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In this heartfelt episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, Sharon Brubaker opens the door to a topic many avoid—your grief story. Not the polite, watered-down version, but the real, raw, unfiltered story of what happened, what you felt, and what you still carry. Sharon explains why telling this story—first to yourself and then to others—is a necessary part of healing. She shares how the truth of our pain holds the key to transformation, connection, and true emotional release.
Whether you've lost a person, a dream, a relationship, or a piece of yourself—this episode invites you to step into your truth, name your grief, and be seen in your pain without shame or apology.
Key Points Discussed:Why your real grief story matters more than the "acceptable" version
The physical, emotional, and spiritual toll of holding your story in
How your brain and body record every detail of trauma and grief
The difference between what we tell others and what we need to tell ourselves
How society pressures us to hide our pain—and why that compounds it
The power of grief storytelling in community and connection
Sharon's personal grief stories—and how they continue to evolve
The freedom and healing that come from speaking your story out loud
Who were you before your loss, and who are you now?
What part of your story have you never said out loud?
What do you still carry in silence?
What changed in your life that no one else sees?
What would it feel like to tell the truth about your grief story?
What is something you lost beyond the person—was it safety, identity, future plans?
What do you want the world to know about the depth of your pain?
Your grief story matters. All of it. Not just the death or the loss, but what it did to your soul, your routine, your identity. And while you may have been taught to hide your pain, Sharon reminds us that real healing starts when we stop editing our story to protect others. Speak the truth. Say what happened. Say what still hurts. Because when you tell your story, you make room for healing—not only for yourself but for others walking this same painful road.
Contact Us:Have a question, story, or want to connect with Sharon? 📧 Email: [email protected] 📱 Follow Sharon on TikTok: @thegriefschool 🌐 Learn more or join a healing program: www.thegriefschool.com ✨ Join the community: clickhereforhope.com
In this empowering episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, Sharon Brubaker pulls back the curtain on one of the greatest grief misconceptions: that we need to learn how to grieve. Sharon reveals a deeper truth—we were all born knowing how to grieve. From your first cry to your instinct to reach out when in pain, grief is not something to be taught but something we've been taught to forget. Through raw, compassionate storytelling and the powerful example of a client who found her way back to healing, Sharon reminds us that grief is not a flaw—it's our body and spirit doing exactly what they were designed to do. If you've ever questioned your tears, your numbness, or the way your grief looks—this episode is for you.
Key Points Discussed:
You didn't lose your ability to grieve—you were born with it
The world unteaches us how to grieve by rewarding silence and pretending
Grief is a full-body, nervous system experience—not just emotional pain
Your grief is not wrong, too big, too heavy, or something to be fixed
Real healing begins when we stop performing and start expressing honestly
A powerful story of a widow rediscovering her voice in Grief Study Hall
Why your body still remembers how to release what hurts—without needing a manual
Journal Questions for Reflection:
When did you first start to believe your grief was "too much"?
How have you been performing instead of feeling your grief?
What rules or messages about grief have shaped your current experience?
How has your body been trying to express grief—and have you been listening?
What would it look like to stop apologizing for your grief?
Are you willing to trust that you still know how to grieve?
Conclusion: You don't need to learn how to grieve—you need to remember that you already know. Your tears are not signs of weakness, your pain is not brokenness, and your emotions are not something to hide. They're sacred. They're real. They're part of the healing. Sharon invites you to stop apologizing, stop performing, and return to what your body, your heart, and your spirit already know how to do: grieve.
Contact Us: Have a question, story, or want to connect with Sharon? Email: [email protected] Join the Grief Study Hall every Tuesday from 1–3 PM CST Facebook: The Grief School Facebook Group TikTok: @thegriefschool Website: clickhereforhope.com
In this raw and deeply honest episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, Sharon Brubaker invites listeners into the messy, painful, and necessary truth of what it means to lean in to grief. Instead of hiding, numbing, or pretending you're okay, Sharon challenges you to stop running from the pain and start facing it head-on. This is not about suffering for suffering's sake—it's about healing the only way that works: by feeling it all. If you've ever told yourself, "If I let this out, I'll never stop crying," this episode is for you. Sharon unpacks the myths we're told about grief, the lies we believe to stay strong, and what it truly means to begin moving pain through you—not around you.
Key Points Discussed:
Why avoidance only deepens and prolongs grief
The dangerous myth that time alone heals grief
What "leaning into the pain" actually looks like in real life
How grief lives in the body—and what happens when we suppress it
The truth about emotional numbness and false strength
Why staying "composed" is not the same as healing
The power of sitting with your grief, naming your pain, and giving it space
The importance of breaking free from performative grieving and moving into true processing
How leaning in, little by little, helps you reclaim pieces of yourself
Real-life stories of clients who finally allowed themselves to cry—and what happened next
Why grief is not a lifetime sentence, unless you choose it to be
Journal Questions for Reflection:
What pain have you been avoiding in your grief?
