This special Mother’s Day episode dives into the layered emotions of motherhood—love, grief, resilience, and renewal. Lori shares her personal journey and insights on how grief reshapes us and why taking mental resets is vital for growth and healing.

Key topics:

•  The duality of Mother’s Day — celebration and loss
•  How grief reorganizes the architecture of our lives and identities
•  The importance of mental resets as survival tools in motherhood
•  The concept of “missing pieces” and how they refine rather than define us
•  Redefining strength through honesty, pause, and resilience
•  The evolving nature of motherhood and identity at the shoreline
•  Practical ways to embrace resets: asking for help, setting boundaries, forgiving oneself
•  The significance of integrating grief and honoring the past while building the future
•  The power of choosing to move forward differently—not backward

 Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction to the layered feelings of Mother’s Day

00:12 - The reality behind the idealized Mother’s Day 

00:45 - Grief’s impact on life and identity 

01:17 - Surviving and adapting after loss 

01:57 - The silence and gaps in sacred spaces 

02:28 - What happens when the pillar of strength cracks 

02:51 - Mothering while evolving and mental resets as essential tools 

03:21 - Reflecting on personal growth and change through motherhood 

03:50 - The importance of mental health and self-care 

04:37 - Making space for grief and loss 

05:08 - The shoreline metaphor: grief, motherhood, growth 

05:58 - How each child witnesses a different version of mothering 

06:28 - The ongoing evolution of motherhood over the years 

07:12 - Resistance to resets and embracing water over concrete 

07:43 - Redefining strength: honesty, pause, and healing 

08:16 - The transformative power of pieces falling away 

09:14 - Grief and love coexistence 

09:33 - Facing the terrifying truth of change 

10:01 - The promise of resilience and forging new paths 

10:43 - Honoring internal struggles while continuing to evolve 

11:10 - Encouragement for mothers feeling overwhelmed 

11:40 - Practical steps for mental resets: asking for help, boundaries, forgiveness

12:37 - Redefining strength—inner resilience and honesty 

13:20 - Moving from memory to integration after profound loss 

13:36 - The importance of evolution and the continual process of healing 

14:07 - Acceptance that not all pieces will return 

14:40 - Carrying the past, honoring the present, building the future 

15:08 - Celebrating the resilient, honest, and brave mother 

15:42 - The significance of ongoing resets and continuous growth 

16:29 - Shifting the focus from why to who we are becoming 

16:42 - Motherhood as a shoreline that shifts and reshapes 

17:01 - Embracing the emotional spectrum of Mother’s Day 

17:43 - Encouragement to share the message of reset and renewal 

18:13 - Closing thoughts and gratitude

Resources & Links:

•  Book: Missing Pieces by Lori Kendall 

 Connect with Lori:

• Facebook

 Remember, motherhood and grief are ongoing journeys. Embrace each reset as a step toward becoming more whole and authentic.

In this episode of the Real and Rooted podcast, Lori shares a heartfelt reflection on the quiet moments of change—those shifts that often go unnoticed but profoundly impact our lives. Tune in to explore how recognizing these subtle signals can lead to alignment and growth.

Main Topics:

•  The significance of unnoticed moments that signal transformation

• Differentiating success on the outside from internal alignment

• The emotional weight of work environments and unspoken pressures

• The decision to leave what no longer serves us and embracing new chapters

• Self-awareness as a tool for recognizing outgrown roles and shifting identities

• The importance of patience and grounding when transitioning between pursuits

• How to hold space for both success and misalignment simultaneously

• Preparing for what comes next without rushing into the next opportunity

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction: noticing the moments that don't match expectations
 00:18 - The quiet realization of change and the importance of space
 00:40 - The story of leaving a beloved role and reactions from others
 01:00 - Recognizing internal disconnect versus external success
 01:27 - The weight of unspoken pressures in work environments
 01:50 - How leadership perceives and sometimes ignores underlying issues
 02:23 - The moment of internal realization: letting go of carry-over stress
 02:54 - The emotional toll of pressure and the choice to release it
 03:22 - The importance of self-awareness in identifying outgrown roles
 03:52 - Addressing masking emotions and the desire to just be oneself
 04:15 - Reflecting on the transition and preparing for what's next
 04:30 - Recognizing successes alongside feelings of misalignment
 04:55 - The necessity of closing chapters before starting new ones
 05:24 - Embracing uncertainty and excitement for future growth
 05:39 - Practical encouragement: reflect on the past week and what to carry forward
 05:59 - Closing thoughts and anticipation for the next conversation

