Grieve That Sh!t

Introduction

• Host: Sharon
• Guest: Janine Rashidi, Author and Healer
• Topic: Overcoming trauma and the journey towards healing

Key Points Discussed

• Janine Rashdi's Background:
• Janine shares her upbringing in a household with addiction and abuse.
• She details the various forms of abuse she experienced and her role as a caretaker for her siblings.
• Early Realization of Abuse:
• Janine recounts realizing her family dynamics were not normal at a young age.
• She contrasts her experiences with those of her peers, highlighting the abnormalities in her upbringing.
• Escape and Independence:
• Janine describes her decision to run away from home at 15 and her experiences living homeless.
• She talks about meeting a significantly older man and entering into a relationship marked by similar abusive patterns as her childhood.
• Janine's Turning Point:
• The pivotal moment when Janine decided to leave her abusive partner, planning her escape with her children.
• She recalls the challenges and fears she faced during this escape.
• Return to Her Parents' Home:
• Janine discusses returning to her parents' home, who were then on a clean streak, to start anew.
• She reflects on the complexity of feelings around returning to the environment she initially fled.
• Beginning of the Healing Journey:
• Janine's entry into massage therapy school as a path to independence and her first encounter with the concept of trauma stored in the body.
• She highlights how massage therapy helped her start recognizing and processing her trauma.
• Therapy and Overcoming Challenges:
• Janine and her daughters begin therapy to deal with their past traumas.
• She juggles multiple roles - student, worker, and mother - while starting her healing journey.
• Common Misconceptions about Trauma:
• Janine discusses misconceptions, such as trauma disappearing over time.
• She emphasizes the importance of learning to relate differently to one's trauma.

Conclusion

• Contact Information: Janine can be found at goodbyetension.com.
• Book Mention: "Abundance Beyond Trauma" and its accompanying workbook.
• Teaser for Part 2: The next episode will delve into Janine's full embrace of her healing journey, her book, and the treatment methods she offers to clients.

Introduction

• Host: Sharon Brubaker
• Guest: Janine Rashidi
• Podcast: Healing Starts With the Heart
• Topic: Continued exploration of Janine Rashidi's healing journey and insights into her work

Key Points Discussed

• Janine's Career Shift to Independent Practice:
• Janine talks about transitioning from working for a chiropractor to establishing her own practice.
• She emphasizes the importance of autonomy in her healing and counseling journey.
• Clients' Trauma and Healing:
• Janine shares her experiences with clients processing their traumas during sessions.
• These interactions lead her to seek out more healing modalities for herself and her clients.
• Writing "Abundance Beyond Trauma":
• Janine discusses the inspiration behind writing her book.
• She emphasizes the importance of overcoming self-doubt and the encouragement she received during the writing process.
• Learning Ayurveda and Its Impact:
• Janine's venture into Ayurveda, a traditional Indian healing practice.
• She recounts how studying Ayurveda contributed significantly to her personal and professional growth.
• Publication and Success of Her Book:
• Janine's book achieves bestseller status, validating her efforts and the book's impact.
• She shares her gratification in receiving messages from readers who were helped by her book.
• Personal Growth and Realizations:
• Janine reflects on her marriages and the learning experiences they provided.
• She talks about breaking the cycle of trauma and setting healthier relationship patterns.
• Importance of Abundance Mindset in Healing:
• Janine explains why she chose the theme of 'abundance' for her book.
• She highlights the significance of having an abundance mindset in overcoming trauma.
• Janine's Message to Listeners:
• She offers empowering words to listeners, emphasizing that anything is possible with belief and perseverance.

Conclusion

• Where to Find Janine Rashidi: Visit goodbyetension.com.
• Book Information: "Abundance Beyond Trauma" and its accompanying workbook are available on Amazon.
• Closing Thoughts: Janine's story and insights provide hope and practical guidance for those navigating their own paths through trauma and healing.

