This week’s Rise Up and Radiate Podcast is one for the books! I had the joy of sitting down with my friend, the amazing Natalie West Southward. Natalie is a licensed mental health counselor, trauma professional, and grief specialist with nearly 20 years of experience helping people heal and thrive.

We got real about grief—what it looks like, how it shows up in unexpected ways, and how to move forward even when it feels impossible. Natalie shared her personal journey, powerful insights, and actionable tools to help you find light in the midst of life’s hardest moments. If you’re ready to embrace healing, this episode is your guide!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The many faces of grief and how it goes beyond losing a loved one.
• How to build a healthy relationship with grief (and why it’s key to healing).
• The difference between grief and mourning—and why both matter.
• Why staying connected to God’s light transforms even the darkest seasons.
• How to start small, keep moving forward, and pick your “hard.”

Takeaways and Tools to Help You Rise Up & Radiate:

• Grief is a Companion, Not Your Identity: You are not your grief—it’s something you experience, not who you are.
• Choose Your Hard: Healing is hard. Dysfunction is hard. You get to decide which path you’ll take.
• Start Small: Take one small step today. Healing happens little by little—acknowledge where you are and choose where you want to go.
• Stay Curious: Life is a scavenger hunt! Look for the treasures in every season, even the tough ones.
• Anchor Yourself in Truth: Dive into scripture or affirmations that remind you of who God says you are.

Reflection Questions

Grab your journal or a cozy spot to think through these questions inspired by this episode:

1. What losses—big or small—have you experienced that you might still be grieving?
2. How can you start building a healthy relationship with grief?
3. What “hard” are you choosing today, and how might healing lead to freedom?
4. How can you stay connected to God’s light, even in dark moments?
5. What is one small step you can take today that your future self will thank you for?

Get in Touch:

💌 Stay Connected: Follow me on Instagram @RadiateLifeCoaching for more encouragement and updates.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Never miss an episode of the Rise Up and Radiate Podcast! Tune in on your favorite platform.

🌐 Connect with Natalie: Visit www.lifetransformationcounseling.com to learn more about Natalie and her incredible work.

Connect with Ivory:

Instagram: @radiatelifecoaching

Website: www.radiate-lifecoaching.com

Join the email list here.

Join the group program: Authentic. Confident. Radiant. Signature Group Program