Today, at the end of Season 2,  I go (deep) 'down the rabbit hole' to discuss reality in this solo episode. Since losing your loved one to suicide have you ever questioned reality? I know the edge of reality -and ‘someplace else’ - is a place I have often found myself firmly standing since the loss of my son Alex to suicide in 2016. This has happened for a few reasons I think. 

I think synchronicities are partially to blame & the understanding of life & our connection to the afterlife as well. This is a deep topic - I know I only scratch the surface but hopefully, I give you a lot to think about.

So, just to help, let’s define it, from Webster it is:

1. the world or the state of things as they exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them. My son - his energy- exists.
OR
2. the state or quality of having existence or substance.  I will make the same argument as above. 

Hmmm…right??? So,  find your reality & embrace it. You are not alone. Unfortunately, many of us share this reality - & we understand. Life is all about shifts. Some we make. Some happen to us. Some are welcome, others are our worst nightmare- but what we make of these shifts will define our reality. Sending love always. 

• For fun Wikis definition of Synchronicity. 
• Afterlife by John Edwards
• Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe by Laura Lynn Jackson

A blog post that's an interesting perspective -
My Only Child Died, but I Will Always be his Mother

My first two books (in the Survival series of Life After Suicide Loss) are out. Let me help you survive so that you may find Hope and eventually even start to heal.

A Survival Guide; Facing Life After Suicide Loss
AND
The Story of Your Survival; A Guided Journal to Navigate These Dark, Stormy Days

_____________________________________________ 

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________

My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.

NEW July 30, 2025 ---> FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!!

Resources for ALL --> Find Here

One-on-One Grief Coaching for Moms after suicide loss ---> Find Here

If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:
CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & Canada

Today, I  talk about the holidays after suicide loss and how we can approach them - you see there really is no 'should do's' only "could do's" -- remember -- your journey, your way. I will also dispense with the notion that many of us didn't (somewhat) dread the holiday season before - you know all of the stress and money and expectations and family and, and and... right? BUT, no doubt there was also joy and fun and irreplaceable memories. So, after loss, many of us just face the whole notion "what's the point" OR  "why bother" because we just can't, right? 

Let me just say it - IT'S OK! WHATEVER you want to do - or don't want to do - IT'S OK! Listen to the episode and I will (try) to untangle my thought s bit so as to be a help (maybe). 

You are in my heart and thoughts - always, but especially during this time of year. Take care of you and I hope we can talk soon! 

_______________________________________________ 

 My brand NEW website "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is LIVE and that means my 2 x/mo FREE SUPPORT GROUP is available and much more will be coming in the months ahead leading into 2022

The website will be at www.theleftoverpieces.com  (naturally, right?)

If you, or someone you know, is struggling  with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out:
The National Suicide Lifeline is there for you

IN a crisis you can also TEXT--->
TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA
in Canada TEXT 686868
in the UK TEXT 85258

And Grievers, I am always here. You can find me on  at The Leftover Pieces

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________

My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.

NEW July 30, 2025 ---> FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!!

Resources for ALL --> Find Here

One-on-One Grief Coaching for Moms after suicide loss ---> Find Here

If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:
CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & Canada

Today I go "down the rabbit hole" to discuss HOPE. Suicide loss survivors struggle heavily with allowing hope back into their lives. I know that I choose to sit in hopelessness too long. So why is hope so important? Why do we need and how we get it -- and I even give you a tool to help facilitate taking the steps toward it!

I could not find a link that I loved to show you where to place your hands - it is because I didn't just take it from the internet, I learned this in my trauma-based healing training. 

BUT HERE IS an ARTICLE that shows the pressure point and the second part comes really close to the technique I teach you. It also has some additional great information.

Hope to Hope Conference Day 2  - I speak at the 2:57 mark and am the final speaker of the conference BUT be sure to listen to Kim share an additional life experience that will inspire and impact! This was such great experience to be a part of this event - I am honored and humbled.

Be sure to watch Day 1 as well - it was equally amazing.
_______________________________________________ 

 My brand NEW website "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is LIVE and that means my 2 x/mo FREE SUPPORT GROUP is available and much more will be coming in the months ahead leading into 2022

The website will be at www.theleftoverpieces.com  (naturally, right?)

If you, or someone you know, is struggling  with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out:
The National Suicide Lifeline is there for you

IN a crisis you can also TEXT--->
TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA
in Canada TEXT 686868
in the UK TEXT 85258

And Grievers, I am always here. You can find me on  at The Leftover Pieces

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________

My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.

NEW July 30, 2025 ---> FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!!

Resources for ALL --> Find Here

One-on-One Grief Coaching for Moms after suicide loss ---> Find Here

If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:
CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & Canada

Today, I have the unique privilege of having a conversation with a podcast listener. Vickie Stam and I began messaging earlier this year after she reached out to tell me that she was enjoying the podcast. Vickie lost her 31 year old son Calvin to suicide on Dec 9, 2019.  She is a bubbly, genuine and warm soul. It became obvious to us fairly soon after she reached out that  our sons connected us and they continue to communicate that through music shared for us! I appreciate our connection so much and am honored to share her brave journey through grief. 

