New Ways New You ( Tendrils of Grief- Life After Grief)

Susan, your host, welcomes Dean Lambert to today's episode. Dean has worked with funeral professionals for nearly 30 years to help them connect and serve the families facing one of the most challenging moments of their lives: the loss of a loved one. As a father who has experienced the loss of a child, he knows firsthand the grief that clouds the vision needed to honor a well-lived life. Dean is leading The Love Always Project with a team of experienced subject matter experts and people committed to its purpose: encouraging people to think more positively and proactively about end-of-life issues and funeral prearrangement.

Key Takeaways:

• Dean shares his grief story that started when he lost his son seven years ago.
• Dean talks about funeral planning.
• Dean talks about the epidemic of veteran suicide, he explains how death looks to them as a way out of pain.
• Dean explains what anticipatory grief is about.
• Is anticipatory grief a blessing or a curse?
• PTSD is a common diagnosis among caregivers.
• There are ways to talk about dying without talking about death with someone with a terminal illness.
• While people are living is the time to talk about life and living, not at funerals.
• Dean talks about the Love Always Project and its mission.
• Dean encourages everyone to be consumers of information about something that is hard; death is difficult.

Resources

Tendrilsofgrief.com

Email Susan: [email protected]

A Thousand Names for Joy: Living in Harmony with the Way Things Are, by Byron Katie

Meet Dean Lambert

The Love Always Project

Find The Love Always Project on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Susan, your host, welcomes Reid Peterson to today's episode.

Reid, the founder of Grief Refuge, provides its community of users with a source of solace when they're in pain and discomfort from grief. The app is a hub that fulfills grievers' emotional needs. Support for people going through the grief journey is imperative for both the griever and their loved ones. When people are facing grief and go without support it ends up hurting more than it helps.

Grief Refuge content is created by Reid, MA. Reid achieved a Masters's Degree in Transpersonal Psychology (Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, 2007) and is certified in Death & Grief Studies by the Center for Loss & Life Transition. After losing his biological father to suicide in 2006 and his stepfather to cancer in 2016, Reid felt a calling to help the grieving find peace and purpose after loss.

Key Takeaways:

• Reid shares his own grief experience that started when his biological father committed suicide.
• Susan and Reid talk about the "gut feeling" both have about the death of their loved ones.
• Reid also lost his stepfather and he shares how he processed this loss.
• Reid talks about his sensitivity.
• Reid talks about The Grief Refuge, an app that provides daily grief support for people who have lost a loved one.
• Grief is not a mental health issue.
• No one prepares you for losing a loved one; someone has been taken away from you.
• There is no one way of grieving, everyone uses their own resources to navigate this difficult process.
• There is magic in the connection that grievers can have with each other.
• Suicidal ideation is unfortunately common among grievers.
• When you support someone who is grieving, what you say matters.
• Reid talks about purpose and how it can change in different moments in one person's life.
• It is hard to keep your faith when grief is consuming your energy.
• Reid suggests grievers keep on looking for more resources to help them in their grieving process; don't give up!

Resources

Tendrilsofgrief.com

Email Susan: [email protected]

Meet Reid Peterson

The Grief Refuge app.

Susan welcomes Rev. Amirah Hall to today's episode.

Rev. Amirah M.Msc. blends "sacred with spirituality" and has been on a four-decade journey of exploring secrets to manifesting and healing. She is a gifted clairvoyant, spirit medium, channel, and quantum healing pioneer. Amirah's spiritual awakening was triggered after her father's divorce, life-threatening autoimmune disease, and death, all within a six-month period. It was further amplified with a near-death experience while traveling in Egypt when her gifts of psychic vision, channeling, and mediumship opened up. Amirah has a reputation for being a world-class psychic, mystic, and mentor with the honor of working with an international client list including Dubai Royals. She's the author of six books, including Manifesting Miracles 101, LOVE UP Your Life, and The Essential Guide To Spiritual Awakening.

