I share three simple yet powerful ways of becoming YOU again. All of them require your presence and awareness, but the third one demands a little extra work, which I'm sure you're perfectly capable of. Let's dive right into them.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- The things we should avoid doing when we are not feeling okay (2:36)
- What does it mean when you are not fine with yourself (3:51)
- How to avoid getting distracted by the things happening outside of us (7:03)
- The best way to acknowledge you are not okay (7:42)
- Why it is crucial to avoid self-judgment (9:45)
- When you let go of something, you must replace it with something bigger (14:47)
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Especially after a couple of years of forced isolation because of the pandemic, the feeling of loneliness has expanded worldwide. Feeling lonely is not "an elder's thing" anymore; it has spread and affects people from all walks of life, regardless of their age.
So, is loneliness necessarily a bad thing? Should we avoid it at all costs, or would it be better to sit with it and use it to heal? Let's find out!
In this episode, we take a minute to observe and analyze how the feeling of loneliness has penetrated over half of the world's population. We explore the effects of loneliness in the long term and why almost nobody likes to talk about it and struggles to accept it as a natural experience in life. I share a message from a dear friend who was experiencing loneliness and the powerful lessons that letter taught me about myself and how to deal with feeling lonely.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Some alarming statistics about the feeling of loneliness in the world (1:56)
- The letter of a dear friend that inspired today's episode (4:06)
- What can you do if you feel lonely? Lesson N°1 (5:34)
- Who should you reach out to if you feel lonely? Lesson N°2 (6:45)
- Why most people are struggling to accept loneliness as a natural part of life (9:12)
- Where should you look for support if you feel lonely? Lesson N°3 (11:15)
Resources:
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
We know there can be rage and pain in grief and even freedom and growth, but can there be space for happiness? We are about to find out because in today's episode, the Founder and CEO of Grief and Happiness Alliance, Emily Thiroux Threatt, joins us to share how she turned her grief story into happiness.
Emily is also the host of the Grief and Happiness podcast, the Author of "Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief," a Grief Transformation Expert, and a speaker.
Throughout our conversation, we delve into Emily's grief journey, the healing attributes she found in writing, and why she fell in love with grief recovery work. Emily shares a couple of powerful resources she uses to help people grow and recover from grief, like haiku poems and writing letters to the person that transitioned.
We also explore the relationship between grief and happiness and the critical role mindfulness plays in it. In addition, we analyze the other big G – guilt – and learn from Emily the best way to address it and remove it from our system.
Some Questions I Ask:
- You mentioned the things you like to write about. Could you share a little bit more about what that looks like? (7:19)
- Can you give us an example of a haiku poem? (10:33)
- Let's talk about happiness and grief; what does that look like? (16:07)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Emily talks about the reasons that made her decide to work with grief recovery (2:53)
- How powerful and comforting can be to write letters to people who have already transitioned (09:37)
- How mindfulness can help us deal with grief (17:30)
- The importance of giving less space to fear in our lives (24:48)
- The most challenging thing Emily had to learn throughout her grief journey (38:01)
Resources:
- Grief and Happiness podcast
- Book: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief
- The Grief and Happiness Alliance
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Connect with Emily:
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
We all have stories of grief, pain, regret, or shame in our past. Chances are that most – if not all – of those negative experiences, are constantly on the top of our minds, which might be confusing. If we don't address them properly, we might end up thinking those stories are who we are, which is miles away from the truth.
Today's episode is an invitation to reconnect with our true selves. We learn to navigate through the darkness of the painful memories that act as a barrier between ourselves and our true selves.
Together, we learn to connect with the true self, the part of us that has no blemishes, the spiritual self, the intuitive self, the one at our core, the one with infinite wisdom. I share a fun Q&A exercise to help you uncover your true self and identify what is blocking you from connecting with it. We also learn to reframe our past and move forward while creating space for growth.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- About the question that inspired today's episode (1:59)
- Why it is crucial to pay attention to what we focus on (5:45)
- How to live our lives based on the practical definition of the true self (7:59)
- Four questions to help us connect with our true selves (10:08)
- A real-world experience that illustrates the power of connecting with the true self (15:41)
- How to improve our lives by becoming an observer of it (20:09)
Resources:
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
- Email: diana@coachingtotheheart.org
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
Very often, life gets so busy and noisy that we don't have the time to go after our desires or hear them. We think we need certain things to achieve happiness; we believe we will feel better after putting our hands on tangible material things. That works, sometimes; we feel better, but that kind of joy is not meant to last.
In today's episode, we take a step back from our fast-paced life and remain in silence to hear the heart of our desire. We explore the importance of staying connected to ourselves and others and how to use those connections to build a better relationship with our mental and physical health.
We also discuss the role of focus and curiosity on our life outcomes and what we attract based on what we decide to focus on. We dive deep into how to redirect that focus, and how curiosity can help us learn more about our relationship with ourselves, our traumas, and the growth we can experience.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Why it's so hard to get curious about the desires that come from the heart (2:54)
- About the time we waste chasing the wrong things (4:26)
- The three things I did to connect with the heart of my desire (5:48)
- Why we must remain curious, even about the painful things (10:28)
- About being aware of where is our focus and what are the things we attract into our lives (17:38)
Resources:
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
- Email: diana@coachingtotheheart.org
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The inspiring Dr. Naeema Olatunji is visiting us today to talk about the healing process of souls and spirits from racialized trauma.
Dr. Naeema Olatunji is a Doctor of Chiropractic, Owner of Elevate Family Chiropractic, host of Elevate NOW! podcast, and author of "Raised as a Lie," a memoir born from a healing process that took her decades to come to terms with. Dr. Naeema was the only Brown person in a white family; her Black heritage was hidden in plain sight and never discussed. She grew up as an outsider, feeling invisible, where her presence wasn't celebrated but tolerated.
In this episode, Dr. Naeema kindly shared her story, her upbringing, and the moment her life turned upside down at 18 when her life was threatened by a hate crime, which made her ask questions about her origin.
Throughout our conversation, we explore the intricacies of healing from racialized trauma, the importance of being grateful for our losses, and the grief they provoke in us, pushing us to grow and become better versions of ourselves. Dr. Naeema describes her process of discovering herself as a Black woman, the pain and the rejection suffered, and how she freed herself from that prolonged grief.
Some Questions I Ask:
Why do you feel it is so crucial for you to tell your story? (12:26)
Can you unpack the lies you talk about in your book? (21:31)
How did you come to embrace the parts you grew up hating about yourself? (32:10)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
How becoming a Chiropractor felt like reaching an extension of Dr. Naeema's tribe (5:59)
The walls Dr. Naeema built around her heart throughout her life (15:21)
Dr. Naeema describes the feeling of hiding so much under the rug until it becomes a mountain (19:43)
Attachment vs. authenticity (29:27)
Dr. Naeema's experiences at College, embracing her Blackness (36:36)
The importance of bringing awareness towards ancestral trauma (45:41)
Resources:
Elevate Family Chiropractic website
Elevate NOW! podcast
Book: Naeema Olatunji - Raised as a Lie
Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Connect with Dr. Naeema:
Let's Connect!
Website
Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Healing from abuse, especially for women, who understand and feel their bodies as their "queendom," their sacred castle, is extraordinarily challenging and multilayered. That healing process could translate into never letting anyone touch them again or opening themselves to everyone. It could also become an eating disorder, getting a bigger and thicker shell to protect the self.
Visiting us today is Edy Nathan to talk about sexual grief or the response to a sexually traumatic event and how to dance with grief instead of rejecting it.
Edy is an author, keynote speaker, licensed therapist, and grief expert. She is a certified sex therapist from the American Association of Sex Therapists, a hypnotherapist, and an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) practitioner with more than 20 years of experience.
In this episode, we dive into Edy's grief stories, childhood traumas, and how she got into the grief recovery realm. We talk about the importance of creating our rituals of wisdom, using toys and games to reconnect and develop the self, and the importance of active listening when trying to help others deal with their grief.
We also talk about generational trauma and why women must reunite and stop competing with each other. Edy kindly shared a beautiful story, full of golden nuggets of wisdom and bits of her new book, which is soon to be published.
Some Questions I Ask:
You lived in this multicultural environment and then moved to an all-white one. And those experiences there created some grief experiences. Could you talk a bit about that? (7:47)
What things did you do to support yourself during that moment of your life when you felt you didn't belong? (13:31)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Edy talks about her grief experiences in life (9:45)
Edy explains how games and playing can help us rebuild ourselves and how playing with clay helped her (13:32)
Edy talks about the importance of identifying what kind of hunger we are feeling when we feel the urge to eat (19:08)
Edy describes the importance of listening to those suffering and grieving (26:26)
Edy and Diana talk about generational trauma (32:13)
Edy shares details of her new book (40:37)
Resources:
Edy Nathan's website
Book: Edy Nathan - It's Grief: The Dance of Self-Discovery Through Trauma and Loss
Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Connect with Edy:
YouTube
Let's Connect!
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Grief is such a complex emotion. It shows up in our lives to teach us about compassion, forgiveness, and growth, and most importantly, it is a reminder that love never dies and is the world's most powerful force.
Today, Karla Noland joins us to share her grief story and how she learned to co-exist with this complex emotion during her mother's transition. She is an award-winning Author and Speaker, Certified Personal Development & Executive Coach, and the Founder and CEO of Reveal, Heal, Thrive, LLC. Her latest book, "The Day My Heart Turned Blue," was awarded the 2022 Eric Hoffer Award.
