Grief & Happiness

Notice when you start being negative and change your thoughts and words to something positive.

Let's Connect:

• You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking here
• You can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.
• You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:
• You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking here
• Request your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

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Why even well-meaning words can deepen someone's pain—and what to say instead when silence feels safer than saying the wrong thing.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Sally McQuillen, a psychotherapist in private practice specializing in addiction, trauma, and grief. Based on the North Shore of Chicago, she brings a deeply personal lens to her work shaped by the loss of her 21-year-old son, Christopher. Her debut memoir, Reaching for Beautiful, chronicles that journey—a story of healing, resilience, and the enduring bond between mother and child. A former English and dance major, Sally now channels her lifelong love of writing into storytelling that offers comfort and connection to others navigating profound loss.

Throughout this episode, Sally reflects on the emotional landscape that shaped Reaching for Beautiful, sharing how private journaling gradually evolved into a powerful memoir. She speaks candidly about her grief, the different ways she and her husband supported each other, and the spiritual signs that continue to remind her of her son’s presence. With compassion and clarity, Sally offers insights into how even small gestures of acknowledgment can make a profound difference for someone in mourning. Her perspective invites us to approach grief not with fear, but with openness, gentleness, and the understanding that love never truly disappears.

Tune in to episode 324 s Sally McQuillen shares how writing through heartbreak, embracing spiritual connection, and honoring her son’s memory helped transform unimaginable loss into a journey of healing and love.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Sally’s journey through grief (1:02)

Writing through grief: From pain to memoir (2:15)

Letters to the departed and spiritual dialogues (6:14)

Grieving as a couple—side by side, not the same (7:51)

When grief becomes isolating (12:25)

What to say (and not say) to the grieving (14:20)

Finding joy in memories and shared stories (17:00)

Recognizing signs from loved ones and choosing to heal (23:20)

Rising above grief (28:43)

Connect with Sally McQuillen:

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Get Sally’s book!

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The Grief and Happiness Alliance

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Write positive memories and dreams into your journal so you can always refer to them whenever you would like.

Let's Connect:

• You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking here
• You can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.
• You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:
• You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking here
• Request your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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What if the key to finally freeing yourself from decades-old pain is hidden in memories you've long buried—and unpacking just one forgotten moment could change the course of your life forever?

In today's episode, I'm joined by Ann Mracek, an accomplished author, musician, storyteller, and educator with a passion for exploring emotional healing through creative expression. Her memoir, Unpacking the Attic, chronicles her transformative journey as she confronts and heals from childhood traumas uncovered while clearing out her parents' home. Ann's experiences highlight the profound healing that can come from revisiting and reframing difficult memories.

Throughout this episode, Ann shares her personal journey in greater depth, discussing how unpacking her parents' home served as a powerful metaphor for confronting and resolving deep emotional wounds. She vividly recounts revisiting her challenging relationship with her grandfather, illustrating how symbolic forgiveness and reframing past experiences from an adult perspective allowed her to find profound healing. Ann emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, compassion, and proactive reconciliation, offering listeners practical insights and inspiring examples to embark on their own paths toward emotional healing.

Tune in to episode 322 of Grief and Happiness as Ann Mracek shares how confronting hidden childhood memories and reframing past traumas can transform grief into profound emotional healing.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• The challenge of clearing out a lifetime of memories (1:01)
• Healing through retrospection (3:53)
• Finding forgiveness through symbolic acts (07:35)
• The importance of repairing relationships before it’s too late (16:48)
• Transforming trauma through writing and reflection (21:42)

Connect with Ann Mracek:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• X
• Get Ann’s books!

Let's Connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• The Grief and Happiness Alliance
• Book: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

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We can change the world by focusing on Peace and Love.

Let's Connect:

• You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking here
• You can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.
• You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:
• You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking here
• Request your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Victoria Rader, a transformational speaker, spiritual entrepreneur, and the founder of YU2SHINE, a platform dedicated to personal and business growth through quantum and practical coaching. Born in Ukraine under Soviet rule, Victoria developed an unshakable inner resilience that fueled her journey to success in the United States. Through her innovative Empower-mE app and her books, she provides tools to help people navigate grief, activate abundance, and align with their purpose. A passionate advocate for love and energy healing, Victoria’s work integrates science, spirituality, and personal transformation to help individuals unlock their full potential.

Throughout this episode, Victoria shares her profound insights on grief, healing, and inner freedom. She reflects on her early life in the Soviet Union, her experiences with loss, and the deep sense of joy she cultivated despite external hardships. She explains how grief extends beyond the loss of a loved one, encompassing lost dreams and futures that never materialized. Drawing from her work in quantum personal development, she has identified 99 aspects of grief and developed tools to help individuals recognize and process them. Victoria also explores the transformative role of love in healing and energy shifts, introducing Ho’oponopono as a technique for personal and collective restoration—one she even applies toward figures like Vladimir Putin in a pursuit of global change.