Key Takeaways:

• Rev. Amirah talks about what she calls "living a life of grief."
• Rev. Amirah received a terrible diagnosis, where no hope was given to her by doctors which forced her into a journey seeking alternative solutions.
• Rev Amirah realized something was missing in her life that triggered the beginning of her spiritual path.
• Rev Amirah wanted to understand grief from an energetic point of view.
• Susan and Rev. Amirah talked about their experiences accompanying loved ones about to pass away.
• Rev. Amirah shares her near-death experience in Egypt.
• Your emotions are the only ones you need to learn how to manage and master. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.
• You can get comfortable with your dysfunction; awakening requires connecting with your emotions and learning to release them.
• Rev. Amirah talks about how she found her purpose in helping others but mainly in being in alignment with herself.
• Rev. Amirah provides tools for people to find their answers: First, learn how to ground and let go of what you are holding on to.

Resources

Tendrilsofgrief.com

Email Susan: [email protected]

Meet Rev. Amirah Hall

Visit Amirahhall.com

Follow Amirah on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Susan, your host, is joined by her daughter, Madison, in today's episode. It has almost been five years since they lost Paul, her dad and Susan's husband. In the past years, Madison has gone through a lot of changes and she is sharing what it felt like going through this life-altering experience while finishing high school.

She will be attending The New School in New York City to study political science. From there, she plans to go to law school to get a degree in Criminal Justice, and ultimately she intends to run for Congress.

Key Takeaways:

• Madison talks about how her grief feels today.
• Madison explains what it means to her to be in an acceptance stage.
• Madison shares her most significant changes during her high school years.
• Madison speaks about how she felt conquering big milestones without her father.
• The hardest part for Madison has been not having her father by her side to celebrate with him her accomplishments.
• Madison is about to go to college, she shares her excitement and how much she wishes her dad was there to go through this significant stage with her.
• Madison lost some friends since the death of her father, but she is optimistic about the future.
• Humor helps with trauma. Madison found that joking about her grief was helpful.
• Madison shares what excites her the most about this next chapter of her life.
• As a result of Paul dying, Madison's hometown turned out to be attached to sad moments that remind her of her pain; that is why going to college presents the possibility of beginning from a fresh start, meeting new people, and the opportunity to create memories that won't carry the weight of her grief.
• Madison shares her advice to anyone grieving: It gets worse before it gets better. It does get better and you will reach that point at some time.

Resources

Tendrilsofgrief.com

Email Susan: [email protected]

Susan welcomes Sara Ottoboni to today's episode. She is a psychic consultant and spiritual teacher.

As a medium, she helps alleviate your grief. During the intuitive consultation, she has an important goal: communicate with your loved one who passed away in order to resolve your grief and confusion, and instill in you a sense of the meaning behind death. Speaking to your loved one will help you move on with your lives and gain — above all — a sense of peace.

As a mom, wife, and podcaster she defines herself as a "citizen of the world." She lived on two continents, in four countries, and in six cities. She speaks three languages: Italian, French, and English.

Key Takeaways:

• Sara shares what inspired her to dedicate her psychic consultation for grieving people.
• Sara explains how our loved ones who have passed are waiting for us to join them after life.
• Everyone can listen to the ones that are not with us anymore, it is a skill that anyone can develop. Belief, time, and effort are required to tap into this skill.
• Sara shares the most common messages from the ones who passed away: "Everything is OK", "I am here with you."
• Sara talks about the opportunity that is created during a consultation to say what was pendent to someone who passed away. This is very helpful to let go of the guilt.
• Sara talks to those who are very curious about a psychic consultation but are afraid they will receive bad news.
• Human beings think differently than people who passed away, they have another vibration and interests.
• Some people are hesitant about the seriousness of these kinds of consultations, but Susan talks about how the credibility with Sara was natural and immediate.
• You can choose what you don't want to discuss in a consultation, you are in control all the time.
• Sara talks about a dream she had that she connected with Susan and her podcast, it might even be related to one person from the audience.
• Sara speaks about her motivation to contribute to people's lives with her gift, she emphasizes that she cannot help everybody but her intentions are to assist those that she can. Do your research when looking for a psychic, since as in all fields, there are serious people and others who are not.

Resources

Tendrilsofgrief.com

Email Susan: [email protected]

Meet Sara Ottoboni

Learn more about Sara

Follow Sara on Instagram

Susan welcomes Francine Russo to today's episode. She is the author of Love after 50 and They're Your Parents, Too! Armed with a Ph.D. in English literature, she became a journalist focusing on psychology, relationships, and social trends. And she's made her mark. Having cut her teeth at the late, lamented Village Voice, she's gone on to write for virtually every publication from The Atlantic to The New York Times. She covered the Boomer beat at Time magazine for over a decade, and her cover stories have appeared in Parade, Scientific American, and New York Magazine. A dynamic and polished presenter, she is in great demand as a keynote speaker

Francine has two grown children, three adult stepchildren, and six amazing grandkids (with twins on the way!) She has experienced first-hand the tremendous potential we all have to grow and transform ourselves with the people we love. She lives in New York with her partner.

