Grieving Voices

Welcome to another profound episode of Grieving Voices, where we explore the emotional intricacies of dealing with loss and healing.

Today's guest is Denise Schonwald, a registered nurse turned nationally licensed therapist. With her holistic approach to care that encompasses mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, she offers insights into nurturing both body and mind.

In this episode:

• Discover how Denise transitioned from critical care nursing into mental health support.
• Understand why honoring commitments is crucial for personal trust and self-care.
• Learn about the high burnout rates in nursing - especially post-COVID - and how self-care can prevent it.
• Explore the importance of emotional intelligence in recognizing when you're inflicting suffering on yourself through poor self-care choices.
• Gain strategies for managing anger effectively without damaging relationships or your own well-being.
• Delve into people pleasing: why we do it, its impacts on our lives, and how to establish healthier boundaries.
• Hear about grief's "waiting room" – what keeps us there and how to move forward.

Denise's journey from a nurse fascinated by the intricacies of human anatomy to a spiritual teacher and family mediator is nothing short of inspiring. She has woven her experiences into a tapestry that offers comfort and guidance to those navigating emotional turmoil.

Through her narrative, Denise uncovers an essential truth: honoring personal commitments is pivotal. When we falter on these promises to ourselves, trust erodes, leaving us vulnerable to self-inflicted suffering. 

Self-care isn't just about indulgence; it's preventative maintenance for our souls—something Denise has embraced through meditation and mindful practices like Reiki. These practices have been instrumental in managing stress levels after witnessing patients' crises firsthand as a critical care nurse and mental health professional.

Denise sheds light on how emotions like frustration are precursors to anger—an emotion many grapple with yet struggle to manage effectively. 

RESOURCES:

• Book | Insightful Self-Therapy - Increasing Your Awareness about Mental Health and How to Live a Happier Life
• Book | The Four Agreements
• SNL Skit | People Pleaser's Support Group
• Pet Loss Program

*Denise is generously offering my listeners a free copy of one of her books. Reach out to her through her website to receive your FREE copy today!*

CONNECT:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 

Send Victoria a text message!

Support the show

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of th...

In a world where discussions about loss are often shrouded in silence, there's a particular kind of grief that remains even more hidden—termination for medical reasons (TFMR).

Today on Grieving Voices, I had the honor of speaking with Sabrina Fletcher, a compassionate pregnancy loss doula who brings solace to parents facing the heart-wrenching decision of terminating a wanted pregnancy for medical reasons. Sabrina bravely shared her personal journey and how she's turned her pain into purpose by supporting others through similar grief.

Key Points Discussed:

• The surprising prevalence of TFMR compared to stillbirths and the taboo surrounding it.
• The emotional turmoil and quick decisions forced upon parents facing unfavorable prenatal diagnoses.
• The grief journey taken by both Sabrina and her family following their loss, including how they each processed their emotions differently.
• Challenges within the healthcare system that fail to provide adequate support for those undergoing TFMR.
• Suggestions on improving medical care experiences during such sensitive times, including specialized bereavement care similar to practices in England.

TFMR is often shrouded in silence and taboo, but it's more common than many realize. Sabrina advocates for open conversation and emotional support that upholds the dignity of those making these tough choices out of deep love for their children.

Our discussion also highlighted how even young children experience loss deeply and need acknowledgment in their grieving process—a powerful reminder not to underestimate our little ones' emotional worlds.

Sabrina emphasizes breaking generational patterns by openly discussing grief rather than suppressing feelings – an approach shaped in contrast to what she experienced growing up, where losses were dealt with privately behind closed doors.

Remember: Transforming your grief doesn't require grand gestures; small steps are just as significant.

RESOURCES:

• TFMR Support Circle FB Group
• Endingawantedpregnancy.com
• Death with Dignity

CONNECT:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

Send Victoria a text message!

Support the show

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of th...

In this heartfelt episode of Grieving Voices, I'm joined by the remarkable Kris Carr, a multiple New York Times bestselling author, wellness activist, and cancer thriver. Known as a force of nature and recognized as one of Oprah's Super Soul 100 influential thought leaders, Kris shares insights from her latest book "I'm Not a Morning Person," which delves into the raw emotions that surface when life falls apart unexpectedly.

Kris discusses navigating through loss and grief with humor and hope while providing readers with strategies to move forward. She opens up about her personal journey living with stage 4 cancer for over two decades and how it has shaped her approach to health advocacy.