Tune in to episode 320 as Victoria Rader explores the profound connection between grief, healing, and inner freedom—revealing how quantum energy, self-love, and conscious awareness can help process loss, cultivate joy, and create a life of true abundance.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Victoria Rader's journey and background (1:04)
• Finding inner freedom and joy (2:43)
• How grief blocks personal growth (6:10)
• The Empower-mE app and the 99 aspects of grief (9:28)
• The surprising link between breath, grief, and joy (11:29)
• Why receiving love is more important than giving (14:54)
• Ho’oponopono and energy healing on a global scale (27:05)
• The world’s quantum leap and why it feels chaotic (30:37)
• Final thoughts and call to action (32:34)

Connect with Victoria Rader:

• Website
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• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• X
• Get Victoria’s books!
• Victoria’s gift offer

Let's Connect:

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• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

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Enjoy the time you have the opportunity to be with friends. 

Let's Connect:

• You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking here
• You can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.
• You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:
• You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking here
• Request your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Through loss, heartbreak, and unexpected signs, this mother’s journey reveals the power of hope in the most unexpected places.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Bernadette Payne, a writer, speaker, and advocate for grief support, who has transformed personal tragedy into a mission of healing. A psychology graduate and devoted mother, Bernadette has experienced profound loss—the deaths of her brother, mother, several close friends, and most heartbreakingly, her 17-year-old son. Her journey through grief led her to explore spirituality and near-death experiences, offering her comfort and a deeper understanding of the afterlife. Through writing and speaking, she now helps others navigate loss, emphasizing the power of love, connection, and personal growth.

Throughout this episode, Bernadette shares how each loss shaped her path, from the death of her brother at 18, which first sparked her interest in near-death experiences, to the devastating loss of her teenage son, which brought unimaginable grief. Yet, in the depths of sorrow, she found solace—through dreams in which her son appeared, offering strength, and through writing, which became a crucial outlet for healing. Now, as she works on a book and a podcast, Bernadette is committed to guiding others through loss with wisdom, compassion, and the belief that while grief is painful, healing is possible through faith, connection, and personal growth.

Tune in to episode 318 of Grief and Happiness as Bernadette Payne shares how exploring spirituality, embracing writing, and finding strength through connection can help navigate profound loss, foster healing, and discover hope in the midst of grief.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Bernadette’s first encounter with loss (0:57)
• Seeking answers through near-death experiences (4:01)
• Different grief journeys – losing friends, a parent, and a child (8:28)
• A life-changing dream – a message from her son (16:00)
• Writing as a healing tool (17:12)
• Embracing spirituality and finding peace (18:37)
• Final reflections and message of hope (22:03)

Let's Connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• The Grief and Happiness Alliance
• Book: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I see how much richer my life is as I remember the stories of my past with my loved ones, while I live now happily in the moment.

Let's Connect:

• You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking here
• You can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.
• You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:
• You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking here
• Request your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You’re already dealing with the emotional weight of loss—but what happens when legal battles, financial surprises, and unexpected triggers make it even harder to move forward?

In today's episode, I'm joined by Ellen Craine, a licensed clinical social worker, grief specialist, and the founder of Craine Counseling. With decades of experience, she helps individuals navigate grief, loss, and major life transitions through a holistic and compassionate approach. Ellen combines professional expertise with personal experience, having faced the loss of her husband, supported her son through pediatric cancer, and battled breast cancer herself. She is passionate about challenging societal misconceptions about grief and guiding people through their unique journeys of healing. Ellen also leads grief support groups, including her Compassionate Grief Circles, creating safe spaces for individuals to share and grow. 

Throughout this episode, Ellen Craine provides a deep and personal perspective on grief, drawing from both her professional expertise and personal experiences. She introduces the concept of being a "grief doula," helping individuals navigate loss beyond just bereavement. Ellen discusses societal misconceptions about grief and the pressure to “move on” quickly, stressing that grief is an evolving, lifelong process. She shares stories about losing her husband, supporting her son through cancer, and dealing with her own breast cancer diagnosis, highlighting the emotional and logistical struggles that come with these experiences. Ellen also speaks about the importance of planning for the unexpected, such as estate documents and medical directives, and the healing power of community support. She encourages finding personal tools—such as nature, creative outlets, and connection—to balance grief with moments of joy.

Tune in to episode 316 as Ellen Craine shares how embracing both the emotional and practical aspects of grief—through self-discovery, community support, and preparedness—can help navigate loss, build resilience, and find moments of joy along the way.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

What is a grief doula? (0:54)

Why does society struggle with grief? (3:18)

The often overlooked practical aspects of grief (5:08)

Personal story: Losing a husband and navigating legal complexities (10:30)

Grief’s lingering triggers—from mails to memories (11:46)

Lessons from hospice work: When the dying hold on (14:18)

 Grief beyond death: Illness, parenting, and self-care (20:18)

Finding support and tools for healing (24:43)

Connect with Ellen Craine:

Website

Facebook

LinkedIn

Get Ellen’s books!

Let's Connect:

Website

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

The Grief and Happiness Alliance

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.