EPISODE SUMMARY:

We’re in the midst of our own grieving process. So, this final installment of our “Letting Go” series, while necessary, was the toughest one for us. We’ve shared part of our journey following recent losses.  The truth is, it is not easy, and it takes time. With self-care and support, however, we can move through the grieving process and come out on the other side with a renewed sense of acceptance and peace. Most importantly, “grieving through” our losses can restore life’s hope and joy.

Support is what people and coaches like Susan Blais offer those who seek her services as an Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist. We learned so much from our conversation with Susan. It has prepared us for the next leg of our own grief journey.

Oftentimes, we think of grief as the byproduct of the loss of a loved one. Yet, as we learned in our chat, it is so much more than a post-death experience. Grief is not only the natural response to the earthly transition of a loved one; it can also be our response to a divorce, troubled relationship, or the loss of a job or any other important part of our lives. And, as Susan shares in this episode, we all begin experiencing grief from a very young age.

Grieving is healthy because it allows us to come to terms with our losses, heal and, ultimately, leads us to a place of acceptance and peace. The grieving process is different for everyone.  One person’s journey through grief may take weeks or months, while someone else’s may take years. When a loss occurs, many people go into a state of shock or denial, which can last anywhere from a few days to a few months. Accepting our loss may be too painful or difficult, so we don’t fully let ourselves feel or process what has happened.

We might wish that things had happened differently, or regret what was said and done before the loss. Sadness, guilt, and anger are normal and natural feelings that are part of the grieving process.

We had mixed emotions as the time approached for our tea talk on grief. We weren’t sure if we’d become emotional. We did. Let’s face it, most of us avoid conversations around grief. They can be uncomfortable and triggering. Yet, we also had questions. Susan answered them.

After our conversation with Susan, we felt empowered to approach our own grieving process in a more intentional manner. I realized that (among other things) I have been filling the void with busyness, demonstrating less patience and procrastinating around important matters.

And, while I adore a heart-stopping thrills-and-chills rollercoaster, I personally find riding the grief-waves exhausting.

It doesn’t have to be that way. You’ll find direction, information and tools in our grief episode. We hope you’ll find them useful for your own “grieving through” journey.

IN THIS EPISODE WE LEARN:

• What grief is and why it is so difficult to discuss.
• Common misconceptions and myths about grief.
• What it means to recover from grief.
• When we need help healing and where we can get it.
• When we need help and where to find help.
• How we can heal from relationships that grieve us.

…And, soooo much more!

Let the healing conversations begin…Please pass this episode on.

I’m still not okay. We’re not okay. And that’s okay. We will be. We pray you will be, too. 😊

Savor the “Tea”,

Deb (& Nia)