Resources & Links:

• Book: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Connect with Lori:

• Facebook

• Missing Pieces

Note: Walks through the process of tuning into subtle signs of change and encourages patience and compassion during transitions. Perfect for anyone feeling stuck or at a crossroads, seeking to honor their internal rhythm over external expectations.

Living Between Two Worlds: Grief, Connection, and Moving Forward

In this heartfelt episode of The Real and Rooted podcast, Lori Kendall shares her deeply personal journey of navigating grief after the loss of her child, Kole. She explores the emotional space between past memories and future hopes, emphasizing the importance of grace, connection, and carrying loved ones forward in many forms.

Key Topics:

•  The emotional landscape of grief and living between two worlds

• How community and space foster healing during difficult times

• Practical ways to honor loved ones and keep their memory alive

• The significance of self-compassion and understanding in grief

• Recognizing and embracing the duality of love and loss

• Moving forward with intention while carrying loved ones in heart

• The impact of vulnerability and authentic connection in healing

• Tools for grounding during emotional crises

Timestamps:
00:50 - Introduction: The importance of facing grief authentically
1:21 - The concept of living between two worlds after loss
2:05 - How identity shifts after grief—what remains and what changes
3:05 - The power of community and space to process grief
4:51 - Sharing Kole’s story: struggles and moments of pride
6:34 - The significance of witnessing moments of pride and loss
8:50 - The importance of giving grace to oneself and others during grief
9:36 - Deciding to step away from a familiar environment to heal
11:23 - Living in parallel realities—the external world vs. internal experience
12:25 - Being present in grief while remaining connected to love
14:07 - Reframing the idea of moving forward—integrating the loved ones we carry
15:40 - The power of safe spaces to grieve and feel seen
16:32 - Questions for self-reflection: who allows you to be real?
17:28 - The importance of keeping loved ones’ names and stories alive
18:35 - Personal rituals and symbols to honor Kole’s memory
19:18 - Embracing the ongoing presence of loved ones in daily life
20:14 - Focusing on the next right step in moments of overwhelming emotion
21:32 - Grounding techniques to manage grief’s intensity
22:08 - Living more in the moment post-loss, less planning ahead
23:15 - Carrying loved ones with us—music, photos, shared moments
24:19 - Challenges of fully living after loss and honoring their memory
25:16 - Resources and support for navigating loss and military transitions
26:16 - The ongoing journey of carrying loved ones into the future
27:36 - The importance of support and being space-holders for those grieving
28:12 - Honoring the balance of strength and vulnerability in grief
29:17 - Closing thoughts: embracing the non-linear nature of grief and love

Resources & Links:

• The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown

• Supporting Grief and Loss Resources

• Military Transition Resources

Connect with Lori:

• Facebook

• Website

Keep in mind that grief is non-linear. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and every step, no matter how small, is part of healing.

Shedding and Growth: Navigating Life’s Shoreline with Lori Kendall

Join Lori Kendall in this heartfelt episode of the Real and Rooted podcast as she reflects on the power of connection, growth, and letting go. After a meaningful weekend with Coast Guard moms, she shares personal insights on grief, transition, and the importance of community during uncertain times.