Key Takeaways:

• Francine talks about her book Love After 50 and the influence that being a widow twice had on it.
• Francine shares how she started dating before being ready.
• Francine tells how her second husband was a widower and because of that, they had a special connection.
• Losing your person to death is a different experience than divorcing someone.
• Francine talks about her online dating experience as a widow.
• Francine recommends not to take a late response to your messages as a rejection.
• Your mindset has an incredible influence on your ability to find someone.
• Meet the person and talk; if you want to keep talking with that person there is a potential relationship there.
• Francine talks about the insecurities implied in dating after 50 years old.
• Intimacy after 50 doesn't necessarily mean intercourse (and for many women is actually better!).
• Trust, communication, and vulnerability are the main foundations of a relationship.
• Francine gives her suggestion for widows and widowers wanting to start online dating.
• You are much stronger than you think, take dating with perspective, be hopeful but also be realistic.

Resources

Tendrilsofgrief.com

Email Susan: [email protected]

Meet Francine Russo

Love After 50: How to Find It, Enjoy It, and Keep It, by Francine Russo

They're Your Parents, Too!: How Siblings Can Survive Their Parents' Aging Without Driving Each Other Crazy, by Francine Russo

Follow Francine on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Susan, your host, welcomes Aleema Noormohamed to today's episode. Aleema strongly believes in the healing power of the outdoors. She is a Neuro Linguistics Programming Master Practitioner, Trainer, Mindfulness Teacher, Edupreneur, and a Nemophile, dedicated to reactivating the human spirit's connection to nature. She pushes us to go deep within ourselves and awaken our consciousness, making us realize that in everything we do, we have a choice. It is her belief that if we spend more time in the present moment, we can reclaim our power back from our subconscious and create a more conscious society. This is deeply intertwined with her belief that the heartbeat of nature and our own heartbeat are one and the same.

After the loss of her father in a tragic plane crash, Aleema discovered the potential and power of mindfulness practices. As she committed to these, she began to release the pain following this loss and began to live in wisdom. It gave her the opportunity to be completely present with her young daughter, and to begin her work as a life coach to teach, inspire and guide others to find their peace and freedom.

Key Takeaways:

• Aleema shares her grief story that started on the day her father died in a tragic plane crash.
• Aleema confesses that her gut feeling is the one guided through her grief.
• Aleema found peace and could start connecting with her present life and investing in the relationship with her daughter.
• Susan speaks about how she found mindfulness through gratitude.
• Susan and Aleena talk about the value of finding signs as a healing exercise you can do with yourself.
• Aleema shares how she coaches people to realize there's always a choice; you can decide which story you tell to yourself about the situation you are in.
• Remember that you are grieving because you loved someone.
• Grieving can be seen as a growth opportunity, as the chance of becoming a brave person.
• You are grieving in your own unique way.
• Talking about your grief is a way to break through the shame.
• Choose the tools that work for you; grief is not the same for everyone.
• Aleema encourages grievers to allow themselves to feel whatever they are feeling, and let them out.
• Be patient, give yourself time and stillness to find clarity.

Resources

Tendrilsofgrief.com

Email Susan: [email protected]

Meet Aleema Noormohamed

Learn more about D.T.E. Consultancy on Linkedin

Susan, your host, welcomes Radiance Mack to today's episode. Radiance Mack, 26, is the daughter of Sandi and Sherman Mack. She has four siblings: Steven, De'Angela, Danieka, Sherman Jr., De'Angela, and Steven. A current third-year law student and is pursuing her MBA degree. Since her mother's passing, she assists her father in the daily operations of her mother's foundation, SmacKares. The focus is to assist homeless women and children on the journey to a better life.

