Creating Space for Grief and Hope

Thanksgiving can bring up all sorts of emotions and memories. You get to feel them all - no matter what your family and friends say! Listen in as Holly shares her own story about her first holiday without Steven, and where she is now 13 years later. She also provides you with some ideas/activities to honor your feelings and your memories. Wondering how to respond to people about the upcoming holiday? Holly has some tips on responses for you.

Elizabeth and Holly wish you all a peaceful Thanksgiving - and remember you get to do it your way!! 

Holly Gainsboro is a Certified Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist, a Certified Grief Educator, and founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. She is thrilled to co-host Creating Space for Grief & Hope with her dear friend and colleague Elizabeth Catignani. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Creative Grief Coach, and founder of the online platform Her Creative Wellness. After experiencing baby loss and young widowhood by the age of 27, Elizabeth has made it her mission to support and empower others on their own unique path through loss and healing. She is the author of “Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick’s Path from Loss to Hope” (available on Amazon and Audible) and “The Creative Grieving Workbook” (now available on Apple Books). You can learn more on her website: https://www.hercreativewellness.com

Join us as we welcome, Mandy Bird, L.P.C. & co-author of Tears are the Source of Your Passion: The Power of Authenticity & Grief.

Mandy shares her own experiences with grief, and how she took her own pain to be a present for others. In this episode, Mandy takes us through the magnificence of the book she co-authored with her dear friend, Chris Saade, which provides meaningful and gentle steps in embracing one's grief and hope. This book is a must for grievers and

Guest

Mandy Bird is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and has been delivering her brand of hope and heart-centered therapy from the stage, the sound booth and through dynamic personal counseling sessions since 1993. She is a benevolent advisor, inspired author, and profoundly intuitive counselor and teacher whose personal experience with loss and tragedy helped awaken her to her true purpose as a loving healer and grief guide. She started the Finding Hope Podcast as her creative response to the pandemic and produced 4 Seasons. Mandy considers it her purpose to free the hearts of those experiencing loss by literally loving their hearts into action. It is her highest wish that we live our authentic and purposeful lives with power and joy. The book that she co-authored with Chris Saade, Tears are the Source of Your Passion, the power of authenticity & grief is available on Amazon. You can find her on Facebook at Mandy Bird, and on Instagram at Counselor Mandy.

Hosts

Holly Gainsboro is a Certified Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist, a Certified Grief Educator, and founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. She is thrilled to co-host Creating Space for Grief & Hope with her dear friend and colleague Elizabeth Catignani. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified

Join Holly and Elizabeth as they discuss the idea of guilt and how it does not truly apply to our grief experience. The feelings that one may have could be regret, feeling badly, or even feelings of helplessness. As grievers we often feel helpless and guilt gives us a false sense of control.

For example, we may have thoughts that begin with:

I should have....

If only…

I am not supposed to…

It’s important to let your grief breathe and allow yourself to sit with all of your varying emotions. It is okay to give yourself permission to let those feelings co-exist. Being in the summer season, there are lots of activities that take place - pool parties, vacations, family gatherings etc., where your grief may be activated. Be gentle with yourself and learn some helpful tips for how to manage your conflicting emotions as well how to communicate your needs to your loved ones. 

Holly Gainsboro is a Certified Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist, a Certified Grief Educator, and founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. She is thrilled to co-host Creating Space for Grief & Hope with her dear friend and colleague Elizabeth Catignani. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified

“Life is ALWAYS creating …so it’s a matter of if we want to be INTENTIONAL about it or just let it happen to us.” ~Anonymous

Join Holly and Elizabeth as they chat with special guest Cindy Ballaro - podcast producer, publisher, and author of “Creating A Vision Board – Jump Start Your Dreams in 5 Fun Steps.” Since 2010 Cindy has guided over 600 people through vision boarding and SoulCollage workshops to help them find clarity and focus in manifesting their dreams. Cindy shares with us the purpose and benefits of vision boarding, how to tap into your own creativity and the importance of allowing yourself the permission to dream. She has experienced her own “real life” manifestations through the vision boarding process and inspires us in how to set up this practice for ourselves. We also discuss how vision boarding is an incredible mode of support throughout the healing journey and serves as a powerful tool for those grieving. 

"Creating A Vision Board - Jump Start Your Dreams in 5 Fun Steps" (Audible, Paperback & EBook): http://bit.ly/3Nbbrnj

You can reach out to Cindy on FaceBook at: https://www.facebook.com/sunflowerhousepublishing

Holly Gainsboro is a Certified Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist, a Certified Grief Educator, and founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. She is thrilled to co-host Creating Space for Grief & Hope with her dear friend and colleague Elizabeth Catignani. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Creative Grief Coach, and founder of the online platform Her Creative Wellness. After

When we experience a loss (of any kind) the trajectory of our lives may shift. With this shift one may feel a lack of control over their world as they once knew it. This is a normal part of grief. So, what can we do for ourselves when we feel we cannot get a handle on even the smallest of things? Elizabeth and Holly share their own experiences of times when life has felt chaotic and uncertain, the tools they have learned and use for themselves, and recommendations for opportunities to regain some of that control, and what pivoting can look like when we are overwhelmed. 