The conversation touches on profound topics such as:

• The unexpected grief journey sparked by the death of her father.
• How old wounds resurfaced during this period.
• The importance of emotional literacy in healing.
• Tools she developed to manage anxiety related to ongoing cancer scans.
• Her transition from trying to cure herself to focusing on healing.

Listeners will learn how Kris transformed fear into proactive self-care measures that millions now embrace. She also emphasizes the power of naming our emotions as a step toward understanding them better.

Kris's story isn't just about survival; it's an inspiring testament to thriving amid adversity by harnessing love, acceptance, and resilience. Join us for an episode that promises deep reflection and practical wisdom for anyone grappling with their own grieving process or supporting others through theirs.

RESOURCES:

• Book | I'm Not a Mourning Person: Braving Loss, Grief, and the Big Messy Emotions That Happen When Life Falls Apart
• The Work of Julia Samuel

CONNECT:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

Send Victoria a text message!

Support the show

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of th...

Are you truly living if you're ignoring the inevitable end? This question might feel heavy, but Greg Barnsdale doesn't shy away from it; he has built a movement around it.

Greg is not your typical undertaker. With his diverse background as a Certified Financial Planner, Certified Executor Advisor, and death doula - topped with personal experiences that have tested his own mortality - he brings an unparalleled perspective to life’s final chapter.

In this episode:

• Uncover the life-changing benefits of adopting a 'mortality mindset.'
• Learn how planning for the end can actually enhance your present.
• Hear about Greg's transformative journey from near-death to advocacy.
• Explore why families must break the silence on this taboo topic before time runs out.

Did You Know?
Despite being an expert in end-of-life matters himself, even Greg faced procrastination regarding his arrangements. His candid story will challenge you to think differently about tomorrow.

After penning a book on end-of-life preparation and facing his brain tumor diagnosis, Greg has become a vocal proponent of what he calls the "mortality mindset movement." He shares his insights into why embracing our inevitable end can lead to profound benefits like stress reduction, family harmony, and emotional resilience.

Greg's diverse background, from directing funerals to advising on estates, gives him a unique perspective on why having those tough conversations about death now is critical rather than in times of crisis. His own brush with mortality served as a stark reminder that life is unpredictable and planning ahead is key.

We also delve into how societal views on funerals are shifting towards more personal and intimate commemorations. Plus, Greg offers practical advice for both simple DIY estate planning and when to seek professional help for more complex scenarios.

His message? Don't wait until it's too late - start talking about your end-of-life wishes today. It's not just about ensuring peace of mind; it’s about living fully right up until the last moment.

RESOURCES:

• Book | Do Not Ignore Your Mortality - Practical Advice From a Funeral & Financial Insider

CONNECT:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• TikTok

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

Send Victoria a text message!

Support the show

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of th...

Are you ready to embark on a journey that could transform your understanding of purpose, parenting, and personal healing?

This week on Grieving Voices, I welcomed Alexandra Cole, a former corporate consultant turned human design coach. After a decade in the Fortune 500 sector, Alexandra pivoted to guiding individuals and families in finding their purpose through human design—a system that combines astrology, I Ching, Kabbalah, and the chakras.

Born in London and raised in Amsterdam with an education from Princeton University, she now resides in Santa Barbara with her husband and young son. Her journey into motherhood inspired "Thriving by Design," a toolkit designed for parents to understand their child's unique traits.

Alexandra shares her personal story of loss—losing her mother at age ten—and how it shaped her emotional world. She explains how understanding one’s own human design can be instrumental during grief and aiding parents to align better with their children's innate designs.

She discusses the five energy types within human design: Manifestors (initiators), Projectors (guides), Generators, & Manifesting Generators (consistent workers who need joy-based work). Each type has different ways of investing energy for fulfillment and purpose. The conversation also delves into parenting aligned with your child's energy type—such important information and particularly helpful when parenting grieving children.

This insightful discussion highlights how embracing our inherent nature according to our human design can lead us toward more authentic and aligned lives.

If you're curious about how your unique blueprint can shape your way forward—in joyous times or challenging ones—I encourage you to learn your human design and listen to this episode because sometimes the most authentic path is the one that is tailor-made just for us.