"Healing and Growth During the Holidays: Nanette's Personal Journey - Part 2"

Episode Summary:

In the second part of Nanette's story, we delve into her experience of spending the holidays in a different state, the process of healing, and her journey of rediscovering joy in the holiday season after profound loss. This episode provides an intimate look at grief, coping mechanisms, and the slow but hopeful path to healing.

Key Points Discussed:

• Holiday Experience in Kansas: Nanette recounts her first holiday away from home after her daughter's passing. She describes being welcomed by a new family, which unexpectedly brought her comfort and peace.
• Dealing with Grief and Longing: Nanette discusses how she managed her grief during this time, focusing on the unexpected moments of peace and the importance of having a plan.
• Return to Grief and Renewed Healing: Upon returning home, Nanette faced her grief anew. She shares how this led her to seek help and start processing her loss more effectively.
• Significant Steps in Healing: Nanette describes getting a memorial tattoo for her daughter and ordering a special Christmas ornament, marking significant steps in her journey towards acceptance and remembrance.
• Embracing Holiday Traditions Again: For the first time since 2014, Nanette decorates her home for Christmas. She discusses the emotional process and the changes in how she experiences the holiday season now.
• Maintaining a Spiritual Connection: Nanette shares how she maintains a spiritual relationship with her daughter through journaling and including her in daily life.
• Advice to Other Grieving Parents: She emphasizes the importance of self-care and doing what feels right personally during the grieving process, especially during the holidays.

Closing Remarks:

The host thanks Nanette for sharing her heartfelt story and offers words of comfort and encouragement to listeners who may be going through similar experiences. The episode is dedicated to Nanette's daughter, Sheena, and her best friend, Charlene.

"Journey Through Grief and Recovery with Nanette - Part 1"

Episode Summary:

In this heartfelt episode, we're joined by Nanette, a close friend of the host's sister, Charlene. Nanette shares her profound journey through grief following the loss of her daughter, father, and mother. She discusses her close-knit family relationships and the impact of these losses on her life. This episode is the first of a two-part series focusing on coping with grief during the holidays and Nanette's path to recovery.

Key Points Discussed:

• Nanette's Personal Story: Tracing back her 14-year friendship with the host and her sister, Nanette opens up about her life, her deep family bonds, and the tragic losses she has endured.
• Loss of Loved Ones: Nanette shares the pain of losing her father in 1993, her mother in 2014, and her daughter in 2021. She delves into the unique relationships she had with each of them.
• Grief and Recovery: Nanette talks about her struggle with grief, especially after losing her daughter, and her initial reluctance to seek help. She highlights her journey through different forms of therapy and support.
• Coping Strategies: The episode focuses on how Nanette managed her first holiday season without her daughter, including her decision to leave town to cope with her grief.
• Reflection and Healing: Nanette reflects on the nature of her grief and how it has shaped her current perspective on life and loss.

What to Expect in Part 2:

• The next episode will continue Nanette's story, focusing on her healing process, how she's celebrating the holidays now, and the steps she's taken to move forward in her life.

Closing Remarks:

The host thanks Nanette for her openness and bravery in sharing her story, reminding listeners of the power of sharing and the importance of seeking support in times of grief.

Note to Listeners: The contents of this podcast are deeply personal and may resonate with anyone who has experienced loss. Listener discretion is advised.

Show Notes for Sharon's Podcast Interview with Client Chris: Journey Through Grief

