Today I’m joined by Jason Clawson, a clinical therapist and father of two boys, and co-creator of “Giving Sunshine”, which sends therapeutic care packages to families or individuals struggling with grief, terminal disease, and more. Since the death of his wife three years ago, Jason has started to look at life differently and is here to speak loud about finding hope after tragedy.

From an early age, Jason was drawn to support others in difficult situations. His natural inclination led him to a residential treatment center shortly after college, where he was able to give support and encouragement to others daily. 

Jason’s career in therapy felt like the natural progression of his life. He’s gravitated towards helping people with addiction, as well as trauma and grief. He values being more than just a sounding board for his clients, but being someone who will walk the path with them. 

Three years ago, Jason’s wife passed away from stage 4 colon cancer. At the time, it felt impossible to calm down with so many fears and uncertainties. During treatment, a doctor told him, “Cancer has a way of enhancing your life,” and while he refused the notion at first, those words have stuck with him.

Jason recalls how, after the funeral, he felt incredibly alone. He continued to work for 9 months until he realized that he needed an intervention. So, he set one up, texting more than a dozen people to invite them to his house to help. People want to help, he says, but often don’t know how. 3 weeks later, Jason quit his job to spend the whole summer with his boys. “We need to make some happy memories so that we can be happier again,” he told them. 

Jason’s idea for sunshine boxes came as a result of a lemonade stand with his kids and a basket of yellow things that his wife received while in treatment. In raising money to create and send out boxes, Jason was able to not only help others through pain but watch his sons do the same. The boxes come with fun yellow things to bring happiness, as well as therapeutic tools to help in difficult times.

Jason and his partner have sent the sunshine boxes to 21 states, and hope to do all 50. “This is what my wife would want to do,” Jason says, and details how he’s able to keep his wife in his life every day. The “Giving Sunshine” kickstarter is now live, and Jason has many plans for spreading sunshine in the near future. 

Listen in for advice on counseling loved ones, how to find resources for therapy, and the story of the Giving Sunshine movement. 

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