RESOURCES:

• Well By Design/Raised By Design/Free Offerings
• 1:1 Sessions
• 🔥Just for Grieving Voices Listeners!! Use the code GRIEVINGXTBD15 for 15% off the Well by Design and Raised by Design reports! Valid until May 31, 2024!

CONNECT:

• IG 

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

Send Victoria a text message!

Support the show

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of th...

When grappling with profound loss; it's  during these times that we look to our friends for comfort, only to realize that some may have taken a step back just when we needed them most.

If you've ever felt let down by the people you expected to be there for you during tough times, this discussion is for you.

In this episode, we explore:

• The complexity of grief and how it can affect relationships.
•  How friends may struggle with their own emotions or uncertainty on how to support us.
• The importance of clear communication about what support looks like for YOU.
•  Finding additional sources of comfort beyond your immediate circle.

Grief is tough. It tests bonds and bends emotions. But it also teaches us about resilience, compassion, and the true strength of our connections.

It's crucial then to communicate openly—expressing what form of support you're seeking can bridge gaps and foster understanding. Yet it’s equally important to temper those expectations because not all friendships are built for stormy weather.

Remember: Your worth isn't measured by others' capacity to stay beside you in your darkest hours. As you wade through grief's currents, know that it’s okay if some relationships drift away—it opens space for growth and new connections.

As for those who do stand by you? Cherish them—they are your lighthouses in life’s storms.

RESOURCES:
Early episodes that may interest you...

• Ep. 3 | Why Grief Keeps Us Stuck
• Ep. 4 | The Six Myths of Grief
• Ep. 5 | Academy Award Recovery
• Ep. 6 | The Manifestation of Grief
• Ep. 10 | Apologies & Forgiveness

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

Send Victoria a text message!

Support the show

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of th...

How often have we heard or even played 'the guilt and blame game' in relationships? This emotional turmoil hinders healing and obscures the path to genuine connection.

In today's episode, we dive deep into the complex themes of self-love, self-acceptance, and navigating loss. Healing isn't just about moving past grief; it involves embracing responsibility for our emotions, navigating forgiveness, and making peace internally—sometimes without confronting another soul. As a grief counselor, I've witnessed how loss challenges faith and spirituality but also offers profound lessons in nurturing them.

Regret may whisper tales of what could have been, yet authentic care means addressing those echoes within us rather than seeking external resolutions. Grief is personal—it carves unique paths for each wanderer—and advice must be sifted like grains through fingers until only what serves remains.

Today reminds us that life is transient—"you are dust, and to dust you will return." This sentiment urges us to contemplate our aspirations before time writes its final word on our chapter.

An oracle card left me contemplating as it spoke of new chapters filled with uncertainty—an inevitable companion in growth. Embrace this dance with change as your story unfolds into awakening.

Here’s to new beginnings built on foundations of love—for oneself first—that ripple outward.


RESOURCES:

• Do Grief Differently™️

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

Send Victoria a text message!

Support the show

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of th...

In the quiet moments of early morning, as the world stirs awake and you're left with your thoughts, do you ever reflect on what self-love truly means? How often do we pause to consider that perhaps the most enduring relationship we'll ever have is with ourselves?

As Valentine's Day approaches, hearts and flowers flood our surroundings, reminding us all about love. But amidst this celebration of affection, a deeper connection often goes unnoticed – the love we give ourselves.

This week on Grieving Voices, I'm peeling back the layers of what it means to cherish and prioritize yourself truly. As Valentine's Day approaches, let's shift our focus from external expressions of affection to cultivating an inner sanctuary of self-compassion and care.

The key takeaways from this episode include:

• The significance of daily self-love practices such as affirmations, gratitude journaling, self-care rituals, mindful movements like yoga or walking, engaging in creative endeavors, eating healthily, taking breaks from digital devices, and honoring one's emotions.
• How these practices create joyous avenues toward hope and emotional liberation.
• The importance of establishing healthy boundaries for overall well-being.

Conditional or self-sacrificial love isn't sustainable. True empowerment comes when choices are made free from the weight of others' expectations—when they spring from a well of genuine self-regard.

How do we cultivate this kind of self-love? Daily affirmations remind us of our worthiness. A gratitude practice opens our eyes to life’s blessings amidst pain. Self-care days aren’t indulgent—they're necessary retreats for rejuvenation. Mindful movement brings us back into harmony with our bodies, while creative expression unlocks inner worlds waiting to be explored.