Key Topics:

• The significance of the shoreline as a metaphor for reflection and transition

• Personal stories of grief, legacy, and honoring loved ones

• The importance of connection, community, and choosing one’s circle

• Transition out of military life and the search for steady grounding

• The concept of shedding what no longer serves us for growth

• Journaling prompts for self-reflection on releasing burdens

• Embracing opportunities and looking forward with hope and excitement

Timestamps: 

00:01 - Welcome and introduction to the shoreline metaphor 

00:29 - Reflection on a weekend getaway and meeting yourself where you are 00:59 - The power of community and shared experiences 

02:28 - Supporting the Cape May Community Foundation during COVID 

03:19 - Honoring loved ones and grief journey 04:00 - Permission to feel, cry, and grow 

04:59 - Connecting with women and moms from the Coast Guard community 05:35 - The value of shared legacy and loyalty 

06:41 - The importance of building new connections and paths 

07:36 - How differences in interests and life pace foster belonging 

08:36 - Choosing who to trust and include in your circle 

09:06 - Military sacrifices and the importance of relationships 

09:59 - Transition out of military life as a shift from structure to opportunity 

10:54 - The search for steady guidance after military service 

11:24 - Finding your lighthouse and sense of direction 

11:47 - The shoreline as a space to hold on and release 

12:12 - Reflection exercise: shedding what no longer serves 

12:40 - Encouragement to share our burdens for mutual support 

13:39 - The power of connection and shared presence 

14:01 - Personal story of grief and making difficult decisions 

15:35 - Growth as a stretch and opportunity for elevation 

16:00 - Shedding burdens and looking towards the future 

16:28 - Embracing opportunities and feeling the tides of change 

16:52 - Celebrating what’s next, inspired by weekend festivities 

17:18 - Encouragement to pursue what feels exciting and centered 

17:44 - Journaling prompt: what to shed and trust 

18:06 - Reflection on habits, heavy feelings, and transformation 

18:36 - Invitation to share what you’re shedding this week 

19:28 - Closing thoughts on community and moving forward

Resources & Links:

• Cape May Community Foundation

• Puddle Pirates

Connect with Lori:

• Facebook
•  Missing Pieces
• The Kole T. Kendall Anchored Navigation Project

Embracing Change and Personal Growth — Sunday Shorelines Podcast 

In this episode, Lori explores the sacred space of Sunday as a metaphor for transition and growth. She encourages listeners to embrace their evolution, recognizing that outgrowing old patterns is a sign of alignment, not failure, and offers guidance on navigating the discomfort that change brings.

Key Topics:

• The significance of Sundays as a moment of pause and reflection

• The shoreline analogy: growth as natural as the tide's movement

• The world’s comfort with who you were vs who you're becoming

• Recognizing the cost of staying the same versus evolving

• Personal stories of career growth in sales, marketing, and leadership

• The difference between loyalty and self-abandonment

• How to handle guilt and societal expectations during periods of change

• Practical steps to move forward boldly and authentically

• The importance of self-care and self-acceptance during transformation

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Welcome to Sunday Shorelines: embracing the sacred pause 

01:33 - Arriving at the shoreline: unclenching and being present 

02:26 - The world’s comfort with your past self versus your future self 

03:09 - Growth as an invitation, not a disruption 

04:23 - Outgrowing without guilt: it’s redistribution, not rejection

05:18 - The tide’s movement as a metaphor for natural change 

06:36 - Personal career journey in marketing and leadership 

08:27 - Loyalty versus self-abandonment: recognizing the difference 

09:10 - The high cost of staying stagnant 

09:56 - The desire for more: embracing ambition despite societal judgment 

10:18 - Moving beyond the shoreline: navigating guilt and permission 

11:06 - The water’s steady movement: a reminder to evolve at your own pace 

11:35 - Preparing for the next steps in personal growth 

12:02 - Passing on the message: sharing the courage to evolve 

12:47 - Affirmations: you are enough today and always capable of growth 

13:08 - Looking forward to deeper dives: Wednesday’s live session

Resources & Links:

• Book: Rising Strong by Brené Brown

• Lori Kendall - LinkedIn

Title: Navigating the Invisible Struggles of Grief and Loss 

In this heartfelt episode of the Real and Rooted Podcast, Lori shares her deeply personal experience with grief after the loss of her child, Kole. She explores the messy, non-linear nature of grief, the importance of understanding triggers, setting boundaries, and creating rituals for healing. Whether you're grieving yourself or supporting someone through loss, this episode offers compassion, practical insights, and encouragement.