Episode Title: A Personal Tale of Triumph Over Grief with Chris

In this episode, Sharon sits down with her former client, Chris, who recently completed her grief program. Chris openly shares her journey through grief and how the program helped her navigate this challenging time in her life.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Chris's Initial Search for Support: Chris talks about feeling alone after losing her family members and husband. She shares her struggle to find a program that resonated with her, including her experiences with psychologists and other grief programs.
• Finding Comfort in Sharon's Approach: Chris describes her relief upon connecting with Sharon, emphasizing the personal touch and understanding she felt from their very first conversation.
• The Program's Impact and Methodology: Chris reflects on the pivotal moments in the program that helped her see progress. She highlights the importance of the program's structure, which allowed her to progress at her own pace, and the value of having tangible tasks and homework.
• Emotional Challenges and Breakthroughs: A significant part of the discussion revolves around Chris's emotional challenges during the program. She shares a particularly tough exercise involving writing a letter to her father and how it led to a freeing experience.
• The Role of Spirituality in Grief: Chris speaks about her spiritual journey and how her faith in God provided comfort and guidance during her grieving process.
• The Importance of Leaning into Emotions: Sharon and Chris discuss the importance of allowing oneself to feel and process emotions, with Chris sharing a personal experience where she let herself lean into her grief in a public setting.
• Gratitude and Moving Forward: Chris expresses her gratitude for Sharon's guidance and the program's role in her healing process. She emphasizes how the program helped her reclaim parts of herself and move towards a positive future.

Conclusion:

Sharon wraps up the episode by thanking Chris for her openness and sharing her journey. She encourages listeners who might be struggling with grief to consider joining the "Forever Changed" grief program, offering them a chance to have a transformative experience like Chris.

Show Notes for "What If This Grief Was Meant For You?"

Episode Title: Embracing Grief as a Transformative Journey

In this powerful episode, we explore the provocative question: What if grief was meant for you? Sharon delves into the notion of grief not as a burden to be escaped, but as a path towards growth and understanding.

Key Discussions:

• Redefining Grief: The episode begins with a thought-provoking introduction challenging the traditional perception of grief. It suggests embracing grief instead of avoiding it, proposing that the true path to healing is through confronting our pain.
• Societal Misconceptions of Grief: A critical look at how society often wrongly interprets grief, urging people to move on quickly and labeling expressions of sorrow as inappropriate or excessive.
• Grief's Purpose: Sharon shares insights into the natural process of grieving and its purpose in our lives, including how even children instinctively understand and navigate grief.
• Real Stories and Expert Insights: Throughout the episode, real-life anecdotes are interwoven with expert opinions, illustrating the varied and deeply personal nature of grief.
• Dealing with Complex Emotions: Discussion on the complexity of emotions in grief, acknowledging that it's possible to grieve someone despite mixed feelings about them, including anger or resentment.
• Accepting and Nurturing Grief: Sharon encourages listeners to accept and nurture their grief, seeing it as a natural and necessary process, and to find ways to honor their lost loved ones.
• Grief as a Catalyst for Change: The episode emphasizes how each loss reshapes us, not necessarily for better or worse, but certainly differently. It advocates for recognizing grief as a significant, life-altering experience.
• Action Steps in Grief: Practical advice is offered on taking action during grief, such as acknowledging and allowing emotions and finding ways to move through the pain.

Additional Resources:

• "Forever Changed" Program: Information on a program designed to assist individuals in moving beyond grief.
• One-on-One Consultation: Opportunities for personal consultations to discuss grief and coping mechanisms.
• Support Links: Directions to join support groups and engage with a community of individuals experiencing similar journeys.

Conclusion:

Sharon wraps up the episode with a message of solidarity and understanding, emphasizing the shared experience of grief and the potential for growth and transformation it holds. Listeners are invited to explore further resources and join the support community.

Podcast Show Notes: "Forever Changed: Navigating Family Dynamics After Loss" with Sharon

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt episode, Sharon delves into the profound impact of loss on family dynamics. She shares personal stories about how the passing of key family members, especially her father, reshaped her family's traditions and bonds. This episode offers a deep exploration into the complexities of grief and the process of creating new traditions.