In this episode, we delve into Karla's grief experiences, the day her heart turned blue, and the growing process she began when she started grieving for her mother. We discuss the importance of healing childhood traumas and giving ourselves grace for the things we couldn't build in our lives. Karla explains how she dismantled her core beliefs about not being good enough and shares actionable insights to deal with our inner critics.
Some Questions I Ask:
Could you share with us about that experience of your heart turning blue before your mother transitioned to her new life? (8:44)
What did growth look like for you during that whole process? (11:28)
Could you talk about the tools you now have to support you in creating happy, healthy relationships? (21:53)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Karla talks about the grueling process of realizing she had no control over what was happening to her mother (9:38)
How Karla dealt with her childhood traumas (12:12)
How Karla dismantled her inner critic (23:12)
How to deal with mothers who are alive but emotionally unavailable (29:34)
The self-imposed prison of depression and how Karla managed to get out of it (40:38)
Resources:
- Reveal, Heal, Thrive website
- Book: The Day My Heart Turned Blue: Healing After the Loss of My Mother
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Connect with Karla:
- YouTube
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Joining us today to talk about parenting, depression, and healing is Ana Lennyr, a Life Strategist andAnti-Depression Expert.
Ana overcame suffering from depression and suicidal tendencies and now specializes in helping teenagers and adults build solid and supportive family relationships, teaching them how to get rid of depression and never slip back into it. She is a Psychologist and host of the radio show True Secrets of Life.
In this episode, we delve into Ana's life journey and the adversities she faced, the awakening moment of her mother's death, and the lessons she took from every heartbreak in her life. Ana kindly described her transition from being suicidal to becoming a life strategist, why she believes growing through grief is a painful and arduous process, and her unique perspective on collective suffering: the copy-pasted world we live in.
Ana also shared her three-step approach to addressing pain, valuable advice for parents in helping their kids avoid and deal with depression, and why we must stop carrying around blame, guilt, and shame.
Some Questions I Ask:
Could you talk about going from being suicidal to becoming a life strategist? (7:33)
You talked about acknowledging and looking at that pain and taking responsibility for it. But you also state that looking at the blame, the shame, and the guilt is also essential. Could you expand on that? (23:07)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Ana explains why she thanked her mother for dying and what that death taught her (4:35)
Why it is so hard to learn and grow from grief (6:52)
Ana takes us through her healing process and her aha moment after her mother's death (8:51)
Why Ana believes overcoming depression is not that hard; the tricky part is suffering from it (11:54)
Ana's three-step process to approach pain (15:58)
Why Ana believes we live in a copy-pasted world (24:32)
Ana talks about CHAOS, Childhood Automatic Operating System (26:42)
Ana shares her thoughts on what happens once we have the tools and gain awareness on how to get ourselves out of depression (32:13)
Resources:
Ana Lennyr website - BETTER ASK ANA
True Secrets of Life with Ana Lennyr radio show
Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Connect with Ana:
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Website
Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
In today's episode, we have an exceptional, inspiring guest, Terry Tucker – a Motivational Speaker, creator of Motivational Check, and Author of "Sustainable Excellence: Ten Principles To Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life."
From a young age, Terry dealt with the heavy duties life imposed on him based on what his parents taught him about family and the meaning of team play. He had a successful career in corporate America and then transitioned to law enforcement, where he acted as an undercover drug investigator and SWAT Team hostage negotiator.
Terry is also a cancer warrior, fighting a rare type of melanoma since 2012.
Throughout our conversation, Terry shares a bit of his background, the lessons, and the values he learned as a child that he carried through life.
We delve into his passion for law enforcement, which made him quit his corporate America career, and he shares valuable insights from his experiences as a hostage negotiator.
We also talk about Terry's reaction to being diagnosed with cancer and how he managed to put his head back in place after that. He explains some principles from his book and takes us through the four truths he learned that changed his life.
Some Questions I Ask:
When you were a teenager, you spent some time helping your mother take care of your father. Please share with us a little bit more about that (4:59)
For the past ten years, you have been a cancer warrior. Could you speak about the inner turmoil of realizing you have cancer and how you stay in this positive state of being all the time? (9:47)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
The values Terry learned from his parents and how they molded his life (7:04)
How understanding life as a team effort prepared Terry to help himself and others (12:31)
The power of realizing that suffering is optional (16:02)
Terry talks about being unique and being special and how our uniqueness is our primary tool to succeed in life (21:17)
Terry shares some of his experiences and the valuable lessons he got from his time with the SWAT Team (24:26)
Terry talks about the principles from "Sustainable Excellence" and elaborates on the one he most identifies himself with (32:16)
The four truths that helped Terry live his life without ever thinking of giving up (43:06)
Resources:
Motivational Check website
Book: Terry Tucker - Sustainable Excellence
Connect with Terry:
Let's Connect!
Website
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Mandy Harvey joins us today to talk about trauma healing, mental and physical health, presence, worthiness, and overall wellness.
Mandy is a Holistic Worthiness Coach and Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP), passionate about helping people heal from traumatic experiences, learn how to honor their bodies, and guide them to live their dreams.
In this episode, we delve into Mandy's traumatic childhood, the abuse and neglect she suffered as a child, and the dark path she went through that led to a suicide attempt. Mandy describes the process she went through that helped her transform her past trauma into a drive to help others heal; she also explains why trauma healing is so essential and what techniques she uses with her peers to help them recover.
We analyze and contextualize why trauma manifests itself as self-doubt, anxiety, stress, and even getting to the point where we feel we can't deal with anything life puts in front of us. Mandy also explains her holistic approach to trauma healing, paying attention to the mental and physical parts, including our nervous system and nutrition.
Some Questions I Ask:
- Could you tell us more about you before we get started? (2:43)
- How did you get into this work? Why trauma healing? (4:21)
- Why do you think trauma healing is so important? (16:22)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Mandy explains why we believe we must earn love through doing things and seeking external validation (3:01)
- Mandy shares the pain and suffering that led to a suicide attempt (5:59)
- How Mandy transformed the abuse she suffered into a drive to help others to heal (11:19)
- The healing techniques Mandy uses with her clients (21:05)
- The importance of taking care of and honoring our bodies (25:03)
- Mandy explains the Somatic Experiencing Trauma healing method (32:12)
- Tips on how to heal and show love to our bodies (42:34)
Resources:
- Mandy Harvey website
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Connect with Mandy:
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Sometimes, self-doubt can be a loud voice in our heads, especially in moments of uncertainty. The good news is we get to choose whether to listen to it or not, and we can stop it from slowing us down or holding us back in our growth.
In this episode, we analyze the reasons behind self-doubt, ways to deal with it, and how we can stop the inaction it causes. I share a powerful mantra I repeat myself daily that will help you understand, among other things, that life happens through you and not to you.
We delve into doubt's origins to understand why we shouldn't believe what it says to us and avoid having it dictate our future. We learn to normalize doubt as a natural response to certain situations without letting it take over.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- A powerful mantra I repeat myself every day (2:16)
- We must allow wisdom to speak in our ears (4:25)
- We need to remember we have control over what happens inside of us (7:25)
- Not everything our mind tells us is true (10:01)
- We need to normalize doubt and be kind to ourselves (12:17)
Resources:
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
- Email: diana@coachingtotheheart.org
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Although we can't control the things that break our hearts, we can choose how to react to heartbreak. We definitely can't do anything to make someone love us and feel their love, but we can feel love for others. Love is self-generated, and it's always available, regardless of what is going on in our lives.
Today's episode is about how to use love, the most powerful force in the universe, to live a healthy and happy life. We talk about the importance of making room in our hearts for love, how we prepare for love, how to experience more love, and how to attract those who share our values and vision.
In addition, I share a list of five nuggets to experience a healthy and happy relationship with love, created from the hundreds of conversations I had with clients and the questions they ask about love.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Love remains in our hearts, even if it's covered up with pain (2:14)
- The importance of keeping our hearts open for love (7:56)
- We build our reality. Identifying patterns and beliefs (13:24)
- Committing to showing up with integrity and in alignment with the whole version of us, not the broken one (20:07)
- Using a bold intention for love and our relationships (22:20)
- Why is it essential to connect with our needs and desires (24:46)
- Cultivating the vision of who we want to be and committing to becoming that person (26:40)
Resources:
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
- Email: diana@coachingtotheheart.org
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
All of us have something we would like to change from our past. Words we wish we hadn't said, actions we should've avoided, responses to specific situations, and of course, things out of our control we wish had never happened.
The reality is we can't change what happened; there is nothing we can do to modify the outcome of our past experiences.
However, there is something we can do to prevent those harmful emotions coming from the past and haunting us, and in this episode, I invite you to discover it.
Throughout our conversation, we learn the formula to release those emotions trapped in our bodies that we often hear screaming inside of us, wanting to get out. We understand how to clear them out of our system and experience healing, so we can focus on keeping on growing. In addition, I share three simple yet powerful tips to nurture your growing skills and use them as a kickstart to rebirthing yourself to greatness.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- A powerful question to start a serious conversation with yourself (1:27)
- Why we must be intentional about being in the present and aware and conscious of our thoughts (3:28)
- We can make of this moment, right now, a turning point in our lives (5:35)
- About the importance of clearing out emotions trapped in ourselves (8:24)
- Three tips to help you rebirth yourself to greatness (11:34)
Resources:
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
- Email: diana@coachingtotheheart.org
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Life is about growing; whether we experience pain or joy, love, gratitude, fear or hopelessness, choosing growth will always be the best answer regardless of what happens in our lives.
In this episode, I'm sharing a simple yet powerful method to encourage growth, which helped and still helps me a lot in my growing process and will definitely help you accelerate yours.