Key Topics:

• The unspoken realities of grief and the invisible weight of loss

• How societal expectations often misunderstand the grieving process

• The significance of triggers and how they affect healing

• Practical tools for managing grief, including personalization of rituals

• The importance of honest communication and boundary setting

• The role of support systems, including one-on-one support and support groups

• Self-compassion and patience in the journey toward healing

• Creating new traditions and honoring loved ones' legacies

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction: The silent struggles after loss and why understanding matters
 03:22 - Reflecting on Kole's gifts and advocacy inspired by grief
 04:35 - The unpredictable, non-linear nature of grief and societal misunderstandings
 06:09 - Holidays and triggers: Finding new meaning and traditions
 07:34 - Moments of emotional overwhelm and the social masks we wear
 09:18 - The internal storm: sleepless nights, rage, guilt, and numbness
 10:30 - Misunderstandings about grief and the importance of validation
 11:22 - Specific triggers: songs, smells, and memories of loved ones
 13:01 - The power of personal rituals and understanding triggers
 14:38 - The legacy of loved ones and keeping their memory alive
 15:45 - Manifestations of grief: anger, guilt, withdrawal, and changes in faith
 16:02 - Communicating needs, setting boundaries, and avoiding pity
 17:37 - The importance of creating personalized support systems and rituals
 19:01 - Practical strategies: journaling, counseling, and support groups
 20:23 - Self-compassion, patience, and giving yourself grace
 22:04 - Navigating relationships after loss through clear communication
 23:27 - Managing social interactions and setting healthy boundaries
 25:00 - Reframing expectations of friends and support during grief
 26:07 - Final takeaways: grief is personal, healing is non-linear
 27:01 - Honoring your feelings, creating new life after loss, and resources for support

Resources & Links:

• Reflective Roots

• Book: "On Grief and Grieving" by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross & David Kessler
• Book: Missing Pieces

Connect with Lori:

• Facebook

Thank you for listening and for honoring your grief journey. Share this episode with someone who might need to hear these words. Remember, you’re not alone — your feelings are valid, and healing takes time.

In this heartfelt episode, Lori Kendall addresses the heavy but vital topics of self-harm, suicide, and the unique mental health challenges faced by the military community. She shares personal insights, offers compassionate guidance, and emphasizes the importance of community and connection in healing.

Key Topics: 

• The emotional toll of military service and the silent struggles of service members
•  The misconceptions surrounding self-harm and suicidal thoughts
•  The impact of military culture on mental health, resilience, and vulnerability
•  How to listen and support loved ones who are battling internal struggles
•  Resources for mental health support, including the Brandon Act and crisis helplines
•  The importance of community, honesty, and vulnerability in healing
•  Personal story of loss and remembrance as a Gold Star parent

 Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction: Addressing grief and the importance of honest conversations
 00:58 - Understanding the internal guilt and emotional struggles of motherhood and loss
 01:54 - Clarifying the purpose of the podcast: questions, healing, not therapy
 02:19 - Recognizing March as Self-Harm Awareness Month
 03:17 - Inviting listeners into the conversation about self-harm and suicide
 03:40 - The importance of compassion and truth in discussing invisible burdens
 04:10 - Practical grounding exercise: breathing to stay present
 05:33 - Misunderstandings about self-harm and what it signifies
 06:03 - The roots of suicidal thoughts: overwhelm, trauma, isolation
 06:56 - Military-specific issues: isolation, culture, and emotional suppression
 08:06 - How military messages influence silence and emotional restraint
  10:14 - The silence following loss and the hidden burdens of service members
 11:49 - Celebrating the humanity and value of service members beyond their struggles
 12:03 - The mental health crisis in the military and barriers to seeking help
 12:46 - Transitional challenges and the “quiet” in the mind after service or injury
 13:39 - Struggle as a response to pressure, not weakness, and the role of self-harm
 14:07 - Suicidal thoughts as a sign of exhaustion, not desire to die
 14:38 - A heartfelt message to those in darkness: you are not alone or beyond help
 15:06 - The heartbreak of caring for loved ones in crisis and the importance of showing up
 15:31 - The devastating myth: no one causes another’s suicide
 16:26 - The power of inquiry: asking “How's your heart today?”
 17:00 - The art of listening: presence over advice
  18:32 - Reaching out to professionals as an act of courage
 18:56 - The foundation and purpose of Reflective Roots and the Kole T. Kendall Anchored Navigation Project
 19:21 - Conversations about mental health in military communities are essential
 19:52 - Healing as a non-linear journey and community support
 20:26 - The Brandon Act: empowering service members to seek help safely
 21:23 - Closing message: your story and presence matter, stay rooted and human