Proper nutrition fuels not just the body but also the spirit—and sometimes, what we need most is simply disconnecting from digital noise through detoxes that allow quiet reflection and growth.

This Valentine’s Day, let's shift the focus inward. Celebrate by embracing your internal reservoirs of love so that every other day is enriched by your own heart’s abundance.

RESOURCES:

• Do Grief Differently™️

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

Send Victoria a text message!

Support the show

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of th...

In the quiet moments of reflection, we often find ourselves face-to-face with our deepest losses. Join me today as I embark on a unique episode of "Grieving Voices," where I read an excerpt from my  self-published book, "The Guided Heart: Moving Through Grief and Finding Spiritual Solace." Let's discover how my own experiences with loss from a young age have unknowingly mirrored the language of grief recovery even before I formally encountered it.

In this heartfelt session, I explore:

• The personal impact of losing my father at eight years old.
• How grief manifested in different aspects of my life.
• The therapeutic power of journaling during my high school years.
• Insights into emotional unavailability and its effects on family dynamics.

In this episode, I also draw connections between the content in my book written before learning about grief recovery methods and the concepts found within them. I share thoughts on letting go, acknowledging pain points, and coping mechanisms that can span decades.

Grief isn't selective; it touches all corners of life, including relationships, careers, finances, and more. The way we cope can either mend or strain our emotional health. My story is not unique – it echoes many others’ struggles with life after loss.

Reflect on your path by following along in an exercise I propose—writing down your feelings to confront the emotional weight you carry. It’s not just cathartic; it’s a step toward understanding and clarity.

As we continue exploring various dimensions of grief throughout future episodes of "Grieving Voices," remember that each person’s path toward healing is unique. Whether through reconnecting with faith or finding solace within oneself after experiencing profound losses—as I did—the goal remains constant: acknowledging our pain so that we may embrace life more fully and presently.

RESOURCES:

• My Book, The Guided Heart: Moving Through Grief & Finding Spiritual Solace
• Book | The Grief Recovery Handbook
• Do Grief Differently™️

Episode Sponsor: Magic Mind | Use the code "GRIEVINGVOICES" to receive 20% off

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

Send Victoria a text message!

Support the show

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of th...

Today's episode of GrievingVoices takes a deep dive into the complex emotion of anger, especially for us Human Design Manifestor-types navigating loss and trauma. I open up about my battle with anger following life's curveballs and how it can be misunderstood or mishandled.

As someone who has walked through the fire of personal loss and trauma, I've learned firsthand how anger can be both destructive and transformative. It's not just an outburst; it’s a signal calling us to introspection.

Why does this affect me so deeply?

What boundaries have been crossed?

Many turn to short-term fixes or STERBs (short-term energy-relieving behaviors) like anger to cope with grief. But these are merely band-aids on deeper emotional wounds. The key lies in processing anger constructively. This isn't about suppressing emotions but rather understanding them—identifying what needs protection or restoration within ourselves before we react impulsively.

Key Takeaways:
-Anger should prompt introspection rather than projection onto others.
-Short-term coping mechanisms like STERBs provide temporary relief but do not address underlying emotional pain.
- Constructive processing of anger involves self-protection and restoration efforts.
- Emotional intelligence grows through understanding our reactions and setting healthy boundaries.

Establishing clear boundaries emerged as another critical theme. The absence of boundary-setting skills during childhood can lead to adult challenges such as unchecked anger. To navigate this complex terrain, the book "Boundaries" is recommended for those seeking guidance on creating and implementing boundaries.

Engagement with our emotions in real-time fosters balance and wellness. Tools like visualization and mindful breathing are practical strategies for dissipating anger without confrontation. We pave the way toward transformative life changes by embracing self-awareness and actively managing our emotions.

Join me in embracing self-awareness and mastering emotional management as pathways toward transforming our lives after loss.

RESOURCES:

• Human Design
• Book | Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life
• YouMap
• Grief Recovery

Episode Sponsor: Magic Mind | Use the code "GRIEVINGVOICES" to receive one month free with a 3-month subscription. This special promotion is only for January!
_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

Send Victoria a text message!

Support the show

_______

NEED HELP?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor

If you are struggling with grief due to any of the 40+ losses, free resources are available HERE.

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: 

• Instagram
• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

Would you like to join the mission of Grieving Voices in normalizing grief and supporting hurting hearts everywhere? Become a supporter of th...