Where in your body do you feel the heaviness of your loss?
What lies have you been told (or believed) about being strong?
What might shift if you gave yourself permission to fall apart today?
Can you name a moment when you chose numbness over feeling? What did that cost you?
What part of your grief needs to be witnessed right now—by you?
Conclusion: Grief demands to be felt. Not hidden, not ignored, not scheduled. And the truth is, real healing only begins when you choose to lean in. You don't have to be strong. You don't have to pretend. You just have to show up—to your own pain—with honesty and compassion. You'll find that in the leaning, there's light. There's breath. There's a path forward.
Contact Us: Have a question, story, or want to connect with Sharon? 📧 Email: [email protected] 📱 Follow Sharon on TikTok: @thegriefschool 🌐 Join our healing spaces: www.thegriefschool.com ✨ Be part of our community: clickhereforhope.com 💬 Join us for Grief Study Hall (Tuesdays 1–3 PM CST) or Processing the Pain of Grief (Thursdays 7 PM CST)
In this unforgettable episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker shares the story of the exact moment her life split into "before" and "after." Through a searingly honest account of the phone call that changed everything—the loss of her nephew Austin—Sharon takes listeners inside the collapse that grief can cause. This isn't a conversation about "moving on" or checking boxes—it's a journey through the mess, the silence, and the search for truth. If you've had that day—the one where it all fell apart—this episode is for you.
💔 Key Points Discussed:The moment grief hit: June 17, 2006—the call that shattered Sharon's life
The illusion of "ordinary" before a loss, and the unbearable clarity after
How the world keeps spinning while your life stops
The raw, physical, full-body nature of grief
Society's failure to understand or support grieving people
The myth of strength: why being "strong" isn't always helpful
Why no one is coming to save you—and how Sharon created the help she needed
The role of silence, breaking down, and choosing to face the pain head-on
Why The Grief School and Grief Study Hall were born—from brokenness to building
The truth: You are not broken. You are grieving. And you don't have to do it alone.
What was the moment that split your life into "before" and "after"?
How did your body respond to the shock of your loss?
What lies about grief or "being strong" have you believed or been told?
Where in your life have you been waiting for someone to save you?
What truth are you ready to say out loud about your grief?
Grief isn't polite. It doesn't knock first. It wrecks, rewires, and reshapes everything. But even in the rubble, there is still breath, still hope, and still a path through. If you've had that day—the one that broke you—you are not alone. And if no one ever told you: you don't have to carry this forever. You just have to walk through it. One breath at a time. One truth at a time.
📬 Contact & Community:Need more support or want to connect with Sharon? 📝 Join Grief Study Hall: Every Tuesday, 1–3 PM CST 📚 Read the Book: Grieve That Sht* — grab it at clickhereforhope.com 📸 Follow Sharon on TikTok: @thegriefschool 💌 Email: [email protected]
Episode Summary: In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Healing Starts with a Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker explores the raw truth behind her book Grieve That Sht*. Through honest storytelling and lived experience, Sharon unpacks "the grief sh*t"—the real, often unspoken pain that comes with loss—and what it actually feels like in the body, mind, and soul. This episode is a lifeline for anyone navigating the devastating aftermath of grief and looking for real talk, not clichés.
Key Points Discussed:
The origin and meaning behind the book title Grieve That Sht*
What "the sh*t" really is: the messy, painful, and often invalidated experience of grieving
Grief as a full-body, biological, emotional, and intellectual experience
The myth of "moving on," "closure," and other harmful expectations
Why people say the wrong things, and how to hold your truth anyway
You can't outthink grief—you have to feel your way through it
Grief is more than death: it includes lost dreams, identities, relationships, and futures
Journal Questions for Reflection:
What does "the grief sh*t" look like in your life right now?
When have you tried to "outthink" your grief, and how did that feel in your body?
How do you resist grief—and what might it feel like to let go just a little?
What parts of your life or identity have you grieved that weren't related to death?
What's one honest answer you could give someone if they asked how you're really doing?
Conclusion: Grief isn't just emotional—it's physical, spiritual, and all-consuming. It changes everything, and there's no handbook, no timeline, no "right" way to do it. But one truth remains: you are not broken. You are grieving, and your body knows what to do. You don't have to hold your breath through it—you can let yourself breathe again. Let this episode be your reminder: you're doing a damn good job just making it through today.
