The Joy of the Season and Grief When we lose someone we love, our hearts struggle on a daily basis to figure out how to navigate our world without them. When the holidays roll around, our hearts are on overload because everywhere we turn, we are reminded that this is a time for family, for love, and for being together. This holiday season will be particularly hard on all grievers because we now have to contend with our broken hearts as well. Your traditions and norms are already being challenged because of our loss, and now we are forced figure out how to spend the holiday. In the first months after the death of someone important to you, you may struggle with enjoying yourself. Many grieving people are unable to laugh, sing, or celebrate in any way. The truth is that it is hard enough to be missing them, and now we have to go to a party and pretend we are having fun or enjoying ourselves. The amount of pain you are currently feeling and the fact that you are missing all the family events does not mean that you do not love them. We know that your emotions are like a rollercoaster going up and down. But here’s the deal—it is okay to have a laugh. It is okay to share a story about the one you lost. It is okay to cry when talking about them. All of these are good things and they do not make you a bad person. It is even okay to go to a family party and enjoy everyone’s company. It your decision which events to attend and which ones not to because the truth is that wherever you go, you will be carrying your broken heart with you. Do keep this in mind—if you are around people you love you will be able to, we trust, laugh, cry, and even share a jolly story with them.

How Do I Celebrate The Holidays Without You

Podcast Show Notes: Exploring the Father-Child Relationship with Gigi Denar Episode Title: "Unveiling the Depths of the Father-Child Bond" Introduction  Host: Sharon Guest: Gigi Denar, Author, Motivational Speaker, Counselor Topic: Father-Child Relationships and Their Impact on Grief and Personal Development  Key Points Discussed  Gigi Denar's Background and Journey:  Gigi shares her personal experience of growing up without knowing her father. She details the moment she learned about her siblings and the start of her clandestine relationship with her paternal grandfather. Gigi describes her first contact with her father and the emotional turmoil it brought.  The Role of Grief in the Father-Child Relationship:  The conversation delves into how the absence of a father is a significant form of grief. Gigi recounts her own grief and longing for a father she never knew. The discussion touches on how children fill in gaps in their understanding when information is missing.  Healing and Reconciliation:  Gigi talks about finally meeting her father and developing a close bond with him. The healing journey between Gigi and her father is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding in mending their relationship.  Gigi's Professional Journey and Contributions:  The inspiration behind Gigi's work as an author and speaker, particularly focusing on father-child relationships. Gigi mentions her book project where she combined stories with her father, offering a unique perspective on their relationship.  Impact of Father-Child Relationship on Personal Growth:  Discussion on how the absence or presence of a father shapes an individual's life trajectory. Gigi reflects on how meeting her father helped her discover her own identity and similarities they shared.  Challenges and Realizations:  Gigi speaks about the complexities of blended families and reconciling with other siblings. The conversation covers the emotional challenges faced by both Gigi and her father in their journey.  Future Projects and Aspirations:  Plans for further exploration and discussion of the father-child dynamic in Gigi's future work. The episode concludes with a teaser for the next part, promising to delve deeper into how the father-child relationship forms the foundation of one's identity.   Conclusion  Reminder for Part 2: The next episode will explore deeper aspects of the father-child relationship. Gratitude: Sharon expresses gratitude to Gigi for sharing her story and insights.

Unveiling the Depths of the Father-Child Bond

Podcast Show Notes: Exploring the Father-Child Relationship with Gigi Denar - Part 2 Episode Title: "Deepening the Father-Child Bond: Healing and Hope" Introduction  Host: Sharon Guest: Gigi Denar, Author Topic: The critical importance of the father-child relationship in shaping life trajectories.  Discussion Highlights  The Significance of the Father-Child Relationship:  Gigi emphasizes the unique role fathers play in identity formation. The discussion revolves around how the absence of a father leads to a sense of brokenness.  Gigi's Personal Experience:  Gigi shares her personal journey, including dating older men as a result of lacking her father's presence. She reflects on the different kinds of voids created by the absence of a nurturing mother and an affirming father.  Dynamics of the Father-Daughter Relationship:  The conversation shifts to the unique dynamics of father-daughter relationships. Gigi points out how fathers are often the first male love of a daughter, shaping her future relationships.  The Impact of Different Types of Fathers:  Gigi discusses five types of fathers: absent, authoritarian, apathetic, abusive, and accusing. She explains how each type can distort a child’s identity and self-worth.  Generational Impact and Healing:  The discussion touches on breaking generational curses and the challenges of fatherhood without a paternal role model. Gigi's three-step process for healing: recognizing, repenting and releasing, and receiving.  Cultural Contexts of Fatherhood:  The conversation explores how father-child relationships are influenced by cultural backgrounds. Gigi highlights the differences yet underscores the universal human aspects of these relationships.  Workshops and Resources for Healing:  Gigi introduces her workshop as a jumpstart to healing, focusing on awareness and the path to recovery. She mentions her book "Hungry for Wholeness" and a 12-week companion diary to aid in the healing journey.  Gigi’s Aspiration to Reach More People:  Gigi expresses a desire to distribute her book to prisons and halfway houses, recognizing the widespread need for healing father-child relationships. She speaks about her encounters with young fathers and their eagerness to learn and grow.   Conclusion  Contact Information: Gigi can be reached through her website&nbsp;. Host’s Gratitude: The host thanks Gigi for sharing her insights and inspiring hope in listeners. Invitation: The audience is encouraged to visit the website for more information and resources.

