Episode Introduction:

What happens when the version of you that the world applauded no longer feels aligned with who you truly are?

In this episode of Redefining Grief, I sit down with Bree Carroll, civil engineer, author, strategist, military spouse, podcaster, and founder of the CARE Blueprint. This conversation is honest, reflective, faith-filled, and deeply necessary for anyone navigating grief connected to identity, disappointment, burnout, friendship loss, or major life transitions.

Bree opens up about stepping away from visibility during a season where she found herself grieving friendships, grieving business relationships, grieving expectations, and ultimately grieving versions of herself that no longer aligned with her values. What makes this conversation so powerful is that Bree does not only speak about loss, she speaks about rebuilding from the inside out.

We talk about the importance of slowing down long enough to evaluate whether the life you are building is actually aligned with your values. Bree shares how she realized she was using intentional strategy and planning in her engineering career while allowing her personal life to operate on autopilot. That realization became the foundation for her book, All Things Epic.

Throughout this conversation, we unpack the grief that comes with betrayal, the pain of questioning your identity, and the loneliness that can happen when you step away from spaces that once defined you. Bree beautifully reminds us that grief is not always connected to death. Sometimes grief is tied to the realization that a version of yourself can no longer continue.

This episode also highlights the healing power of community, therapy, faith, and rest. We discuss how isolating yourself during difficult seasons can deepen emotional wounds, while safe community can help remind you who you are when you forget. Bree shares the importance of giving yourself permission to grieve, permission to heal, permission to dream again, and permission to trust yourself.

If you are in a season where you feel disconnected from yourself, uncertain about your next step, or emotionally exhausted from carrying too much for too long, this episode will remind you that healing is possible, purpose still exists, and you are allowed to rebuild your life intentionally.

This conversation is full of wisdom, honesty, restoration, and hope.

About Our Guest:

Bree Carroll is a civil engineer, founder, podcaster, military spouse, and mother whose perspective has been shaped by responsibility, faith, and intentional living. Her professional background includes years of leading complex engineering projects while navigating seasons of uncertainty personally and professionally.

Rather than reinventing herself, Bree chose to build from who she already was. Through that journey, she developed the CARE Blueprint, a practical framework designed to help individuals evaluate decisions, align with their values, and move forward intentionally.

Bree is also the author of All Things EPIC, a book that encourages readers to live purposefully, process grief honestly, and design a life rooted in alignment, faith, and authenticity. Her work centers around helping people move beyond passive living and step into intentional healing and growth.

Episode Quotes:

“It’s easy when you’re hurting to point the finger at other people. Instead, I took several steps back to look at myself.” – Bree C.

“You can say your values are your values, but they’re only true if you’re living them out.” – Bree C.

“You cannot be intentional and create a blueprint for your life until you address those things.” – Bree C.

“Most women don’t lack clarity. They lack permission from themselves.” – Bree C.

“You are blaming an old version of yourself and wanting them to pay for something they had no capacity to pay for at that time.” – Bree C. 

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom (P.O.W.) Questions:

Q. If today was your last day on Earth, what would be three words you would like people to remember you by?

A. I love you.

Q. When life gets to life-ing, and as you know grief comes in many forms, what song carries you through?

A. Anchored by Transformation Worship

Q. What have you learned about yourself since redefining the grief in your life?

A. I learned that I am stronger than I thought I was.

Episode Time-Stamps:

[02:01] Introduction to Bree Carroll and her background

[05:00] Bree shares why she stepped away during a difficult season

[08:15] Faith, obscurity, and healing through stillness

[11:10] Being reminded who you are through safe community

[14:00] Why women need permission to rest

[21:00] Bree explains the CARE Blueprint framework

[25:00] The emotions readers must allow themselves to feel

[28:00] Why hope matters during rebuilding seasons

[33:20] Restoration, healing, and becoming a new version of yourself

[38:00] Obedience, surrender, and trusting the process

[45:10] Bree shares the worship song that anchored her through grief

[47:00] How to connect with Bree and purchase All Things EPIC

Book Mentioned:

“Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” by Herdyne Mercier, LCSW - https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/

“All Things EPIC” by Bree Carroll - https://books.by/itsbreecarroll

Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: [email protected]

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

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

Connect with Bree:

Website: https://breecarroll.com/

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

Substack: https://substack.com/@itsbreecarroll

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Everyday.E.P.I.C

Connect with Herdyne:

Website: www.herdyne.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier

Email: [email protected]