Key Takeaways:

• Radiance shares how she found out her mother was sick and what unfolded afterward.
• Radiance talks about how she and her family supported her mother during her illness as well as she shares the efforts they made to take care of their health in the process.
• Radiance talks about the foundation they initiated to honor her mother's wish.
• Radiance highlights that everything is done through SmacKares comes from her mom.
• Radiance talks about what she believed motivated people to follow her Instagram account and support her cause.
• Radiance speaks to the people who are supporting someone grieving and also to people experiencing grief themselves: Be kind to yourself and others, people really don't understand what you are going through.

Resources

Tendrilsofgrief.com

Email Susan: [email protected]

Meet Radiance Mack

You can visit the SmacKares website at www.smackares.com where you can find out more about Sandi Mack and donate to her cause.

Follow Radiance on Instagram

Susan, your host, welcomes G. Scott Graham to today's episode. He is an author, a career coach, and a business coach in Boston, Massachusetts.

Scott is driven to help clients follow their "true azimuth," which is different from "true north." It means coaching clients to identify the true focus of their life — something that speaks individually to them. It means recognizing the forces that push our lives off course and adjusting to them so you get where you want to go. It means that when you are 90 years old and look back on your life you have a sense of pride, accomplishment, and meaning — with no regrets.

Scott shares today his words of wisdom and his grief story, which began when his husband died in a horrific car accident.

Key Takeaways:

• Scott shares his grief story which began right at the start of COVID-19 when he lost his husband in a terrible car accident.
• Empathy and compassion are needed to accompany someone who is grieving.
• When adversity strikes, the loss is felt intensively again.
• People who are grieving don't pass it but instead, persevere in the face of adversity.
• Scott shares how he got to the point where he can be grateful for the grief he has.
• Susan shares the power of connecting and telling your story.
• Scott speaks about why is important for people who love a grieving person to ask about how they are doing with their grief.
• Listen and honor yourself by honoring your grief.
• Scott talks about his book about meditation and how it can give you a break from your grief.
• Scott talks about a meditation practice that allows you to become aware of your sensations non-judgmentally.
• Practice love and kindness to yourself and the world.
• Grief is chaotic but meditation can bring peace and relief.

Resources

Tendrilsofgrief.com

Email Susan: [email protected]

Meet Scott Graham

Learn more about Scott

True Azimuth Coaching

Check Scott's books

Scott can also be found at GoodBooks

Learn about Scott on Medium

Follow Scott on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter

Come as you are: Meditation and Grief, by Scott Graham

Check out Sharon Salzberg's meditations

Susan, your host, welcomes Jenny Lisk to today's episode. Jenny is a widowed parent of two grieving kids. After interviewing over 100 experts on the topic of widowed parenting for the Widowed Parent Podcast, she learned that there are some key principles and tips about parenting grieving kids that newly widowed parents probably don't know about.

Jenny is the author of an award-winning book named Future Widow (which has endorsements from many prominent children's grief experts). Her family's story is told as a memoir where she has explicitly worked in themes about parenting grieving kids. This amazing book is about more than children's grief, it's about rebuilding a life after loss.

Key Takeaways:

• Jenny shares her grief story.
• Susan and Jenny talk about that day that changes life forever, and how that moment gave them the perspective and intention to be present and try to enjoy every moment.
• Jenny talks about the moment she decided she was going to help other parents with grieving children (while she and her children were dealing with the tsunami of pain that grief imposed on them).
• Jenny found that she could host a podcast and be the one who asks questions to the experts, representing other grieving people who transited similar journeys to hers.
• Jenny speaks about how walking is a meditative activity for her.
• Jenny talks about the roles of instrumental and intuitive grievers.
• Jenny talks about her book Future Widow.
• Jenny shares her struggle figuring out how to end the book.
• Sometimes two opposite things can be true, you don't have to reconcile them.
• Jenny talks to grieving parents: It is important to be honest with kids, especially about difficult topics, it nurtures a strong bond of trust between the child and the surviving parent.
• If you are supporting a grieving parent, keep in mind that you cannot solve the underlying problem, but you can contribute to their everyday life, help them with meals or drive their kids to school; it will show them you care.

Resources

Tendrilsofgrief.com

Email Susan: [email protected]

Grieving Beyond Gender: Understanding the Ways Men and Women Mourn, by Kenneth J. Doka and Terry L. Martin

Meet Jenny Lisk

Learn more about Jenny

Future Widow

The Widowed Parent Podcast