Together, we navigate the details of this technique based on three questions that will help us mold, direction, and provide meaning to our personal growth. We also talk about the importance of living an intentional life and focusing on what we want to accomplish, not worrying too much about how we'll achieve it.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- The importance of remaining sharp and focused on our growth (2:14)
- About the hardships of staying in complex relationships (5:41)
- Why it is essential to have a clear idea of what we want to experience in life (12:46)
- Connection with others is critical for our growth (14:14)
- Life is not about ourselves (17:51)
Resources:
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
- Email: diana@coachingtotheheart.org
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
To grieve is not only about feeling sadness; it is also the process of letting go. We grieve when someone dies, but we also do it when a relationship dies, when someone stops being part of our life or gets away from it for some time.
Today's conversation might be as hard and painful as necessary. Grieving our relationship with our children is not an easy task. I know it by experience, and as we go through it, it will take us to places we don't want to go. Memories will pop up and make us feel excruciating pain.
This episode is directed to grieving moms, although dads, siblings, and the other family members can take notes and use this information to grow and heal. We'll delve into one of the hardest things I had to deal with myself, grieving and letting go of our children. Grieving the relationship we had with our kids, the changes, the loss of many things buried in the past.
We also talk about the two ways of letting go I use in my own practice, the crucial importance of letting shaming and blaming aside, and the greatest gift we can give to our children. We talk about the true meaning of unconditional love, Kübler-Ross' five stages of grief, and we remind ourselves that growth never stops, and neither should we.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- It is not about ending a relationship; it is about redefining how we will navigate the new relationship (2:40)
- Setting healthy boundaries to protect ourselves (4:31)
- The two ways of letting go (5:33)
- The greatest gift we can give to our children (11:36)
- About the five stages of grief and how we go through them (16:58)
- The challenging task of allowing our children to be grown-ups (21:36)
Resources:
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
- Email: diana@coachingtotheheart.org
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Do you know where you want to be in your growth journey by the end of the week, the month, or the year? Setting clear expectations is the first step to succeed in any area of life, growth and self-development included. After we know exactly where we are going, we get to define how we'll walk through that path.
In today's episode, inspired by the apparition of one of heaven's representatives, we talk about living a victorious life, designing our life book, and connecting with ourselves at the deepest level. We pause for a moment and think about relationships; first, the relationship with ourselves, and then, we reflect on our relationship with others. I share one of the 12 categories in which I've designed my own life book, my 2022 game plan.
We also touch on the importance of being ok with feeling uncomfortable, being really clear and intentional about our expectations, and why we must assume total responsibility for our thoughts and actions.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- A beautiful white bird on the roof. A conversation with the one that speaks without words (1:51)
- What does it mean to live a victorious life (5:21)
- We tend to forget about the power of emotions (8:34)
- Stop hiding; let the creative you take control (12:10)
- One of the 12 categories I based my life book in. The power of nurturing our relationships (15:01)
- We must be crystal clear on what we want to achieve (21:03)
Resources:
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
- Ep#32 - Choose to Make it Right Inside Yourself
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
- Email: diana@coachingtotheheart.org
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Since we all will have to go through grief sooner or later, we should learn how to make our grieving processes easier. Learning how to grieve to suffer less is possible; it requires a reasonable effort, and the reward is enormous.
In today's episode, we will effectively go through the process that will help us deal with our grief in a less painful and growth-promoting way. We start our journey by identifying the different parts of ourselves, what parts of our behavior are under their control, how they interact between them, and what we should focus on to get the best out of them.
We discuss the need to include a divine element into our grieving process, whether we call it God, essence, or spirit. We analyze the attacks suffered by Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson during her Supreme Court confirmation hearings. We look at the darkness, the unresolved pain coming from the Senators, and the light, the humanness glowing from Judge Jackson. In the end, we practice a five minutes meditation that will help you meet with yourself and receive the power of being anchored to the power of spirit.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Grief is a holistic experience (1:57)
- Self-awareness is a must if we want to learn how to grieve (3:47)
- The importance of acknowledging our logical and divine self (7:25)
- How to invite our divinity into our grieving process (12:27)
- Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's story (13:43)
- A meditation session to meet with ourselves (21:32)
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
- Email: diana@coachingtotheheart.org
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Inspired by the renewal Spring brings to life, I decided to take a pause, reflect, and celebrate the growth and progress I've made over the last months. One of the things I've been committed to during the previous year was being very intentional about my self-awareness, and I've noticed some changes I would like to share today.
In this episode, we delve into the three main areas of my self-awareness journey that I've noticed a fantastic evolution in, and I'm sure you will find it very useful in your own growth journey. We explore the importance (and the difficulty) of being present, experiencing a deeper connection with our feelings, and preventing our hearts from traveling back to painful memories or the future into the fields of uncertainty. We touch on the relieving sensation of experiencing more acceptance and surrendering than resisting and the peace of letting our true self reach the surface.
In addition, we highlight the importance of actively practicing gratitude to keep us centered and aware of our efforts and their results.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- What I've learned about the relationship between my tendency to resist and the importance of acceptance (2:01)
- The importance of being aware of our two parts, the one that wants to heal and the part that is afraid to heal (4:42)
- About the importance of letting our true self reach the surface and take control (7:36)
- The vital importance of being present (despite how hard it might look) (10:53)
- We must create space to appreciate how far we've come (14:38)
- We are unstoppable when our mind is quiet (18:32)
Resources:
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
- Email: diana@coachingtotheheart.org
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Today, we delve into the second part of my conversation with Shawn Costley.
This time, we touch on the need to create and honor a season to mourn and weep in our lives, the importance of taking the time to look inside of ourselves introspectively, aftercare, and the limitations the Black community imposes itself to deal with grief.
Shawn, kindly and generously, shared some painful personal experiences, and he described vividly how the power of community helped him navigate the excruciating pain of losing a child. We also talk about the familiar sensation of knowing something is not alright inside us and what we can do to change it. Shawn talked about the solo getaways he makes from time to time to examine himself, check on his thoughts and the stories in his head, and pivot as needed to achieve the goals he committed to.
Some Questions I Ask:
- What does dealing with the living look like for you, Shawn? (4:07)
- As a minister and a leader in your community, what have you noticed about people that you interact with? (11:08)
- What would be some examples for you when we know things are not right inside? (24:17)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- What does aftercare require, according to Shawn (5:08)
- About Shawn's grief story and the loss of his son (13:33)
- How the programming we bring from our childhood affects our grieving abilities (22:34)
- We have to study ourselves to discover what triggers our pain (26:15)
- Social media opened the possibility to reconnect with lots of people, and that could not necessarily be a good thing (33:51)
- The importance of honoring our elders today before it is too late (37:12)
Resources:
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
- Madison's Mighty Men of Valor Facebook
Connect with Shawn:
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Modern life is so busy, so full of things, distractive, and immediate. There is little time to enjoy one thing at a time, let alone reflect, analyze, and grieve. The fast-paced society demands our attention and immediate reaction to blend in with harmony. But grief doesn't work like that; we can't do it while we scroll on our phones. We need to set up a time for it, make an appointment with ourselves, and show up.
Our guest, Shawn Costley, brings this powerful concept to our discussion, explaining the need and benefits of taking care of ourselves in grief. To ask for a minute if we need to, cry our eyes out if we feel like it, and reach for help if we realize we can't cope with the pain.
Shawn Costley is the Director of Huntsville Corporate Housing Solutions and the Founder of Madison's Mighty Men of Valor.
In this first part of our interview, Shawn talks about his upbringing, traveling around the world and meeting new cultures, and at the same time, being incapable of lifelong friendships. Shawn shared his thoughts on the harmful effects of COVID on people's lives, the devastating effects of losing loved people back to back during the pandemic, and the importance of taking good care of ourselves before trying to help someone else.
Some Questions I Ask:
- At what point in your life did you decide you wanted to be different? (5:35)
- Could you share your perspective about all the losses, especially since the pandemic started? Death, job losses, and health losses? (10:39)
- What would you tell someone who is drowning in pain and grief? (26:14)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Shawn talks about how it was for him growing up constantly moving (4:12)
- Make an appointment with yourself (14:08)
- Even Jesus cried, so it is okay to cry (19:31)
- Repassing the life of the person that we just lost is essential for proper grief recovery (25:01)
- Breathe first. First-care is everything (32:05)
Resources:
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Connect with Shawn:
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Today's episode is the second part of our conversation with The Love Doctor, Barry Selby. This time, we include love and joy in relationships into the discussion, and Barry shares his secret sauce for long-lasting relationships.
Barry Selby is a Speaker, Bestselling Author, and Expert Facilitator who helps women leaders find balance in love, life, and business. He has been a Ministry Director and Practitioner at the Agape International Spiritual Centertitioner for over 28 years, and he has a Master's Degree in Spiritual Psychology. Barry authored the book "50 Ways to love your lover," which includes powerful principles for passionate relationships filled with deeply fulfilling and juicy romance.
We explore the link between grief and relationships and the grief process we go through after a breakup. Barry dives into the influence of our formative years, the things we learn in them have on our adult lives, and how we choose to interact with others. Barry sheds some light on people's behavioral challenges or bad habits they imprint in their relationships and the importance of going through a self-healing journey before trying to heal someone else.
Finally, Barry talks about feminine magnificence and what it means to be a masculine man. He kindly offers advice for people thinking of getting their feet into the dating world again.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Sometimes is not about missing the person; it is about missing the possibilities of what could've happened (4:57)
- We learn about love by watching others (6:30)
- Stop projecting childhood traumas into your partner (12:34)
- Never paint over rust. Barry shares some tips to deal with bad habits (15:26)
- About Barry's background and why he decided to be a champion for the divine feminine (18:43)
- We must get clear on who we are and what do we want from a relationship before putting ourselves out there (25:16)
Resources:
- Barry Selby website
- Book: Barry Selby - 50 Ways To Love Your Lover
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
- Book: Besser van der Kolk - The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Connect with Barry:
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Like many other things in life, grief is something we cannot predict; it's not systemized, and the feelings of grieving land on us unexpectedly. We already know that the worst way to deal with it is to fight it or try to push it down. If we do that, it'll resurge even strongly later.