Deepening the Father-Child Bond: Healing and Hope

Podcast Show Notes: Healing Journey with Janine Rashidi - Part 2 Episode Title: "Abundance Beyond Trauma: Janine Rashidi's Path to Healing" Introduction  Host: Sharon Brubaker Guest: Janine Rashidi Podcast: Healing Starts With the Heart Topic: Continued exploration of Janine Rashidi's healing journey and insights into her work  Key Points Discussed  Janine's Career Shift to Independent Practice:  Janine talks about transitioning from working for a chiropractor to establishing her own practice. She emphasizes the importance of autonomy in her healing and counseling journey.  Clients’ Trauma and Healing:  Janine shares her experiences with clients processing their traumas during sessions. These interactions lead her to seek out more healing modalities for herself and her clients.  Writing “Abundance Beyond Trauma”:  Janine discusses the inspiration behind writing her book. She emphasizes the importance of overcoming self-doubt and the encouragement she received during the writing process.  Learning Ayurveda and Its Impact:  Janine's venture into Ayurveda, a traditional Indian healing practice. She recounts how studying Ayurveda contributed significantly to her personal and professional growth.  Publication and Success of Her Book:  Janine's book achieves bestseller status, validating her efforts and the book's impact. She shares her gratification in receiving messages from readers who were helped by her book.  Personal Growth and Realizations:  Janine reflects on her marriages and the learning experiences they provided. She talks about breaking the cycle of trauma and setting healthier relationship patterns.  Importance of Abundance Mindset in Healing:  Janine explains why she chose the theme of 'abundance' for her book. She highlights the significance of having an abundance mindset in overcoming trauma.  Janine's Message to Listeners:  She offers empowering words to listeners, emphasizing that anything is possible with belief and perseverance.   Conclusion  Where to Find Janine Rashidi: Visit&nbsp;. Book Information: “Abundance Beyond Trauma” and its accompanying workbook are available on Amazon. Closing Thoughts: Janine's story and insights provide hope and practical guidance for those navigating their own paths through trauma and healing.

Abundance Beyond Trauma: Janine Rashidi's Path to Healing Part 2

Podcast Show Notes: Healing Journey with Janine Rashidi - Part 1 Episode Title: "Embracing Healing: Janine Rashidi's Journey Through Trauma" Introduction  Host: Sharon Guest: Janine Rashidi, Author and Healer Topic: Overcoming trauma and the journey towards healing  Key Points Discussed  Janine Rashdi's Background:  Janine shares her upbringing in a household with addiction and abuse. She details the various forms of abuse she experienced and her role as a caretaker for her siblings.  Early Realization of Abuse:  Janine recounts realizing her family dynamics were not normal at a young age. She contrasts her experiences with those of her peers, highlighting the abnormalities in her upbringing.  Escape and Independence:  Janine describes her decision to run away from home at 15 and her experiences living homeless. She talks about meeting a significantly older man and entering into a relationship marked by similar abusive patterns as her childhood.  Janine's Turning Point:  The pivotal moment when Janine decided to leave her abusive partner, planning her escape with her children. She recalls the challenges and fears she faced during this escape.  Return to Her Parents’ Home:  Janine discusses returning to her parents' home, who were then on a clean streak, to start anew. She reflects on the complexity of feelings around returning to the environment she initially fled.  Beginning of the Healing Journey:  Janine's entry into massage therapy school as a path to independence and her first encounter with the concept of trauma stored in the body. She highlights how massage therapy helped her start recognizing and processing her trauma.  Therapy and Overcoming Challenges:  Janine and her daughters begin therapy to deal with their past traumas. She juggles multiple roles - student, worker, and mother - while starting her healing journey.  Common Misconceptions about Trauma:  Janine discusses misconceptions, such as trauma disappearing over time. She emphasizes the importance of learning to relate differently to one's trauma.   Conclusion  Contact Information: Janine can be found at&nbsp;. Book Mention: "Abundance Beyond Trauma" and its accompanying workbook. Teaser for Part 2: The next episode will delve into Janine’s full embrace of her healing journey, her book, and the treatment methods she offers to clients.