Holly Gainsboro is a Certified Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist, a Certified Grief Educator, and founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. She is thrilled to co-host Creating Space for Grief & Hope with her dear friend and colleague Elizabeth Catignani. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Creative Grief Coach, and founder of the online platform Her Creative Wellness. After experiencing baby loss and young widowhood by the age of 27, Elizabeth has made it her mission to support and empower others on their own unique path through loss and healing. She is the author of “Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick’s Path from Loss to Hope” (available on Amazon and Audible) and “The Creative Grieving Workbook” (now available on Apple Books). You can learn more on her website: https://www.hercreativewellness.com

How can we create an ongoing relationship with our loved one in our hearts, even when they aren’t physically here? Join Holly and Elizabeth as they share tools and ideas for integrating the memory of your loved one into your life - such as through journaling, travel, and storytelling - while continuing to move forward on your healing journey.

Holly Gainsboro is a Certified Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist, a Certified Grief Educator, and founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death,

Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Creative Grief Coach, and founder of the online platform Her Creative Wellness. After experiencing baby loss and young widowhood by the age of 27, Elizabeth has made it her mission to support and empower others on their own unique path through loss and healing. She is the author of “Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick’s Path from Loss to Hope” (available on Amazon and Audible) and “The Creative Grieving Workbook” (now available on Apple Books). You can learn more on her website: https://www.hercreativewellness.com

Holly and Elizabeth welcome Jasmine Hathaway, founder of Compass Coordinators and co-founder of Professionals of After Loss Services (PALS) on this month’s episode. Jasmine shares with us her impetus to create a business that supports the bereaved with the myriad of tasks that accompany the death of a loved one. Learn about Jasmine’s two business ventures, and her personal story of loss, as well as how to find a professional who assists grievers as they work through the daunting piles of paperwork amidst the depths of their grief.

To find an after loss professional to go https://www.afterlosspros.com/after-loss-professional-request-page and fill out the request form so you can be matched with a PAL.

Holly Gainsboro is a Certified Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist, a Certified Grief Educator, and founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. She is thrilled to co-host Creating Space for Grief & Hope with her dear friend and colleague Elizabeth Catignani. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Creative Grief Coach, and founder of the online platform Her Creative Wellness. After experiencing baby loss and young widowhood by the age of 27, Elizabeth has made it her mission to support and empower others on their own unique path through loss and healing. She is the author of “Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick’s Path from Loss to Hope” (available on Amazon and Audible) and “The Creative Grieving Workbook” (now available on Apple Books). You can learn more on her website: https://www.hercreativewellness.com

Join Holly and Elizabeth to learn more in-depth about secondary losses and how they can impact your life after an initial loss. Secondary losses are losses that occur as the result of a death of a loved one (or less than loved one). They are a natural part of the grieving process and bring up conflicting feelings because they mark a change or end to a familiar pattern of behavior. They may include but are not limited to: taking on roles that loved ones may have done, finances, household care, only parenting, friendships, sex/intimacy, rituals, car maintenance, scheduling, conversations, and moving. Holly and Elizabeth dive into this list while offering tips for managing specific situations, as well as sharing personal stories related to their own secondary losses.

Holly Gainsboro is a Certified Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist and founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. She is thrilled to co-host Creating Space for Grief & Hope with her dear friend and colleague Elizabeth Catignani. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Creative Grief Coach, and founder of the online platform Her Creative Wellness. After experiencing baby loss and young widowhood by the age of 27, Elizabeth has made it her mission to support and empower others on their own unique path through loss and healing. She is the author of “Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick’s Path from Loss to Hope” (available on Amazon and Audible) and “The Creative Grieving Workbook” (now available on Apple Books). You can learn more on her website: https://www.hercreativewellness.com

Join Holly and Elizabeth as they discuss how the winter holiday season can bring up feelings of jealousy, guilt, and additional pressure for grievers. They share how supportive tools such as authentic affirmations, daily routines, and meaningful year-end activities help keep you connected to your mind/body/spirit while honoring your story and loved ones. Holly also shares her personal experience with the 12th anniversary of the loss of her late husband Steven and how she honors this time in her healing journey.

Holly Gainsboro is a Certified Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist and founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. She is thrilled to co-host Creating Space for Grief & Hope with her dear friend and colleague Elizabeth Catignani. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Creative Grief Coach, and founder of the online platform Her Creative Wellness. After experiencing baby loss and young widowhood by the age of 27, Elizabeth has made it her mission to support and empower others on their own unique path through loss and healing. She is the author of “Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick’s Path from Loss to Hope” (available on Amazon and Audible) and “The Creative Grieving Workbook” (now available on Apple Books). You can learn more on her website: https://www.hercreativewellness.com

Join Elizabeth & Holly as they walk through the five stages of grief, explain the true intent, and re-frame each one step by step.

Learn some new ways of talking to your grieving friend, loved one, co-worker, and others.

Holly Gainsboro is a Certified Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist and founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education. Following the death of her late husband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. She is thrilled to co-host Creating Space for Grief & Hope with her dear friend and colleague Elizabeth Catignani. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Elizabeth Catignani is a Certified Creative Grief Coach and founder of the online platform Her Creative Wellness. After experiencing baby loss and young widowhood by the age of 27, Elizabeth has made it her mission to support and empower others on their own unique path through loss and healing. She is the author of “Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick’s Path from Loss to Hope” (available on Amazon and Audible) and “The Creative Grieving Workbook” (soon available on Amazon as an eBook). You can learn more on her website: https://www.hercreativewellness.com