📬 Contact Us: Need more support or want to connect with Sharon? 📚 Get on the waitlist for Grieve That Sht*: clickhereforhope.com 📸 Follow Sharon on TikTok: @thegriefschool 💌 Email: [email protected]
A Wake-Up Call for Every Griever
Episode Summary: In this powerful kickoff to Healing Starts with a Heart, Sharon Brubaker gets real about what it means to truly grieve. This episode introduces the unapologetic truth behind her upcoming book, Grieve That Sht*. Sharon shares the raw inspiration for the title, why she refuses to sugarcoat grief, and why it's time for all grievers to stop hiding.
If you've ever felt suffocated by forced positivity, misunderstood by the people around you, or overwhelmed by the hidden layers of loss—this episode is for you. This is more than a conversation. It's a declaration. It's your permission to grieve loudly, deeply, and truthfully.
Key Points Discussed:
The story behind the bold title Grieve That Sht*
Why we need to stop hiding in our grief
The difference between grieving the person vs. grieving the secondary losses
The lies grievers are told by society—and why they don't help
The world's broken response to grief and how it adds to our pain
Sharon's personal journey and the defining moment that sparked this movement
The true meaning of giving yourself permission to heal
What it means to grieve on your own terms
How the book and Sharon's grief programs are transforming the healing process
Journal Questions for Reflection:
What "grief sh*t" have you been carrying that no one sees?
How has the world responded to your grief, and how did that make you feel?
In what ways have you felt pressure to "move on" before you were ready?
What would it look like for you to grieve truthfully and unapologetically?
Where do you still need to give yourself permission to heal?
Conclusion: This episode sets the tone for a new kind of grief healing journey—one rooted in truth, resilience, and radical permission. Sharon isn't just writing a book. She's starting a movement. One that says you no longer have to grieve in silence, put on a brave face, or make other people comfortable. You get to grieve this sh*t. All of it. Every last bit. Because that's how healing starts—with a heart wide open.
Contact Us: Have a question, story, or want to connect with Sharon? Email us at: [email protected] Follow Sharon on TikTok: @thegriefschool Learn more or join our next healing weekend at: www.thegriefschool.com You can also follow and connect with us at: clickhereforhope.com
Grieve That Sht – A Wake-Up Call for Every Griever
Episode Summary:In this powerful kickoff to Healing Starts with a Heart, Sharon Brubaker gets real about what it means to truly grieve. This episode introduces the unapologetic truth behind her upcoming book, Grieve That Sht*. Sharon shares the raw inspiration for the title, why she refuses to sugarcoat grief, and why it's time for all grievers to stop hiding.
If you've ever felt suffocated by forced positivity, misunderstood by the people around you, or overwhelmed by the hidden layers of loss—this episode is for you. This is more than a conversation. It's a declaration. It's your permission to grieve loudly, deeply, and truthfully.
Key Points Discussed:The story behind the bold title Grieve That Sht*
Why we need to stop hiding in our grief
The difference between grieving the person vs. grieving the secondary losses
The lies grievers are told by society—and why they don't help
The world's broken response to grief and how it adds to our pain
Sharon's personal journey and the defining moment that sparked this movement
The true meaning of giving yourself permission to heal
What it means to grieve on your own terms
How the book and Sharon's grief programs are transforming the healing process
What "grief sh*t" have you been carrying that no one sees?
How has the world responded to your grief, and how did that make you feel?
In what ways have you felt pressure to "move on" before you were ready?
What would it look like for you to grieve truthfully and unapologetically?
Where do you still need to give yourself permission to heal?
This episode sets the tone for a new kind of grief healing journey—one rooted in truth, resilience, and radical permission. Sharon isn't just writing a book. She's starting a movement. One that says you no longer have to grieve in silence, put on a brave face, or make other people comfortable. You get to grieve this sh*t. All of it. Every last bit. Because that's how healing starts—with a heart wide open.
Contact Us:Have a question, story, or want to connect with Sharon? Email us at: [email protected] Follow Sharon on TikTok: @thegriefschool Learn more or join our next healing weekend at: www.thegriefschool.com You can also follow and connect with us at: clickhereforhope.com
The Lies We've Been Told About Grief Episode Description: In this eye-opening episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker confronts the damaging lies we've all been told about grief. From childhood, we are handed false beliefs like: • "Don't feel bad" • "Be strong" • "Time will heal" • "You should get over it"
Sharon dives deep into how these messages have distorted our understanding of grief and often cause us to suppress or deny the pain we're carrying. She shares her own personal experience with the grief that no one warned her about, and how unlearning these toxic myths led her on a path of true healing.