Today we have a special guest, Barry Selby, and through his story of grief, we explore fascinating concepts about grief and love he learned in his career as a counselor and the loss of his parents.
Barry Selby, The Love Doctor, is a Speaker, Bestselling Author, and Expert Facilitator who helps women leaders find balance in love, life, and business. He has been a Ministry Director and Practitioner at the Agape International Spiritual Centertitioner for over 28 years, and he has a Master's Degree in Spiritual Psychology.
In this episode, we explore new ways of dealing with grief, holding to the beautiful memories of our loved ones rather than to the feelings their loss produces on us. Barry kindly shared his journey and experiences losing both of his parents, his mother in 2012 and his father last year. We delve into his healing process, the most significant hurdles he had to deal with, and the central role of gratitude in grieving.
Some Questions I Ask:
Would you share with us your most compelling grief story? (4:54)
How did you deal with the loss of your parents? (10:54)
What took you the longest to learn as you were going through this grief process? (16:53)
Is there any particular thing you will share with my listeners about practicing love in the process of grieving? (18:32)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Barry talks about how tough it was for him to see his mother trapped in her body and the relief of seeing her leaving the physical plane (5:10)
Grief is something we cannot predict; it hits us like ocean waves (12:41)
Holding to grief is holding to the loss of someone; we should instead hold onto the beautiful memories of them (14:31)
How hard it was for Barry to see the story almost repeating itself with his father, nine years later after the loss of his mother (24:37)
Resources:
Barry Selby website
Book: Barry Selby - 50 Ways To Love Your Lover
Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Book: Besser van der Kolk - The Body Keeps the Score
Connect with Barry:
Let's Connect!
Website
Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
A natural movement for children to assimilate what is happening in their lives is to link events to their own actions. For instance, kids will believe that their parents divorced because they were naughty. Those thoughts, those emotions will lead to us not feeling good enough or undeserving of certain things.
Emotions are our first communicators; that is why it is essential to understand that children grieve too.
Today, in the second part of our two-part interview with Dr. Shawn, we had a wonderful conversation about the deep connections established in the parents' relationship with their kids and, more specifically, in the mother-daughter relationship. We delve into the power and influence of a mother's voice over her daughter, the meaning built around the hug and how it can be associated with hurting, and the critical relevance of taking a pause to let feelings go through us. We also talk about paying attention to the physical response to emotions, the concept of mental wealth, the role of guilt as an invitation for reflection, and trauma's capacity to modify DNA.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Dr. Shawn shares her thoughts on the mother-daughter relationship (4:45)
- About how children interiorize what is going on around them and why it is crucial to pay attention to how they express their emotions (8:04)
- Mental health is mental wealth (13:08)
- Guilt is an emotion designed for reflection (15:13)
- How can realizing our mother is not perfect help us grow (18:16)
- About the importance of recognizing that children also grieve (22:54)
- Trauma has the power of modifying DNA and condition people's behavior (27:48)
Resources:
- Dr. Shawn website
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
- Book: Besser van der Kolk - The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Connect with Dr. Shawn:
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The first step to finding the solution to a problem is recognizing it exists. When we talk about grief recovery, the second step is to realize we need help; a compassionate listener is crucial to change our reality. Fear, sadness, pain, anger, and even confusion, all those feelings are valid, and perhaps the process of our healing includes going through some of them. However, it is key to our recovery to understand that the body is not a storage center; it is a processing center.
Visiting us today, in this special episode, is Dr. Shawn Fuqua. She is a Mother, a Wife, a Licensed Therapist, Mental Health Advocate, Author, Diversity Leader, and Educator.
Dr. Shawn is an engaged public speaker. She is a caring professional with over 20 years of experience working with children and women. She is passionate about helping others through counseling, academic instruction, and community service.
Today, in our first encounter of this two-part interview, Dr. Shawn kindly shared some golden nuggets on a holistic approach to healing and grief recovery. She invites us to reflect on the connection between mind, soul, and body in our healing process and our health improvement. We delve into Dr. Shawn's personal grief story, the stigma around mental health, the power of our emotions, and more.
Some Questions I Ask:
- You are a licensed therapist. Could you tell us what therapy is? (3:53)
- Could you share with us your own personal grief story? (10:05)
- How have you become more of yourself after going through your own grief process? (21:16)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- The first step is to recognize we need help (6:06)
- It's okay to be sad; it's okay to be confused (14:27)
- We must acknowledge the power of our emotions (16:03)
- Self-care is vital to avoid depression (17:40)
- The crucial importance of having a compassionate listener (28:53)
Resources:
- Dr. Shawn website
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Connect with Dr. Shawn:
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The first time I heard the statement, "you have everything you need inside of you," it didn't make much sense to me. Where? I asked. But when I sat quietly and paid attention to the soft whisper telling me how much I was loved, needed, and powerful, I got it; that place where I had all I need is the center of my heart, my true self, where we can also hear the voice of our soul.
Today's episode is about paying attention to where we are looking for answers and understanding that we'll never find peace as long as we keep on looking for them outside of ourselves. We delve into the importance of committing to work on ourselves to find answers, develop the ability of self-reflection, and why we must release to heal. We also talk about creating space to allow what is new to enter our lives, and get rid of the old bitterness, since we can't create new feelings with an old mindset.
In addition, I share three simple yet powerful secrets to feel better immediately, and we explore the importance of raising barriers without fear of rejection and the instrumental role of forgiveness in healing.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- We are all on a similar journey; we are all healing from something (2:14)
- We must commit to working on ourselves if we want to grow and heal (3:20)
- We can either stay disconnected or listen to our intuition, to the quiet whisper (7:19)
- Accessing the center of our hearts will allow us to find the answers we are looking for (12:40)
- Why should we focus on our mental health (17:26)
- You can't heal what you can't see (20:41)
- Three secrets to feel better NOW (21:04)
Resources:
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Sometimes, the price we pay for our growth is losing some people along the way. This can be particularly painful since we all love to be around people. However, some losses might be necessary; we should take a step back and distance ourselves from the critics that drain our energy, the so-called energy vampires. It's a hard decision to make, especially if those critics are family members, but for the sake of our growth, we should surround ourselves only with those who help us stand tall and feel safe.
As a result of a hard and quite uncomfortable exercise I've been doing for the past weeks, a teardrop that slipped unknowingly showed me what I needed to do, open myself, and allow the tsunami of emotions I was holding back to flow through me.
Today's episode is about releasing. It is about letting go of those who deplete our energy and put us down and about releasing our emotions, to let go of the feelings we are holding back. We explore what's underneath the anger we might sometimes feel, the importance of allowing emotions to flow through us, staying with them, and getting ready to hear the message our emotions have for us.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- The importance of being with our emotions, even with the painful ones (4:19)
- A teardrop in the stone floors. Letting our bodies release and allow the feelings throughout our bodies (6:18)
- Stay close to those who help you raise tall and support you (9:43)
- Learning to discover the tears that have a purpose attached to them (18:10)
- The power of being clear about our intention (23:37)
Resources:
- Growing Through Grief System - Book Now
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
As I sit to record this on Giving Tuesday, my mind wanders through the feelings of gratitude, happiness, and furnishing that most of us get in these holidays.
Life has given and taught me lots of things during all these years, and if I have to think about life's favorite teachers, grief comes on top of the list. Grief has taught me valuable lessons I carry deep in my heart and love to teach and share.
Today, in Season one's last episode, we talk about the lessons I learned from grief. We explore different types of grief, other than the loss of a loved one, that we tend to ignore or even don't recognize as grief, like racism or the lack of life without discrimination. Throughout this episode, we dive deep into the three lessons grief taught me that will help you experience growth, move forward, develop a healthy relationship with grief, and learn to use it rather than be used by it.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- What does giving and gifting has to do with grief (1:21)
- Some of the things grief has gifted me over the years (4:03)
- Freedom and lightness. No one has to change for us to feel better (5:55)
- Why we must let go of the stories from the past (7:02)
- The power of nurturing our spirit of curiosity (10:13)
- Allowing grief to be our companion (14:17)
- A snippet of some of the topics we'll touch in Season 2 (15:27)
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
A few days ago, I met a young lady at the park. She had experienced the loss of her mother, and the words she used to describe how she felt inspired this episode. She shared her anguish, and among other things, she said she felt her heart shattered. These two words, shattered heart, are a combination none of us should have to use to describe how we feel, and still, sometimes, it is the truth.
In this episode, we talk about the challenging task of picking up the tiny parts of a shattered heart. We explore some valuable techniques we can use to navigate this kind of excruciating pain, accelerate the recovery of losing a loved one, and use that momentum to grow. I also talk about the two things I shared with this young lady to help her deal with heart grief, and at the end, I offer a simple yet powerful meditation session.
Tune in and listen to episode 29 of Growing Through Grief and learn about what can be done when we feel our heart is shattered into tiny pieces.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- The lady with the shattered heart. Her pain and the wounds she was dealing with (2:24)
- What feelings come to mind when we hear those two words combined: shattered heart (5:53)
- The power of creating space (6:15)
- How being curious can help us go through pain (7:46)
- What are our options when we don't have anyone around to ask for help (10:59)
- A quick, short and sweet, and powerful meditation session (14:09)
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Although all of us know deep down in our hearts that our parents will leave us at some point, it is still hard to deal with their loss. It is a tough call, even for grief and trauma specialists who have the tools to deal with grief more gracefully than someone unprepared.