Key Points Discussed

• Personal Reflections on Loss: Sharon shares her experiences of losing her father, Austin, and Donovan, highlighting how each loss uniquely affected her and her siblings.
• The Role of Family Traditions: The importance of family gatherings, especially during holidays, and how these traditions were central to their family life. Sharon reminisces about her father's role in these gatherings and his love for cooking.
• Impact of Loss on Family Unity: The episode discusses the gradual changes in family gatherings post the loss of Sharon's father and other family members. Sharon reflects on how the absence of the 'glue' of the family led to evolving traditions.
• Personal Stories of Adaptation: Sharon shares how different family members, including herself, coped and adapted to the new reality. This includes how her sister Erica started new traditions with her husband.
• Grappling with Double Grief: Sharon talks about the dual aspect of grieving – losing a loved one and the simultaneous loss of cherished family traditions.
• Theories on Family Dynamics Post-Loss: Sharon proposes theories on why families change their traditions following the loss of a central figure and how individual changes contribute to this evolution.
• Creating New Traditions: Emphasizing the importance of acknowledging grief and starting new traditions that honor lost loved ones while catering to the evolving needs of the family.
• Personal Reflection and Advice: Sharon shares her own struggles with these changes and offers advice on navigating these complex emotions and situations.

Additional Resources

• "Forever Changed" Program: Sharon talks about her program designed to help others navigate their grief.
• One-on-One Consultations: An invitation for listeners to have personal conversations with Sharon about coping with loss and creating new traditions.
• Online Community Support: Information on joining Sharon's Facebook group and following her on Instagram for continued support and community engagement.

Closing Thoughts

Sharon concludes with a message of empathy and understanding for those experiencing similar challenges. She encourages listeners to embrace their emotions, find new ways to honor their memories, and connect with others for support.

Show Notes for "Surviving the Holidays While Grieving"

Episode Title: Embracing the Holidays After Loss

Host: Sharon

Summary:

In this episode, Sharon talks about the challenges of facing holidays while grieving. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the holidays are coming and that they will be different without our loved ones. Sharon shares personal stories and offers guidance on how to navigate this difficult time, suggesting ways to adapt or create new traditions.

Key Points:

• Acknowledging the Holidays: Understanding that holidays will be different and potentially challenging without our loved ones.
• Inventory of Traditions: Sharon encourages listeners to take a mental inventory of holiday traditions and decide which ones they can bear.
• Creating New Traditions: Suggestions for starting new traditions that honor the memory of the loved ones we've lost.
• Emotional Check-In: Importance of staying in tune with one's emotions during the holidays and allowing oneself to feel them fully.
• Surviving the Holidays eBook: Sharon has written an eBook on this topic, which she mentions is available for download.

Episode Highlights:

• Sharon shares how the absence of a child or any loved one can deeply affect holiday experiences.
• She advises against trying to 'muscle through' the holidays and instead suggests embracing the changes.
• The importance of deciding which traditions to keep and which to change or let go of is discussed.
• Sharon shares her own experience of changing traditions after the loss of a loved one.

For Listeners:

• Links to Sharon's eBook "Surviving the Holidays" and her website for further resources.
• Information on how to book an appointment with Sharon for personalized guidance on handling the holidays while grieving.
• Encouragement and support for those struggling with loss during the holiday season.

Closing Thoughts:

Sharon acknowledges the profound impact of grief during the holidays and offers a compassionate approach to dealing with it. She encourages listeners to be true to their feelings, to consider changing traditions, and to find ways to honor their loved ones during these times.

Podcast Title: Have You Guys Ever Heard of Dia de los de los MUTOs The Day of the Dead?

Overview:

• Sharon explores Dia de los Muertos, a cultural event distinct from Halloween, focusing on its traditions, meanings, and personal connections.

Introduction:

• Sharon clarifies that Dia de los Muertos is not the Mexican version of Halloween and sets the context for the discussion, emphasizing the differences between the two events.

Main Discussion:

• Dia de los Muertos, occurring in early November, is characterized by vibrant celebrations, honoring the dead with respect, love, and longing.
• The tradition involves elaborate makeup, costumes, parades, parties, and offerings to deceased loved ones.
• Sharon reflects on the significance of the celebration in Mexican culture and how it's observed with joy and respect for the dead.