Resources & Links:

•  Brandon Act
•  988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Reflective Roots 
• Kole T. Kendall Anchored Navigation Project

 Connect with Lori Kendall:

• LinkedIn
• Facebook

Rediscovering Yourself in Life’s Seasons | Sunday Shoreline with Lori Kendall

In this episode of Sunday Shoreline, Lori Kendall guides you through understanding and navigating the different seasons of life—whether you're rooted, blooming, thriving, or reshaping after loss. She offers practical tools to reconnect with your true self amid life's inevitable transitions.

Key Topics:

•  Recognizing the season you're in—rooting, sprouting, thriving, or reshaping
•  The importance of understanding your roots before growth
•  Differentiating who you are from the roles you play during survival mode
•  How to identify what environments nourish versus deplete your energy
•  The power of naming your season and asking “what is this season asking of me?”

 Practical exercises: splitting identity into "who I’ve had to be" vs. "who I am underneath" 

• Using energy awareness to guide life shifts effectively 
• Drawing significance from life’s upheavals by separating rubble from roots 
• Reflecting on gratitude, boundaries, and what no longer serves you 
• Embracing small, aligned steps toward change and wholeness 
• The importance of honesty and self-compassion in personal growth 

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and introduction to life's seasons and self-centering
 01:03 - Understanding the significance of being present without rushing
 02:07 - Differentiating between life before and after tragedy
 02:36 - Recognizing disconnection and feelings of being lost
 04:20 - How to identify your current season: rooting, sprouting, thriving
 05:01 - The importance of inner work during rooting
 05:57 - Moving through uncertainty and expansion
 07:22 - Navigating fear and excitement about new beginnings
 08:18 - Naming your season and disconnecting from survival identities
 09:29 - Reflecting on who you are versus who you've had to be
 10:06 - Examining your values beyond roles during success and survival
 11:11 - The impact of work-life balance and valuing relationships
 12:27 - Deep self-inquiry: truth-telling exercises
 13:48 - Recognizing feelings of misalignment and loss of purpose
 15:10 - Identifying nourishing versus depleting environments
 16:36 - How to assess where you are performing authentically
 17:28 - Using energy awareness to inform life direction
 18:40 - Drawing from upheaval: rubble versus roots
 19:22 - The process of starting anew from your truth
 20:06 - Reflection questions: releasing, carrying forward, and discovering your essence
 21:06 - Small steps: gratitude, boundaries, and alignment checks
 22:13 - The power of honest self-reflection ("It makes sense that I feel this way because...")
 22:47 - Encouragement to meet yourself with compassion and patience
 23:09 - Announcing the upcoming book, Missing Pieces, about resilience and wholeness
23:38 - Final thoughts and closing encouragement

Resources: 

• Missing Pieces: A Mother's Journey through Service, Sorrow, and Survival - Available on Amazon and at missingpiecesbook.com 
• Real and Rooted Podcasts - Explore stories of healing and growth 

Connect with Lori Kendall: 

• Facebook
• Reflective Roots Grief and Relationship Navigation 

Remember: Understanding your season is the key step towards true growth. You don’t need a complete plan—just one mindful step at a time. Meet yourself honestly, and what is deeply rooted will rise.

 This episode offers a compassionate exploration of life post-trauma, focusing on vulnerability, healing, and the journey toward self-renewal. Lori Kendall shares honest reflections and practical guidance for those feeling lost in transition, emphasizing that moving forward is a gradual, gentle process.

Main Topics:

• The silence and inner voice that follow trauma and grief

• How to recognize and honor feelings of disconnection and transformation

• Small, intentional steps toward healing and self-awareness

• Holding onto meaningful values and gifts from loss

• The importance of patience and self-compassion in recovery

• Navigating societal pressures to rebuild quickly

• Creating space for reflection and future growth

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Embracing silence after trauma and why it feels loud 

00:33 - The question: Where do we go from here? 