Visiting us today is the amazing Professor Theresa Agostinelli, a Certified Mental Health and Wellness Coach, Speaker, Teacher, Certified Psychotherapist, and a Trauma Recovery specialist. She is also CEO, Licensed Psychotherapist, and Professor at Glen Mills Coaching and Consulting, and Speaker, Coach, and Teacher at John Maxwell Team.
Professor Theresa's mother is in the final stage of her life after battling for a couple of years with dementia. In this show, she kindly shared how she and her family are dealing and getting ready with her mother's transition. We go through the importance of dealing with trauma and grief to prevent some conditions, learning to accept and forgive, and human's need for looking for meaning in every life event. Theresa also talked about the interesting concept of developmental stages of grief and why it is essential to acknowledge the different ways people grieve at different ages.
Tune in and listen to episode 28 of Growing Through Grief and take a close look at anticipatory grief and the best way to get ready for a loved one's transition.
Some Questions I Ask:
- Would you like to share a little about yourself and then share a compelling grief story? (2:42)
- How does someone with your background deal with the transition of her mother? (5:40)
- In my mind, trauma happens first, then we grieve, and if we don't heal the grief, it could lead to mental illness. What's your perspective on that? (9:54)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- What are some of the tools Professor Theresa is using to deal with her mother's transition (7:28)
- How can we transform grief into temporary suffering and not a chronic pain that sticks with us (13:18)
- How powerful acceptance and forgiveness can be (16:25)
- What are the developmental ages of grief (20:54)
Resources:
- Glen Mills Coaching & Consulting website
Connect with Theresa:
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
For the last couple of weeks, we've been talking about grief during holidays and how hard it is to go through the celebrations season without our loved ones. Today, we touch on this topic again, but from a new perspective; we look at it from a spiritual point of view.
In this episode, continuing our series about grieving through holidays, we get access to a new tool to help us decide how we want to go through them. I believe that no one should grieve alone, so staying connected with those who can provide support is crucial to help us navigate through significant loss. Throughout this show, we discover S.H.I.F.T, the tool that will help us surrender to higher intelligence, whether we call it God, light, or love, and learn how to shift unwanted emotions during the holidays.
Tune in and listen to episode 27 of Growing Through Grief and learn to use this powerful tool that will help you deal with significant loss during the holidays.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- How to restore trust in the divinity that lives within ourselves (2:54)
- We can decide today what to do with unwanted emotions during the holidays (6:09)
- The four commitments that will make the difference when applying the S.H.I.F.T tool (7:55)
- What is the S.H.I.F.T tool, and how it can help us surrender to a higher self (12:01)
- Why we must learn to stop suppressing our feelings (24:18)
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Whether we are ready or not for the next seasons of life, they will happen. As we mentioned in the previous episode, nature's cycle never stops; it works tirelessly to prepare for the next step, creating space, and embracing newness. Nature is a harsh teacher; if we look at it, what needs to happen for life to continue will happen. But, nature is also an endless source of inspiration. So, with a new season upon us, right at the start of the month, where festivities and family connections are happening all around us, what can we do to inspire ourselves?
In this episode, my mission is to gift you some tools to find inspiration so you can keep growing through the holidays without your loved ones. As I usually do, I created an acronym for the word INSPIRATION meant to help you get invigorated, keep going forward, and never stop growing. We learn how to create an "I am" statement to help us affirm a truth we can use when going through hard times. We also talk about embracing what is new, creating space for it, sticking to a plan, getting curious about our feelings, returning to our wholeness, expressing our emotions, and much more.
Tune in and listen to episode 26 of Growing Through Grief and get some tools you'll need to feel inspired despite negative emotions, grief, and the sadness you might feel during the holidays.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- What can you do if you feel you are not ready for life's next season (3:19)
- The more I let go, the more I grow (5:51)
- The spirit inside of inspiration (8:27)
- Choosing the emotions that will lead our journey (10:29)
- Remember to be spacious and gracious with yourself (15:03)
- Always remember your "I am" statement, and use it as many times as you need (19:13)
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
As I enjoyed the beautiful, colorful spectacle of Autumn, my mind got caught on nature's perfect life cycle. Let's look at the trees, for instance. They let go of the leaves that will inevitably die during Winter; they release them on the floor so they can nurture their own roots. It is during Autumn that they start getting ready for Winter's dark and cold times. They create space and get ready for the growing season of Spring, right before they gloom as hard as they can during the Summer.
It occurred to me that we can use nature's wisdom in our lives, and more specifically, in our relationships with grief.
In this episode, we talk about Autumn, loss, grief, and holidays. We go through the importance of getting our minds ready to spend the following holidays, perhaps the first ones for many people, without our loved ones. We talk about our thoughts, the places we decide to visit with our minds, and the things we have the power to decide in advance. Also, inspired by nature's life cycle, I decided to play a bit and created a Growing Through Grief acronym for Autumn.
Tune in and listen to episode 25 of Growing Through Grief and get inspired by nature; start preparing today for Winter, make space to grow, and decide what kind of holidays you'll have.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- The perfect time to reflect, replenish our souls, and refresh our minds (2:31)
- Now is when we get to decide how to move through grief during holidays (5:27)
- What it means to be in alignment and understanding the truth we tell ourselves about what happened (7:27)
- Why it is crucial we get underneath that truth (9:40)
- The importance of building a community (12:29)
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The level of anxiety and anguish we see in the world today is undoubtedly amongst the higher in history. New issues that threaten the normal flow of the world come up daily, and things don't seem like they'll get better any sooner. Still, even though we can barely do something about them, we can brighten our days simply by choosing what we focus on. Our guest, Darla Nelson, brought this idea up; she guides her life by the belief that what we focus on expands.
Darla Nelson is a Transformational Coach specialized in helping others to transform their thoughts to heal their lives, health, and relationships. She is a certified Life and Health Coach from the Health Coach Institute. She also holds a Time Line Therapy and an NLP Neuro-Linguistic Program Certificate from the Genius Unlocked Coaching Institute.
Today, we had a wonderful conversation about the power of focusing on the things that we are grateful for, the things that make us feel good and doing our best to get away from negative thoughts. Darla kindly shared the most profound, painful grief moment of her life, how it affected her professional and personal life, and what tools she used to cope with and grow through that grief. We also talk about the power of letting go, being vulnerable, and accepting the things life gives us, even when they are not so nice.
Tune in and listen to episode 24 of Growing Through Grief and get to know better this amazing, resourceful, and resilient woman, Darla Nelson.
Some Questions I Ask:
- As a health coach, share with me what is personal or with your clients; how has anxiety shown up in your life? (5:01)
- Could you share with us your most painful grief event? (8:32)
- How did you support your mom? And how did you support yourself throughout the process of losing your father? (14:08)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- What we focus on expands. Changing what we focus on can make our days and our life better (6:10)
- You can do whatever you want, it doesn't matter to me anymore. The beginning of a prolonged grief journey for Darla (9:34)
- Waking up in a wet pillow. The moment Darla realized she needed to let her father go (16:05)
- What supported and helped Darla grow after the loss of her father (19:43)
Resources:
- Darla Nelson website
Connect with Darla:
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Growing Through Grief Together
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The last couple of years were tough on all of us; in addition to the imposed restrictions, many of us had to deal with loss, pain, and heartbreaks. The forced isolation we've been sent into created a lot of time to be with ourselves, causing us to deal with the pain we pushed for years, even for decades. But there is a path we can choose to help us heal, the path of compassion. Regardless of where we are in our grief journey, compassion is ours whenever we feel ready to receive it.
In this episode, we talk about compassionate grief, a topic that warms my heart the moment I hear of it. We explore the meaning and purpose of compassionate grief, how we can provide it to others and ourselves, how we can use it to heal, grow, and help others do the same. We also go through the different ways to show compassion and why it is a crucial part of healing. I also offer three options to consider to help us understand the power of compassionate grief and much more.
Tune in and listen to episode 23 of Growing Through Grief and learn about this amazing healing resource that will help you be more kind to yourself and more understanding about your pain.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- We can experience self-compassion in times of grief and pain (3:41)
- The different ways to show compassion (4:54)
- What is compassionate grief, and how it can help us (6:39)
- There can be no trust without compassion (8:19)
- A few options to consider to embrace compassionate grief (11:19)
- How compassionate grief can take us to the truth of who we really are (16:49)
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Living and Growing Through Grief
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
All of us have memories of all kinds that awake feelings and emotions; some might bring us joy and hope, some may cause pain and sadness. Still, memories will remain regardless of how we feel about them; therefore, we need to pay attention to the feelings and emotions they produce and how we handle them.
In this episode, we touch on a challenging subject: feelings and emotions. We explore the number one human emotion release mechanism, crying. We go through the different ways to shed tears, the clarity and relief we feel after a good crying session, and the space we give ourselves and our tears to co-exist. We also talk about the "I miss mommy and daddy" mentality, and we add three powerful tools to our toolbox to deal with our feelings.
Tune in and listen to episode 22 of Growing Through Grief and learn how to concede yourself space to cry, be with your emotions, and grow in the process.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- What I've discovered recently about a period of pain and confusion I've been in (2:04)
- Why it's critical to be present with our grief (4:30)
- There is no need to start from a big place; we can start from where we are right now (6:17)
- The clarity after the tears. Why it's crucial we create a space to cry in our lives (8:39)
- Three powerful tools to deal with our feelings and emotions (14:39)
Let's Connect!
