Feelings Fitness Podcast

Navigating the tender complexities of Mother's Day after loss is a journey no one should walk alone. As I open up about Mother's Day without my mom, you'll be invited into a space where acknowledging our feelings becomes a transformative practice, and self-care is revered. The episode takes you through a grounding exercise to calm the nervous system and a deeply personal letter to my late mother, illustrating the therapeutic potential of writing for emotional healing. As we cherish memories and confront the complexities of regret and longing, you, too, might discover writing as a cathartic outlet for your challenging moments.

Through heartfelt sharing, we broaden the conversation to managing emotions amidst loss, introducing the concept of 'feelings fitness' as an essential component of overall wellbeing. After a brief hiatus to realign, I'll be back to affirm my commitment to supporting you through grief and emotional growth. We'll explore the importance of holding space for our own emotions and those of others during life's poignant milestones, fostering emotional resilience. Join me in a journey of reflection and discovery, where every listener's story of loss and healing is honored.

The journey of grief is a path paved with unspoken words and lingering memories, a theme poignantly captured in 'Things I Wish I Told my Mother.' As I opened the pages of Susan Patterson and Susan DiLallo's moving narrative, the echoes of my own mother's absence enveloped me. The book's powerful climax mirrored an emotional rollercoaster that's all too familiar - the intricate dance of a mother-daughter relationship, the longing for one more conversation, one last embrace. Join me as I recount how the act of letter writing, both to my late mother and from her to me, brought solace and a profound sense of connection, revealing the unexpected strength found in the depths of loss.

This episode isn't just about the tearing sorrow of what's left unsaid; it's about the unexpected gifts of understanding and the sufficiency of what was given. Through my own reflections and the heartrending truths unearthed within Patterson and DiLallo's fiction, we'll explore the nuances of forgiveness and legacy. As we navigate the tender revelations of a mother's confession and a daughter's acceptance, I invite you to consider the power of letters that reach beyond the veil, piecing together the legacy of love in the words we never got to say.

As I open the pages of my heart, revealing the scars left by the loss of my mom, this episode is a testament to the healing that comes from embracing our grief and regrets. My journey through mourning has been marked by moments of profound self-discovery, found within the sacred space of grief counseling and the introspective act of confession. The candid conversation you're about to hear is not just my story, but a shared human experience, an invitation to walk alongside me as we consider the transformative power of confronting the remorse that often accompanies loss.

Join me as we unpack the layers of emotions tied to inauthentic interactions, distance in times of need, and the selfish fears that can cloud our judgment. No words can encompass the entire path to forgiveness and understanding, but as we navigate these chapters together, there is solace to be found. Through my reflections on the past, I hope to offer you comfort and guidance, illuminating the importance of seeking support and using our love and cherished memories as a beacon through the pain, toward a more compassionate and forgiving future.

Embarking on a journey through the heart's deepest valleys, I find myself uncovering treasures amidst grief's shadow. In my latest exploration, I invite listeners to join me as we wade through the five stages of loss with Taylor Swift's music as our guide, reflecting the spectrum of emotions from denial to acceptance. I open my heart, sharing personal insights on striving to live authentically and balancing ambition with the creation of lasting memories. This heartfelt conversation is an open door to the vulnerability that comes with loss and the transformative potential it holds to live more wholly and meaningfully.

In the pursuit of happiness, especially after a loss, I draw from the well of my own trials and the unbridled joy of the young minds I once nurtured as an educator. Our discussion pivots to cherishing life's fleeting moments, while not allowing the smaller worries to cloud the beauty before us. Through personal anecdotes and shared experiences, this episode is an outstretched hand to those seeking to honor the legacies left behind by finding joy and the good in every day. Tune in for a heartfelt exchange that might just redefine your chase for happiness in the quieter corners of life's second act.

As we traverse the heart-wrenching path of mourning, today's segment of Growing Through Grief exposes the raw emotions of losing my mother. My voice may tremble, but my story unfolds the agonizing steps through denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and the eventual, though reluctant, acceptance. I share the jolt of despair that gripped me upon hearing the news, the fury at my mother for hiding her illness, and the guilt that clawed at me for not being by her side sooner. There are moments of quiet bargaining and a suffocating depression, where even the simplest tasks become insurmountable.

But grief is not a journey taken in solitude. This episode also emphasizes the healing power of connection, the catharsis found in poetic words, and the solace of cherished memories. I invite you to discover how the act of holding onto mementos, sharing poignant stories, and seeking the presence of those who have also felt this sting can fortify our spirits. As we delve into these shared experiences, it becomes clear that the process is not about burying our feelings but about nurturing our ability to grow through them, together. Join me as we continue to weave through the tapestry of loss, learning, and ultimately, living with the love that remains.