Embracing Healing: Janine Rashidi's Journey Through Trauma Part 1

Hello, everyone! Welcome to "Healing Starts with the Heart." I'm Sharon, and today we're going to talk about something that touches all our lives: loss and grief. Loss is an unavoidable part of life. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, a pet, or even a long-held dream, we will all experience a broken heart at some point. Grief is normal and natural, but going through the healing process can be one of the toughest times in our lives. Now, have you ever wondered why people don't like to talk about grief? It seems like whenever we bring up grief or loss, people get uncomfortable. It's almost as if grief has become a 'dirty word' or the 'enemy.' On social media, for example, funny and uplifting posts get lots of likes and comments. But mention grief or loss, and it's like a ghost town. So, why is it that the word 'grief' makes us so uncomfortable? My guess? We don't talk about it enough. We associate grief with pain, tears, and death. These are all true, but grief is also a universal experience that connects us all. Our discomfort with grief might be an unconscious choice, but it's a choice nonetheless. And seeing grief as the enemy can only hurt us. Holding onto the pain can lead to depression, anxiety, health issues, and even anger and sadness that can affect a big part of our lives. But here's the thing: it doesn't have to be this way. We can choose to view and talk about grief differently. We can start having conversations about grief and loss now, even if we're not currently experiencing it. It's time to change the narrative around grief. Let's open up, share our experiences, and support each other. Thank you for joining me today on "Healing Starts with the Heart." Remember, grief is a journey, and you're not alone. Until next time, let's keep the conversation going. &nbsp; https://beacons.ai/thegriefschool

Let's Talk About Grief

Hi everyone, welcome back to "Healing Starts with the Heart." I'm Sharon, your host, and today I want to talk about something very close to my heart: helping you heal from heartbreak and find peace and joy again. If you're feeling alone, overwhelmed, or just lost in your grief, I'm here to support you. I understand the pain of a broken heart deeply because I've been there too. After the death of my nephew Austin, I thought I would never really live again. I was consumed by grief. But then, something changed. I was introduced to a Grief Recovery Specialist, and through their guidance, I learned the tools to move beyond this pain. This experience was so transformative for me that I knew I had to dedicate my life to helping others find their way through grief. And you know what? You can find your own recovery too. Say "Yes" to healing your life. Say "Yes" to enjoying an authentic life that honors the memory of those you love. It's not about forgetting them; it's about finding a way to remember them with love, not just pain. I've been teaching my grief program for over 17 years now, and I can tell you, there is hope. You can heal. Recovery from this pain is not just a dream; it's a real possibility. And remember, healing doesn't mean forgetting. You will always remember your loved one. But one day, you'll find that you can talk about them with a smile, remembering the good times, not just the loss. So, if you're ready to start your journey to recovery, I'm here to help. Thank you for joining me on "Healing Starts with the Heart." You're not alone in this. You can heal, and you can find joy again. Until next time, take care. https://beacons.ai/thegriefschool

Saying "Yes" to Healing and Living Again

Hello, everyone! Welcome to another episode of "Healing Starts with the Heart." I'm Sharon, your host, and today we're going to talk about something really important: the choices we have as grievers. Often, when we're grieving, it feels like we have no control over anything. But guess what? That's not entirely true. Even in grief, we have choices. You have the choice to stay where you are or to go somewhere new. It's okay to say no to things you don't feel ready for. And you know what? It's perfectly fine to ask for help when you need it. Or you can choose to handle things on your own. Some days, you might want to sleep all day, and that's okay. If you feel like crying in public, that's okay too. You can go to a party and have fun, even if you're grieving. Eat what you want, when you want. If you need companionship, reach out to someone. Or, if you prefer to be alone, that's a valid choice as well. It's okay to feel sad, and it's okay to change your routine or the things you used to do. You don't always have to have all the answers. And most importantly, you can choose to heal, in your own time and in your own way. Remember, grief doesn't take away your power to make choices. Every day, you can make small decisions that are right for you. Thank you for tuning in to "Healing Starts with the Heart." Your journey is unique, and your choices are valid. Take care of yourselves, and I'll talk to you in the next episode. https://beacons.ai/thegriefschool