- Website
Facebook Group - Living and Growing Through Grief
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
It doesn't matter how much we fight it; we have no control over what happens to or around us. What we can control, however, is our experience of it. We have the power to decide how we navigate what is happening around us; we can choose to grab the reins and take control.
Visiting us today is the inspiring Kayla Michael; she is a writer, a former military member, and a mother. Kayla's resilience is out of the charts; she endured paralysis, homelessness, memory loss, and she is currently fighting against a massive brain tumor in her brainstem. After one of the many surgeries she went through, Kayla woke up paralyzed, so she had to relearn to walk, which she did. Doing lots of meditation and positive affirmations, she keeps pushing forward, grabbing life by the lapels, and focusing on her only job: getting better.
When she was born, Kayla's parents were teenagers; her mother decided to leave, so she was raised by her father, a 20 years old boy who did a great job and created an unbreakable bond with her.
Our conversation revolves around Kayla's bulletproof optimism, strength, and resilience. We talk about some of the countless resources she uses to stay strong and keep fighting and how she deals with her mother's absence. We talk about the relationship with her kids and grandparents, Kayla's future goals and projects, the meaning of grief, and much more.
Tune in and listen to episode 21 of Growing Through Grief and receive some of Kayla's endless strength and courage through her story.
Some Questions I Ask:
- Tell us a bit about how you started in this beautiful life (3:08)
- You said your father raised you, and he struggled a lot. Could you share a little about that? (5:25)
- Do you have others to communicate with and express your true feelings? (14:12)
- All of that positivity you just shared with us, how do you instill that in your kids? (21:54)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- About one of Kayla's first lessons in life, survival (5:14)
- How Kayla doesn't want to be treated, and how she makes sure people don't pity her (11:01)
- About Kayla's gratitude practices and staying in permanent touch with her grandparents (13:54)
- She chooses not to live in sorrow but somewhere else (20:35)
- A bit about Kayla's projects, the books she is writing, and her blog (25:31)
- Kayla's take on meditation and a piece of useful advice for those struggling to meditate (33:51)
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Living and Growing Through Grief
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Our emotions around what happened to us or the things we are going through are generated by thoughts. That is why when I hear someone asking themselves why they are always sad, what comes to my mind is the image of an open cage with a tiny bird in it that refuses to fly away. Changing how we feel is not easy, but it is totally up to us; it is a matter of looking for something greater, something higher than ourselves, than our ego, and stay connected with our emotionality.
This episode is an invitation to embrace who we really are and embrace our humanity. Today, we discuss the importance of paying attention to our thoughts and understanding that we will always see what we are looking for. We explore how to control our mind, what we can do to flood it with positive thoughts and establish a deeper connection with others, with nature, and with our true self. We will also learn the importance of understanding that if our belief system doesn't serve us, we can replace it; we can always get in touch with our intuition, with our human heart.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Why being sad all the time feels like being inside an open cage (3:15)
- What makes our suffering continue and recycle itself (5:15)
- Why we must embrace who we are and what comes up (7:34)
- The mind controls everything, including how we feel (13:43)
- We must focus on being present, not perfect (17:27)
- Everywhere we look, we see what we are looking for (21:01)
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Living and Growing Through Grief
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
If, during a moment of deep pain, one of our friends shows up and tells us not to worry, forget about what is making us suffer, and let time work its magic, what would we think of that friend? We would undoubtedly stop trusting that friend. However, on many occasions, that is the kind of friend we are to ourselves. We tend to push down the pain and forget about it, like if it didn't exist.
In this episode, we expand our concept of friendship and courage associated with growth. We talk about the kind of friends we need to go through a grief process, and therefore, what kind of friends we need to be to ourselves. We explore what it means to be courageous and why we must concede ourselves the courage to grow. I share two tips to be our own cheerleaders and have the courage to grow throughout our grief process.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- We tend to think it is more comfortable to remain the same and avoid change (2:41)
- The reasons that made us stop our process of growing and expanding our lives (5:55)
- Learning to be a true friend to ourselves (7:16)
- Having the courage of growing through it all (9:18)
- We must recognize the opportunity to grow and run towards it (15:33)
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Living and Growing Through Grief
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Nature likes symmetry; if we look at a tree, we will see the same pattern of human veins in its branches. Life is cyclical; life is born and dies with methodic precision season after season. In his book, The Fourth Turning, W. Strauss, looking at history's cycles, points out a pattern of significant tragedies every four generations. To Dave Sanderson, one of the survivors of The Miracle of Hudson, Strauss' words made total sense. Sanderson realized all of us will have our plane crash moments; what we learn from them and how we react is what matters.
Dave Sanderson was seated in the back row of US Airways Flight 1549, which crashed in the Hudson River in January 2009. At the moment of the crash, he heard the voice of his mother, who had told him to always do the right thing, and God would take care of the rest. That day, ignoring his hypothermia, his fear, and ignoring the fact that he was risking his own life, Dave helped dozens of people escape from that sinking plane.
In this episode, Dave gives us details of his life-changing experience, how it inspired him to help others, and the tools he got from it to deal with adversity. We talk about those plane crash moments we will all go through eventually and the connection he made between the pandemic and his experience at the Hudson River. Dave also described his sensations coming back to the river many years later.
Some Questions I Ask:
- Could you tell us what happened in the Hudson River? (2:27)
- When the pandemic hit, you said it was like a plane crash. What do you mean by that? (8:47)
- You talk about Post-Traumatic Growth Syndrome. Could you explain to the audience what that means? (17:21)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Dave's gameplan while the plane was sinking (3:20)
- The best way of dealing with the things we permanently push down and numb with alcohol, drugs, work, etc. (10:38)
- All of us will have our plane crash moments. What are we going to do about it is what matters (15:28)
- Was the captain praying when the plane was going down? The power of knowing the answer to that question (22:34)
- Forgiveness is the only path to growth (26:34)
Resources:
- Dave Sanderson website
Connect with Dave:
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Living and Growing Through Grief
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
We know that being in constant growth is the only way of reaching our highest potential. We learned the importance of moving through our grief, why grief matters, and the importance of flowing with the tide when we are undergoing lots of pain. We also learned that thinking that time heals everything is a mistake and that we won't heal unless we allow grief to flow through us. Today, we look at two new elements of growth, release and replace. I have a confession to make; something I caught myself doing, something that stopped my growth for a moment.
In this episode, we talk about releasing the old and negative and replacing them with the new and positive; we talk about being connected to our inner awareness, to our true self. We explore the consequences of being separated from ourselves and the benefits of being connected. We also dive deep into what I've learned from my attitude and response to a recent incident. In addition, I share four simple yet powerful tips to stay connected.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- It is confession time. What happened to me a few days ago, and how I reacted (2:56)
- The reason why we tend to blame others for what is going on in our lives (10:37)
- How I found out I was separating myself from the truth (13:31)
- Four easy ways to stay connected (15:42)
- Our mission is to connect (22:24)
- We must take care of and forgive ourselves (26:12)
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Living and Growing Through Grief
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Pain and suffering are things no one chooses to feel; therefore, it sounds logical to reject them. But, denying the pain caused by grief or any other painful experience is counterproductive to our growth and evolution. Surrendering to grief, accepting the pain, and letting it go through us are liberating and fundamental parts of our growth process.
In this episode, we talk about growth, the adverse effects of denial, and the liberating effects of giving up on control. We reflect on the journey of growth, what it takes to surrender to grief and embrace it, and that attitude's impact on our lives. Throughout this episode, we analyze the different paths two people go through in their growth process. The first one remains steady in their healing process, and the second one is in complete denial.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- From buried seed to glooming flower. The invisible growth process we ignore (3:25)
- The path of two different people who experienced the same loss (5:58)
- What happens when we say no to growth, even when we know the truth (9:26)
- Accepting the truth to spend less time suffering (14:11)
- The power of setting the intention of growing (16:04)
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Living and Growing Through Grief
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Leaving grief unattended is comparable to leaving a baby crying for hours; the baby will eventually get tired and stop crying, but the consequences in the long term of that trauma could be devastating. A myth says that when we surrender to grief and let it go through us, we won't be able to come back from that, and the truth is actually the opposite. Coming back from grief is easier when we surrender to it, setting a time each day to be in that feeling and knowing that the more we push grief down and try to ignore it, the stronger it'll come back.
Joining us today is Grace Bella Harman, Dance/Movement Therapist & Embodied Grief Guide. Grace understands that grief is a sacred space for people to use their bodies to move through, process, and be transformed by grief. Her work is based on the belief that grief is a sacred and embodied process that requires awareness and an intentional physical engagement to process and integrate.
In this episode, we talk about the misconception of treating grief as an intellectual process, ignoring the role of the physical and emotional part of it. Grace shared her most compelling grief story, her mother's death, what she learned from it, and how she dealt with that terrible loss. We discuss the tendency in our society to treat grief as an intellectual process that time heals. We also talk about surrendering to grief, allocating time in our days for it, and looking at grief as a never-ending pool of inspiration.
Tune in and listen to episode 15 of Growing Through Grief, and let yourself get inspired by Grace and her kind and deep knowledge of grief.