01:06 - Giving yourself permission to be unready and uncertain 

01:52 - The space between who you were and who you're becoming 

02:52 - The unspoken aftermath of trauma and feelings of unraveling 

04:40 - Writing down what feels unfamiliar or disconnected 

05:00 - How loss can shift your identity, even if you’re functioning 

06:23 - Reflecting on who you were before trauma and what feels lost 

07:14 - The societal pressure to “move on” and the patience healing needs 

08:04 - Allowing emotions and truths to surface without judgment 

08:56 - Transitional space as an opportunity, not failure 

09:25 - Embracing the “in-between” space of not being who you were or who you will become 

10:09 - Reflecting on future aspirations—like returning to education or career 

10:57 - Healing begins with small, quiet choices 

11:30 - The power of small steps and showing up for oneself 

12:23 - The fear that moving forward means leaving behind loved ones 

13:24 - Finding gifts in loss—how grief can deepen connection to what remains 

14:41 - Carrying values, love, and lessons into the future 

15:22 - Living fully again amidst fear and uncertainty 

16:08 - Moving slowly and honestly through the transition 

17:17 - Asking yourself how to begin living for yourself now 

17:42 - Embracing the present moment without needing all answers 

18:27 - The importance of patience and self-compassion 

19:07 - Embracing the possibility of growth beyond professional identities 

20:14 - Re-centering relationships and redefining what matters most 

21:04 - Recognizing gifts and lessons in loss

Resources & Links:

• Missing Pieces The Final Salute: A Mother's Journey Through Service, Sorrow & Survival

• The Kole T. Kendall Anchored Navigation Project

Connect with Lori Kendall:

• Facebook

Healing, Loss, and Perception: Navigating Identity After TraumaIn this episode of the Real and Rooted Wednesday Dive-In, Lori Kendall explores the profound experience of grief, loss, and how traumatic events reshape our perception of ourselves and others. She offers compassionate insights on navigating the journey of rebuilding identity and recognizing the little things that matter in recovery.Key Topics:

• The concept of healing as stepping into who you've always been, not becoming someone new

• The emotional impact of losing a loved one and the importance of space to grieve

• How grief and trauma reshape identity, beliefs, and relationships

• The societal tendency to overlook or judge those experiencing loss

• The significance of small acts of kindness in the healing process

• Recognizing warning signs in loved ones and the importance of paying attention to subtle cues

• The role of perception versus truth and the power of slowing down

• The gift of lessons and growth found in every loss or challenging interaction

• Encouragement to find and use gifts bestowed by loved ones for personal and communal betterment

• Reflection questions on perception, truth, and the unique gifts of loved ones

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction to healing as embracing your authentic self 

00:51 - The emotional space for those grieving lost loved ones 

01:20 - Personal reflection on grief and identity 

04:32 - The complexity of tough conversations around loss 

04:42 - How we answer when asked how we are 

05:03 - The impact of hiding pain and the societal view of rawness 

05:49 - Understanding trauma and grief's effect on identity 

06:16 - How trauma causes us to lose ourselves in the situation 

06:52 - The meaning of military honors and the perception of sacrifice 

07:26 - Society’s failure to listen and understand genuine pain 

08:23 - The influence of societal perceptions of marriage and success 

09:15 - The personal experience of traumatic loss and feelings of being lost 

09:44 - The toll of surviving in fight or flight mode 

10:28 - The importance of understanding and giving space to others 

11:12 - Who we are walking into the future after loss 

12:02 - The timeless message: don’t judge a book by its cover 

12:31 - The slow process of rebuilding and appreciating small acts 

13:30 - The significance of noticing small things in others’ rebuilding journeys 

14:19 - The story behind the book "Missing Pieces" and warning signs overlooked 

15:10 - Recognizing the influence of perception versus reality 

15:34 - The importance of active observation and engagement with others 

16:21 - Lessons and gifts found through loss and interaction 

17:06 - Reflection on perception, truth, and the gifts from loved ones 

17:19 - Closing thoughts and invitation to journal and reflect

Resources & Links:

• [Missing Pieces: The Final Salute by Lori Kendall]