Cultural Significance:

• The podcast delves into the Day of the Dead as a celebration of both life and death, remembering and celebrating loved ones who have passed away.
• Discussions about the holiday's origins, its widespread observance in Latin America, and its colorful symbols, including skulls and skeletons.
• Sharon invites listeners to contribute insights about specific traditions, like the importance of orange marigolds and skull masks.

Personal Connection and Reflection:

• Sharon shares her limited personal connection to the holiday and contrasts it with her experiences of All Saints Day in the Catholic religion.
• Reflections on the burial culture in New Orleans and traditions of caring for gravesites during All Saints Day.
• Sharon describes the tradition of cleaning and decorating grave sites, moving away weeds, and placing flowers and wreaths.

Family Traditions and Celebrations:

• Sharon recounts her family's tradition of honoring deceased loved ones by placing flowers on graves, a practice cherished and continued by younger family members.
• Discussion on the recognition of All Saints Day as a state holiday in Louisiana, and how it includes visiting grave sites and remembering loved ones.

Honoring Loved Ones:

• Sharon emphasizes the importance of honoring and celebrating deceased loved ones, suggesting various ways people can keep their memories alive.
• She encourages listeners to find their own ways to honor their loved ones, whether through traditional practices or personal rituals.

Closing Remarks:

• Sharon concludes the podcast by inviting listeners to share their experiences and traditions, and offers resources for further support in celebrating and remembering loved ones.

"Healing Erika: The Silent Depths of Grief"

Hello, everyone, and welcome back to another episode of our podcast. Today, we're diving deep into a story of resilience, self-awareness, and the journey towards healing. It's a tale about my past client, Erika, and the silent depths of grief.

Let me start by setting the stage. Imagine a vivacious, spirited individual, who despite carrying the weight of two immense losses in her life, couldn't quite put a finger on the nature of her pain. That's Erika. Referred to me by another client, Erika initially didn't believe she was grappling with grief. She was under the impression that what she felt was mere depression.

Isn't it interesting? Sometimes, our feelings can be so overwhelming and tangled that we can't see them for what they truly are. That was Erika's state of mind. She assumed therapy could be a way out, but traditional methods didn't give her the solace she sought.

Fast forward six months, a world grappling with a pandemic, Erika reached out again. There's something about global crises – they hold up a mirror to our personal ones. And this time, together, we embarked on a journey of what I call "heart work".

Erika's journey was one of self-realization. As we peeled back the layers, it became clear that she was battling profound grief. The loss she had experienced wasn't just an emotional void; it was affecting her everyday life, her decisions, her perspective on the future

What's crucial here is the acknowledgment that grief doesn't have a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one might not work for another. And while therapy can provide tools, true healing comes from within, from the "heart work".

As we navigated the sessions virtually amidst the pandemic, it became more than just therapy. It was a lifeline. Erika wasn't just dealing with her personal losses but also the shared sense of loss and uncertainty that the world was feeling.

It was during these months that Erika learned the power of acceptance, the significance of acknowledging pain, and the strength in vulnerability. She not only worked through her grief but also reshaped her perspective on life and its many trials.

Erika's journey is a testament to the fact that sometimes, we might not recognize the source of our pain. But with persistence, self-reflection, and the right guidance, healing is within reach.

Today, Erika stands tall, not as someone who has forgotten her losses, but as someone who has made peace with them. She's a beacon of hope for all who feel consumed by emotions they can't name.

To everyone listening, remember, it's okay to seek help. It's okay to admit you don't have all the answers. And it's okay to do the heart work. Because, at the end of the day, that's where true healing begins.

Thank you for joining me today. I hope Erika's story resonates with some of you and brings you hope. Stay strong, stay connected, and until next time, keep healing.