Charleston, South Carolina: a tapestry of history and the backdrop to memories of a love that transcends time. Embark with me on an emotional expedition as I revisit the cobblestone memories of my late mother, reliving the cherished traditions and family milestones that continue to echo through the streets of this storied city. From the nostalgic carriage rides to the familiar red couch at Wild Dunes Resort, every moment is a step on the path of remembrance, each with the power to evoke her enduring presence. Join me as I recount the laughter-filled shopping escapades on King Street and how, despite the passage of years and the absence of one dear, the essence of family and tradition remains unbroken, cradling us in comfort.

Cast your line into the tranquil waters of this episode, as I share the serene moments of spring fishing at the Isle of Palms, where the catch is more than fish—it's a connection to a past rich with love and life lessons. I discuss how the places we visit with those we hold dear become sacred spaces in our hearts, serving as conduits to the spirits of those who are no longer with us. Through anecdotes of dolphins dancing in the wake and photos that speak a thousand words of love, I reveal how travel and the act of creating unforgettable memories can be a salve for the soul, intertwining forever with our being, and keeping the legacy of our loved ones vibrantly alive.

Have you ever clutched an object that instantly transported you back to a cherished moment with a loved one? Our latest episode in the Growing Through Grief series gently unwraps the emotional layers surrounding linking objects, those precious mementos that tether us to the memories of those who have passed. I invite you into my world of healing as I share the poignant tales behind a can of Diet Coke, a treasured prayer box charm, and the everyday items that keep my mother's spirit close. It’s a conversation about love, legacy, and the poignant power of the tangible.

Join me as we navigate the currents of loss, holding fast to the physical pieces that map our journeys with those we've loved and lost. From the joyous sparkle of sapphire rings to the comforting grip of a Kate Spade purse, these are more than possessions—they're the story-holders of our lives. As we delve into the significance of a diamond cross and the memory-laden poinsettias, I encourage you to reflect on your own linking objects. You're warmly invited to share your narratives, weaving a tapestry of remembrance that celebrates the enduring connections we forge with those who have shaped our stories.

As I blow out the candles this year, the glow is bittersweet; my heart aches for my mother, who always crafted magical birthdays. Yet, her love lingers in the traditions she bestowed—like the cherished birthday corner—that now resonate deeply in my family's celebrations. This episode is a tender voyage into the "Gifts of Grief," a realm where sorrow carves space for appreciation and memories become a guiding light. Through personal narratives, I unveil how my mother's legacy of thoughtful gifting continues to weave through the tapestry of my life, keeping her spirit brilliantly alive in every ritual and moment of gratitude.

Embarking on a heartfelt exploration, I'm thrilled to share the commencement of our "Growing Through Grief" series, setting sail on a journey to embrace and understand the complexities of loss. I extend an invitation to you all, my companions in grief and growth, to join the conversation on our Feelings Fitness Facebook and Instagram pages. Together, we'll traverse the contours of healing, finding solace in shared experiences and the unexpected gifts nestled within our own stories of grief. Tune in as we seek the comfort of community and the growth that emerges from our collective narratives.

Have you ever marveled at the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly? That breathtaking transformation is akin to our 52-week expedition towards personal growth in home, health, happiness, and habits—a journey we're compressing into an electrifying 52-day recap. As your guide, I'm eager to share the pivotal moments that have shaped our collective evolution. We tackled life's winding roads with gusto, and now, we're gearing the engine for an even more exhilarating trip along the highway of Feelings Fitness 201.

Buckle up for a dynamic review of the past year's discoveries and breakthroughs, all while paving the way for the wisdom that awaits us in Feelings Fitness 201. No guests, just us, as we revisit and reinforce the knowledge that fueled our journey. Whether you've been my navigator from the start or you've just hopped in for the ride, this reflection is your perfect primer for the year ahead. Together, we'll navigate the road to an enriched well-being and cultivate habits that promise to drive us toward pinnacle success.

Ever caught yourself wondering where the hours go? This week's Feelings Fitness episode will transform your relationship with the clock, as I take you through my own journey of mastering time management. With life's pace quickening, especially after parenthood, I've stumbled upon strategies that shifted my daily grind into a well-oiled machine of productivity and purpose. Imagine starting your day already poised for success because you've embraced the art of 'mise en place'—a culinary concept that, when applied to life, means setting your intentions and tools for the next day before your head hits the pillow. This isn't just about getting things done; it's a deeper dive into living with intention, letting go of chaos and embracing the moments that truly matter.

We're nearing the end of our year-long quest for holistic fitness, and this 51st episode is a heartfelt call to action to take control of your time. Learn how tracking your day can be illuminating, putting 'big rocks' first can revolutionize your to-do list, and how batching tasks might just be the productivity hack you've been seeking. But that's not all—time blocking could be the game-changer you need to carve out space for your priorities. As we share and reflect on these time management revelations, I encourage you to join me in this commitment to make every tick of the clock count towards a more fulfilling, balanced, and intentional life.