Grievers Have Choices

Hello, everyone! Welcome back to "Healing Starts with the Heart." I'm your host, Sharon. Today, we're going to explore a tough aspect of grief that many of us face: losing trust in the world and the people around us. When something really big and painful happens, it can feel like your whole world has changed. You might start thinking that there aren't any good things or good people left. It's like you're asking yourself, "Do things really work out fine in the end?" This feeling is what we call a secondary loss. It's not just about the person or thing you lost. It's also about losing your belief in positive outcomes. The hard part is, once you know something or have seen something, you can't just pretend it didn't happen, can you? It's tough, I know. But here's something important to remember: losing trust doesn't mean it's gone forever. Just like a broken bone, trust can heal over time. Healing starts with small steps. It's about finding little things and people in your life that show you kindness and goodness. It might be a friend who listens, a family member who's always there, or even a stranger's smile. Remember, it's completely okay to feel like you've lost trust in the world. It's a normal part of grieving for many. But also, keep in mind that it's possible to rebuild that trust, bit by bit. Thank you for joining me on "Healing Starts with the Heart." Remember, healing from grief is a journey. It's okay to take it one step at a time. Until next time, look for those small moments of kindness in your life. They are there, waiting to help you rebuild your trust. Take care, everyone. https://beacons.ai/thegriefschool

Loss of Trust in the World and People

Hello, dear listeners, and welcome to another episode of "Healing Starts with the Heart." I'm Sharon, your guide on this journey of understanding and healing from grief. Today's topic is a unique one: feeling like you're living in an 'Alternative Universe' after a loss. You're still here on Earth, going about your daily life. You say hi to your neighbors, visit the grocery store, talk to people. But something feels different, doesn't it? It's like you're there, but not really seen. There's this vast divide between you and the rest of the world. This feeling is more common in grief than you might think. It's like you're in a world parallel to the one everyone else is living in. You're physically present, but emotionally and mentally, there's a distance. The world keeps moving, but you might feel stuck or invisible. The divide you're feeling – it's clear and profound, especially now. And it's during times like these that connecting with others who are grieving becomes so important. Why, you ask? Because they can truly see you. They recognize the devastation at the core of your life. This recognition, this feeling of being seen, it changes something in grief. Being seen by someone who understands doesn't fix everything. But it helps. In the early stages of grief, it might be the only thing that feels like it's helping. Sharing your experience with someone who gets it can bridge that gap you're feeling, even if it's just for a moment. So, if you're feeling like you're living in this 'Alternative Universe,' remember, you're not alone. Seek out those who are also on this journey of grief. Their understanding and recognition can be a lifeline. Thank you for tuning in to "Healing Starts with the Heart." Keep taking small steps towards healing, and remember, it's okay to lean on others who understand. Until next time, take care of yourselves and each other. https://beacons.ai/thegriefschool

You Now Live in the Alternative Universe

Welcome to "Healing Starts with the Heart," a podcast where we explore the journey of healing from grief. I'm your host, Sharon, and today we're going to talk about a feeling that many of us who have experienced loss can relate to: not wanting to return to 'normal.' Let's start with a simple truth. When you lose someone or something important, your life changes. It's like you're on a journey where, at first, your loss becomes a part of you. It's not about overcoming it quickly; it's about integrating it into your life. Now, I know the idea of getting 'better' or the thought of your grief easing can feel almost... offensive, especially in the early stages. Why is that? Well, for many of us, our grief is the strongest connection we have to what we've lost. It can feel like if we start to feel better, maybe we're saying that the person we lost, or the life we had before, wasn't that important. But here's a question: If you start to move forward, does it really mean your past life wasn't special? Absolutely not. Remember, healing doesn't mean forgetting. It doesn't mean the love or the memories are any less significant. Healing starts with the heart. It's a process where we learn to live with our loss, not erase it. It's about carrying the love and the memories forward with us, even as we take steps into our new reality. So, if you're feeling like you don't want to return to 'normal,' know that it's okay. You're not alone in this feeling. Your journey is unique, and how you integrate your loss into your life is entirely up to you. Thank you for joining me today on "Healing Starts with the Heart." Remember, it's okay to grieve at your own pace, and it's okay to find your own path to healing. Until next time, take care of your heart. https://beacons.ai/thegriefschool

How Do I Celebrate The Holidays Without You

Sharon and Erica

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