Some Questions I Ask:
- You said when we are grieving, the body is trying to live without that person, whether it's a death, a divorce, or a breakup. Can you elaborate more on that? (4:03)
- You mentioned the beginning, the middle, and the end of grief. Could you tell me a bit more about being in the middle? (6:45)
- Can you share with us your most compelling grief story? (9:14)
- What's your definition of grief? (27:16)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- The reasons why grief is so painful (4:54)
- The perks of coming from a family where feelings are very welcomed (15:34)
- What happens when we try to push grief down (18:36)
- How can ritualized grief help us (19:26)
- Time is not linear when it comes to grief (23:42)
Resources:
- Move Your Grief website
- Grace's Sacred Grief program
- Grace's Soulful Grief program
Connect with Grace:
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Living and Growing Through Grief
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Almost every time we feel we are a mess or that we had a terrible day, we say that because of one thing that happened to us earlier, or it can even be for something that happened a long time ago. It is in our power to decide what kind of day we experience; the decision of what to focus on lies within ourselves - we can choose to have growth days instead of bad days.
In this episode, we talk about intentional existence, the power of changing our perspective in front of challenges, gratitude, and the possibility of taking inspired action. We analyze the difference between choosing to have bad days vs. having growth days. Throughout this episode, we look at the traps our minds can fall into, how the past can hold us back, and the different forms of growth we can choose.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- About being grateful and connected to the source (5:29)
- How we can connect with our deepest desire (7:43)
- Asking ourselves what it would look like to focus on our desire rather than in our pain (10:10)
- Four steps to transforming bad days into growth days (15:10)
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Living and Growing Through Grief
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
In a recent conversation with a dear friend, she mentioned being troubled for not having time to grieve the loss of her husband. She is a prominent photographer and a branding and marketing expert who is constantly traveling, so I knew what she meant. Still, distracting ourselves with work is one of the ways to know we are not grieving correctly; that is why today, I decided to talk about why grief matters.
In this episode, I share with you the four reasons why grief matters. We talk about the process of grieving as a mechanism that allows space for healing based on the law of polarity: to enjoy happiness, we must experience sadness. We also explore the concept of grief as self-care through the four pillars of existence. Then, we look at grief as a powerful tool to get to the root issues of unhappiness, and finally, as a chance to reach our most significant growth potential.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- A conversation that inspired today's episode (2:49)
- How do we know if we are grieving properly (5:38)
- What is the number one reason why grief matters (6:32)
- The four pillars of existence. Why do we say that grief is a matter of self-care (8:34)
- How can we use grief and prevent grief from using us (15:10)
- What are the benefits of grieving properly (17:39)
Let 's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Living and Growing Through Grief
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
In the last few months, I've undergone an incredible amount of growth. I've learned that the death of a loved one or any other heartbreak we experience throws us into a growth period, whether we like it or not. We have two choices once we are there; we either flow with the tide or against it. The choice is ours, as well as the consequences. I've also learned that when resistance is present, everything is more challenging, we might also attract the wrong people to our lives, and most importantly, we won't grow.
In this episode, we will talk about growing pain, acceptance, accountability, and joy. We will dive deep into the importance of establishing a healthy and peaceful relationship with ourselves if we want to have the same kind of relationship with others. We will also talk about forgiveness, pulling the weeds of pain, choose not to be a victim, being responsible for our own grief.
Tune in and listen to episode 12 of Growing Through Grief, and let's discover together the right way to approach our growing pain.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Whatever we resist, more of that will show up (3:53)
- People need people, and we get to decide what kind of relationships we'll have (4:50)
- We spread to others the relationship we have with ourselves (6:32)
- Pulling the weeds of pain instead of letting grow a forest that controls our minds (10:12)
- What is a joy list, and how can we use it (13:39)
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Living and Growing Through Grief
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
In grieving, as almost in every other thing in our lives, we have our unique way of going through it. For instance, when losing a parent, not every sibling will deal with it the same way, nor be sad or mourn for the same period. After losing her mother, with whom Georgette had a close relationship, yet different from the one her siblings had, she realized each one of them was grieving their own way.
Visiting us today is the inspiring Georgette Taylor, owner of Dynamic Life Enterprise, podcast producer and host, author, in-powerment guide, consultant, and speaker. She coined the term in-powerment because all of us have the power inside us and it's not a matter of acquiring it but of discovering it. Georgette hosts The Dynamic Show podcast, she produces and co-hosts The Doll World podcast, and she also produces Good Morning Gwinnett, a hyper-local podcast.
In this episode, we had a fantastic conversation about the different stages of grief and the importance of understanding each one of us has a particular way and time to grieve. Georgette kindly shared the experiences of grieving her mother's death and her discoveries about herself and her family in that process. We also talked about Georgette's profound growth experiences, how writing about her mother gave a new meaning to her relationship with her, and how we can reconnect with our parents in a more profound, more meaningful way.
Tune in and listen to episode 11 of Growing Through Grief, and get inspired by the fantastic Georgette and her love story with her mother.
Some Questions I Ask:
- Could you tell us a little bit more about you? (3:19)
- You felt very emotional about the things said on Facebook about your mother. Are you okay sharing those emotions and how you navigated through them? (10:35)
- Let's talk about the sibling brief. Anything that you can offer the audience about? (19:42)
- What would you share with a woman who doesn't necessarily respect her mother? (22:17)
- What would you offer our listeners about how you are handling any guilt that's popping in and out? (34:14)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- What is in-powerment, what it means, and how it can help us (2:51)
- A Facebook post about Georgette's mother and the emotions it awoke on her (7:05)
- The danger of comparisons on grieving (13:20)
- There is no timeframe for grieving (31:25)
- The power of writing about the loved ones that we lost (39:02)
Resources:
- Dynamic Life Enterprise website
- The Dynamic Life Show podcast
- In The Doll World podcast
- Good Morning Gwinnett podcast
Connect with Georgette:
- Email: georgette@dynamiclifeenterprise.com
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Living and Growing Through Grief
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
After two weeks of the devastating building collapse in Miami, I've decided to record this podcast to send a message to those waiting for news from their loved ones, those dealing with loss, and everyone dealing with the grief that is everywhere.
In this episode, we will discuss the importance of moving the grief and having a curious and friendly approach to it. We will dive deep into what we need to allow grief to move in and out of our bodies, and the relevance of being present and letting ourselves feel the pain and the grief. I will also share some tips to make moving the grief easier and help those grieving the loss of a loved one.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Accepting that grief is real, it is an emotion (2:54)
- How to let the grief move in and out of our bodies (3:52)
- Remember that grief wants to express itself (6:24)
- The number one challenge in life people are afraid to feel (10:27)
- Four tips to help ourselves to move the grief (12:37)
Let's Connect!
- Website
- Facebook Group - Living and Growing Through Grief
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Losing the love of his life 11 days after their 42nd wedding anniversary left Jay without ground under him. And although it wasn't an unexpected death, they did a lot of healing together and lived intensely in love all those years; Jay was saved by the tools he acquired from dealing with the grief of traumatic experiences in his childhood and early adult life.
Jay Westbrook is a Clinical Director at Compassionate Journey, an End-of-Life Clinical and Education Service. Jay is a multiple-award winner Clinician and Speaker, Visiting Faculty Scholar at Harvard Medical School, and a specialist in End-of-Life care & education. He holds an M.S in Gerontology and a Nursing diploma from the University of Southern California. In addition, he is an advanced Grief Recovery Specialist, and he works with mature adults alcoholic/addicts to find and maintain sobriety and recovery.
In this episode, Jay shared countless nuggets of wisdom from his grief recovery journey, from victim to survivor, to thriver. We talked about the traumatic experiences that marked him and what he got from them, and how he recovered from the massive scars they left. Jay also talked about compassion, forgiveness, the allegedly healing properties of time, and the importance of learning to lose things.
Tune in and listen to episode 9 of Growing Through Grief, buckle up, and get ready to capture some of Jay's massive and kind wisdom.
Some Questions I Ask:
- You say there is no separation between the loss we experience as a child versus the loss we experience as an adult. Does it sort of activate the pain from the past? (4:46)
- You mentioned that you had to do some massive work to heal the pain of gang rape and being beaten. Can you share with us what that work looks like for you? (26:06)
- What do you mean when you talk about self-compassion? (35:18)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Two of Jay's most significant grief experiences (3:24)
- The role of time in our healing process and in grief recovery (5:36)
- A small price to pay for a long life love affair (8:29)
- The intangible losses that people don't associate with grief (14:23)
- The different paths of healing from rape (25:49)
- Three steps of Jay's massive work on healing himself (26:21)
Resources:
- Compassionate Journeys website
- Book: Jay Westbrook - Compassionate Journeys: Lessons From My Work With the Dying
- Living and Growing Through Grief - https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingandgrowingthroughgrief/
Connect with Jay:
Let's Connect!
- Website
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Trauma and grief push us into growth. We must choose whether we will resist and suffer or let go and grow; the choice is not easy but is utterly up to us.
Today's episode was inspired by a conversation with a beautiful soul I met at the park that we will call Mary. She told me her story of grief and trauma; she described the suffering, the guilt, the remorse, and all the hurt and pain she was going through. We talked about letting go, self-blame, and compassion.
Throughout this episode, I discuss the two questions Mary asked me at the park, how to let go of hurt and pain, and what we do when we don't know how to feel the feelings. I also share four different ways to approach healing.
Tune in and listen to episode 8 of Growing Through Grief, and let's find out how to let go and allow ourselves to feel.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- The circle and the four questions. Understanding Mary's grief and pain (3:35)
- Mary's ideal reaction vs. Mary's actual response (6:01)
- How Mary disconnected herself from her body and how it was affecting her (9:55)
- Mary's two questions (12:45)
- Four ways of approaching healing (13:19)
Let's Connect!
- Website
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The start of a new and beautiful day finds me appreciating the sun touching my face; I feel stronger and lighter than in the past six weeks. Something changed in me, and as I think about it, I can hear a voice in my head repeating a mantra: stop wasting time feeling bad, use that time to learn how to feel good.