If you've ever felt like your grief didn't fit into the tidy boxes society sets for it, this episode is a must-listen. Sharon invites you to release the shame and guilt tied to these lies, offering a new, empowering perspective on what it truly means to grieve and heal.
Key Points Discussed:
The Lies We've Been Taught About Grief Why pretending to be "strong" and "moving on" can actually hold us back from healing.
How Grief Should Really Be Handled Understanding grief as a personal journey that requires space, time, and the willingness to feel deeply.
The Cost of Suppressing Grief How ignoring your grief can lead to long-term emotional pain, and why it's crucial to face it head-on.
Grief as a Journey, Not a Destination Grief doesn't follow a timeline, and healing doesn't mean you "get over it." It means you learn to live with it.
Journal Questions for Reflection:
What lies about grief have you been told or have believed?
How do you feel when others tell you to "move on" or "be strong"?
What would it look like if you gave yourself permission to grieve openly and without judgment?
Join the Journey: Grief doesn't follow a simple, linear path, but Sharon is here to help you navigate it with compassion. Visit The Grief School for more resources, and join our Study Hall sessions every Tuesday and Thursday. You can also connect with Sharon during her live sessions on TikTok and Facebook.
👉 Follow Us: Website: healingstartswiththeheart.com Facebook: Healing Starts with the Heart Instagram: @healatthegriefschool TikTok: @thegriefschool
Check our Programs: https://clickhereforhope.com
💙 You're not alone in this. Sharon is here to walk with you—because she is you.
In this powerful episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker challenges one of the most common myths about grief: that time alone will heal all wounds. With raw honesty and deep personal reflection, Sharon explores the ways time affects grief—not by erasing pain, but by revealing the spaces where healing is still needed.
She shares her own journey of realizing just how long it has been since she last saw and spoke to her loved ones, and the surprising emotions that surfaced when she did the math. If you've ever wondered why your grief still feels fresh after months or even years, this episode will provide clarity, validation, and a new perspective on how to navigate healing with intention.
Key Points Discussed:The Myth of Time as a Healer Why waiting for time to "fix" grief often leads to more frustration and heartache.
What Time Actually Does Time reveals unresolved pain, surfaces hidden emotions, and shows us where healing still needs attention.
The Power of Intentional Healing Healing doesn't happen passively—it requires action, awareness, and willingness to face the grief head-on.
Softening vs. Healing Time may soften the edges of grief, but true healing comes when we actively engage in our healing journey.
What has time revealed to you about your grief?
What emotions resurface for you again and again?
How can you lean into your grief with intention instead of waiting for time to pass?
Join the Journey: Healing takes time, but it also takes intention. If you're ready to move forward with purpose, explore resources at The Grief School, join our Study Hall sessions every Tuesday and Thursday, or follow Sharon's live sessions on TikTok and Facebook.
👉 Follow Us:
Website: healingstartswiththeheart.com
Facebook: Healing Starts with the Heart
Instagram: @healatthegriefschool
TikTok: @thegriefschool
💙 You're not alone in this. Sharon is here to walk with you—because she is you.
Grief and the Journey of Healing
Grief is a deeply personal and often misunderstood experience. Society tends to encourage moving on quickly, but true healing comes from acknowledging and processing grief rather than suppressing it. Sharon Brubaker, a grief specialist with over 18 years of experience, guides individuals through their healing journeys with compassion and practical tools.
Rather than avoiding grief, embracing it with awareness can lead to emotional recovery. Suppressing grief may seem like the easiest option, but unprocessed emotions often resurface in unexpected ways. By allowing yourself to sit with your emotions, you create space for healing.
Journal Questions for ReflectionTake a moment to reflect on your grief journey with these questions. Writing down your thoughts can help you gain clarity and insight:
Have you been keeping yourself busy as a way to cope with grief? How has that been working for you?
What are some unexpected ways your grief has shown up in your daily life?
When was the last time you truly allowed yourself to sit with your emotions? How did it feel?
What would it look like for you to practice awareness and acknowledgment of your grief today?
Remember, grief is not something to "get over"—it's something to tend to with care and compassion. Sharon encourages you to challenge societal norms, embrace your grief, and practice self-awareness. When we allow ourselves to process grief instead of suppressing it, true healing becomes possible.
Resources and SupportProcessing the Pain of Grief Program – A guided, step-by-step approach to navigating loss and healing.
Website: healingstartswiththeheart.com
Facebook Group: The Grief School – Connect with others who understand and support your journey.
Contact: Email Sharon at [email protected]
Thank you for being part of this journey.
You are not alone.
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