In this episode, we will talk about our relationships and their influence on our grieving process. We will discuss how essential it is for our growth to learn when to take a step back or get away from certain relationships. We will go through some questions we should ask ourselves to help us grow with grief. Finally, I will share five offerings you can do if you are grieving.
Tune in and listen to episode 7 of Growing Through Grief, and let's explore together the possibilities of using grief to grow.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- What is the role of our familiar tribe in our grieving process (2:59)
- Some good and not so good news about our family and friends (4:35)
- What shifted for me (7:03)
- Grief is mandatory, pain is optional (10:03)
- Grief can't be rushed. Everyone has a unique time to grief (12:57)
- What growth might look like (18:12)
Let's Connect!
- Website
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Although our mind tends to block and forget traumatic experiences from our childhood, our body remembers; and most of the time, our body speaks louder than our mind.
When she was a child, Ellen found out harshly that certain things, like domestic abuse, were topics she wasn't supposed to talk about - and so she didn't. Her mind forgot about it, but her body kept remembering. She taught herself to be quiet and smile, until one day, her body decided, "That's it, I won't do this anymore." She developed a severe respiratory condition, the doctors didn't know the reason, but they offered a solution: an oxygen tank. She was 26.
Joining me today is Ellen Newhouse; she is an Acupuncturist, Sound Healer, Intuitive Coach, and the author of the best-selling book "Nothing Ever Goes on Here." She is also the Founder and CEO of Ellen Newhouse Healing Services, where she empowers people to live from their heart's truth the life they have always dreamed of.
We had a wonderful conversation about Ellen's journey through the darkness of growing up in a house where domestic violence was a constant and a secret. She kindly shared her story of transformation, growth, and healing. We talked about our body's memory and how our tissues remember even when our minds seem to forget anything traumatic.
Tune in and listen to episode 6 of Growing Through Grief, and listen to some of Ellen's most impactful discoveries about herself, her father, and the things she wasn't talking about.
Some Questions I Ask:
- Could you share with our listeners one of your most compelling grief stores? (3:29)
- What did the domestic violence in a Jewish community look like for you? (10:07)
- Tell us a bit about your healing journey. (15:38)
- At the time of your healing journey, were there other things going on in your life? (19:04)
- Once you realized your father wasn't right, what was the turning point? You pivoted into what? (24:17)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- When the body had enough. Ellen talks about the time she woke up and couldn't breathe (4:23)
- Unless we go through the darkness, we can't reach the light. Ellen shares the moment she decided to dig in her past to heal (7:44)
- The impact of growing up in a house under domestic violence (10:17)
- An oxygen tank. Ellen remembers the solution specialists offered to deal with her breathing issues (15:49)
- Losing friendships. Ellen talks about how hard it was to be the first person in her family to get a divorce (19:11)
Resources:
- Ellen Newhouse website
- Book: Ellen Newhouse - Nothing Ever Goes On Here: A Memoir by Ellen Newhouse
- Heart + Soul with Ellen Newhouse Podcast
- Book: Stanislav Grof - Spiritual Emergency: When Personal Transformation Becomes a Crisis
Connect with Ellen:
Let's Connect!
- Website
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We are not taught to deal with grief when we are kids; we are told to stop crying, and we grow up thinking that our emotions make people uncomfortable. Grief can cause exhaustion; it can get us spiraling without control for days before realizing it; our minds spend too much time suffering, thinking about the past, and being anxious about the future. To overcome this, we must start taking care of ourselves and release those parts of ourselves that are fighting against accepting reality, against letting life teach us.
In this episode, I want to share the parts of me that need to be healed. We will go through the discoveries I've recently made about my grieving process. 29 days after the death of my brother Larry, I've reached a critical moment where I felt like a ton of bricks fell upon me. We will talk about the importance of getting someone to help us going through grief, being paired with the right individuals, and releasing the parts of us that need to die.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- What can grief do to us if we can't get through it (2:28)
- Why we must seek help from a professional when we are dealing with grief (4:06)
- Being prepared to decide to accept truth moments and leaving those who don't add value behind (8:14)
- Time of taking care of myself and letting behind the things that must die (12:44)
Let's Connect!
- Website
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After escaping from domestic abuse and going through a contentious divorce, Aurea was informed that her mother had three more weeks to live. She had already lost her father when she was a teenager, murdered by mobsters, but it was the loss of her mother, almost 15 years later, that put her on her knees. She experienced an arduous grief process and learned that it is essential to have ongoing resilience, live day by day and to the fullest every single moment of our lives.
Aurea McGarry is an Emmy Award-Winning TV Show Host, Producer, and Director. She serves as a judge for the Emmy Awards and the Board of Governors. Aurea is a Speaker, Emcee, Founder of the Live Your Legacy Summit event series and Aurea McGarry Productions. She is also the Author and Co-Author of 8 Self Help Books.
In 1999, Aurea was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. She got half of both lungs removed, her thymus gland, the lining around her heart; they disconnected half of her diaphragm, and they also removed the left nerve to her vocal cord. She was told her voicing would be limited to a soft whisper. However, she fought for her recovery and promised that if she got her voice back, she'd use it to be the voice of good news and spotlighting good in people.
In this episode, we talked about Aurea's journey of growth by grieving her mother's death. She kindly shared her story and the challenges she faced during such hard times. We talked about the different levels of grief and how they're different in each one of us. We talked about the timeframe for healing and the importance of reaching out and looking for a community of liked-minded individuals who can help soften the pain of a significant loss.
Tune in and listen to this episode of Growing Through Grief, and learn about Aurea's fantastic story of growth, faith, and unbreakable willpower.
Some Questions I Ask:
- Please, would you share with our listeners one of your most painful losses? (2:11)
- How did it feel for you to be in that period of loneliness, having lost your mom after coming out of domestic violence situation? (15:13)
- What was one thing that took you the longest to learn? (25:03)
- What are you up to now? And how are you serving the world? (30:40)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- A knife in the heart. How painful was Aurea's experience losing her mother after her divorce (4:01)
- The timeframe of healing. Why we start feeling less pain with time (8:10)
- The wounds of isolation and separation. How hard it was for Aurea to live in silence and alone with her daughter (15:03)
- It is never too late. Aurea talks about her Emmy award (22:09)
Connect with Aurea:
- Website
- YouTube
Let's Connect!
- Website
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We already spoke about the importance of grieving and not being afraid of experiencing pain; when we are going through tough times, we can help ourselves by grieving with purpose, looking forward to moving through the sorrow, and meeting ourselves on the other side. We need to take a minute to find ourselves, understand what just happened, what is happening, have some sense of control, and know that we will find ourselves ready to love and be loved again.
In this episode, we will discuss how grief can take us to different places as long as we are ready to experience it being present and aware. We will dive deep into how grieving with purpose can help us walk through doors we never thought we would, and we will also analyze mind grabbing, how it might look like a solution, and what we can do to avoid it. Finally, we will talk about separation during and before the pandemic and judging others as a form of suffering.
Tune in and listen to this episode of Growing Through Grief, and let's walk together on this journey of grieving with a purpose.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Grief lets us go through doors we never thought we will go through (4:13)
- Why is critical to grieve with a purpose (6:47)
- Mind grabbing and the things we can control (9:01)
- The separation before the pandemic and being forced to be alone with ourselves (14:26)
- We can't give to others what we don't have (17:42)
Let's Connect!
- Website
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When things don't grow, they become tangled or warped. When we are not growing, we stagnate. The grief of losing a loved one can put us in constant pain, paralyze us, and stop us from growing. I recorded this episode coming back from my brother Larry's homegoing celebration, and I wanted to share what I'm going through and what it feels like to be me right now.
In this episode, we will talk about growing through grief and how important it is to leave our feelings run freely and without judgment. We will also discuss a few of grief's many definitions and what it can do to us if we let it take control. I will share a few of the things I'm doing to overcome sadness and grow through grief. Grief is expected and acceptable, but suffering is optional; we will dive deep into that too.
Tune in and listen to this episode of Growing Through Grief, and let me tell you what I've done to release the pain for losing my brother and replace it with love for him.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Grief makes us numb (1:58)
- What it feels to be me today (2:53)
- How it would be to live our relationship again (6:14)
- Some of the things I've done to help me out of grief (7:52)
- Death is a new beginning (12:15)
- Why we shouldn't grieve alone (16:23)
Let's Connect!
- Website
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I’m Diana Curtis and welcome to the Growing Through Grief podcast. I’d love for you to sit back, take a nice cleansing breath, and join me for a weekly sprinkle of education and inspiration. I want you to let me be your champion for growth.
I’m a mother of three, grandmother of five, and a Georgia native. After the loss of my own mother at a very young age, I spent years struggling with feelings of mistrust, abandonment, isolation, and betrayal. I'm here to teach you how to normalize, recognize, and use grief as a tool for growth, not suffering.
Today, I’d like to introduce you to my own struggles with grief, my quest to find who I truly am, and the awakening that brought me to you. Let me share with you my story of love, loss and my own growth pathway through it all.
Tune in and listen to the first episode of Growing Through Grief. Join me and get ready to receive the tools, principles, and skills you need to achieve the moment of lift that brings you from pain to gratitude. Gratitude to finding meaning in life after your loss.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- A little about why I started this podcast at this point in time (01:45)
- A bit about my background and my personal experience with grief (04:39)
- An example of how hurt people hurt people (08:30)
- About the coping mechanisms I was using for my grief (10:47)
- How I began my journey as a spiritual life coach and grief recovery specialist (15:30)
- What you should expect going forward? (18:16)
Let’s Connect!
- Website
Resources mentioned:
- Dr. Iyanla Vanzant
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