If you wish to connect with Vickie, you can do so here vickie stam (@vickiestam) • Instagram photos and videos
AND her ETSY Page (Hand crafted, one of a kind crochet apparel)  BeachButteflyStudio

Here are some links from items Vickie and discussed AND some that I am sharing per her requests Thanks Vickie!!

Matt Haig (books)
Barbara Erskine (fiction book author) - Her Author Page
Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown – Mayim Bialik   
Good Mourning – Sally Douglas & Imogen Carn
Grief Seeds – Shelby Forsythia 
Grief Dreams Podcast – Dr. Joshua Black
Life, Death & The Space Between – Dr. Amy Robbins
We Can Do Hard Things With Glennon Doyle
Death Is Hilarious – Tawny Platis
Where’s The Grief – Jordon Ferber
Grief Unfiltered – Jayme Aills
Portraits of Grief – Tiffany Bernal & Thera Storm
Drift With Erin Davis
Heavyweight – Gimlet
_______

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________

My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.

NEW July 30, 2025 ---> FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!!

Resources for ALL --> Find Here

One-on-One Grief Coaching for Moms after suicide loss ---> Find Here

If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:
CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & Canada

This episode release on HALLOWEEN 2021 - so, Happy Halloween! Now that we have had a  whole week of Instagram Posts, a live pop ins .... HERE is the HALLOWEEN SPECIAL EDITION RABBIT HOLE. Why did I "do" this whole week of spooky, fear-themed post?  Well, because grief and fear and spirits and sad, dark and terrifying things all happen this time of year. AND because I love Halloween and because I can, honestly. I hope you found something of value - or insightful - or even fun this week!

Today, I go "down the rabbit hole" and take a spirited, somewhat psychic, turn …. I chat about clairsenses and give you just enough to either make you go deeper - or leave it for those of us that "buy into that stuff" (ME - I do!! LOL) . I am good with either and my heart is with each and every one of you - until next week! 

Here are a few interesting links for you to read (a few from last week and a new one!)

SPIRITED: Unlock Your Psychic Self & Change Your Life by Rebecca Rosen

Rebecca Rosen - the website (so much great info here)

The History of Halloween as told by The World History Encyclopedia (it also goes into Samhain and other related traditions as well)

The History of Halloween in Salem (because "witches" of course!)

Here's a link to listen to 5 hours (or less) of Edgar Allen Poe - and scroll down for some other fun links to other Poe links on this page
________________________________________________________

My brand NEW website "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is LIVE and that means my 2 x/mo FREE SUPPORT GROUP is available (it begins Oct 2)  AND my first coaching options are available. The first (3 month) group is planned to begin  NOVEMBER 3  and there  will be a new group begin every 10 weeks after.  There will be limited spots in each group so let me know if you want on the notify list! These groups will be one part community, one part discovery/growth. I believe these two things are intertwined for us in the earlier stages of grief especially.

Interested? Please DM me on Instagram or email me at anytime [email protected]

The website will be at www.theleftoverpieces.com  (naturally, right?)

Please reach out to me if you know of s

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________

My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.

NEW July 30, 2025 ---> FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!!

Resources for ALL --> Find Here

One-on-One Grief Coaching for Moms after suicide loss ---> Find Here

If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:
CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & Canada

Today I dig into the topic of fear and grief. They are intertwined, so how appropriate is the tie into Halloween? This episode is coming out the week leading up to Halloween 2021. I am planning a whole week of Instagram Posts, Live pop ins and even a Special Halloween Edition of "Down the Rabbit Hole" Episode next week - WHY you ask? Well, because grief and fear and spirits and sad, dark and terrifying things all happen this time of year. AND because I love Halloween and because I can honestly. I hope you find something of value - or insightful - or even fun this week! 

Here are a few interesting links for you to read

The History of Halloween as told by The World History Encyclopedia (it also goes into Samhain and other related traditions as well)

The History of Halloween in Salem (because "witches" of course!)

Here's a link to listen to 5 hours (or less) of Edgar Allen Poe - and scroll down for some other fun links to other POe links on this page

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE movies or traditions at Halloween? Do you like Michael, Jason or Freddy or are you more of a Halloween Town type? I love it all! Or do you avoid it all together?

________________________________________________________

My brand NEW website "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is LIVE and that means my 2 x/mo FREE SUPPORT GROUP is available (it begins Oct 2)  AND my first coaching options are available. The first (3 month) group is planned to begin  NOVEMBER 3  and there  will be a new group begin every 10 weeks after.  There will be limited spots in each group so let me know if you want on the notify list! These groups will be one part community, one part discovery/growth. I believe these two things are intertwined for us in the earlier stages of grief especially.

Interested? Please DM me on Instagram or email me at anytime [email protected]

The website will be at www.theleftoverpieces.com  (naturally, right?)

Please reach out to me if you know of someone that I should talk to or if you yourself would like to have a conversation around the suicide loss and grief space. Instagram is probably still the best way to contact me or directly through email. I am already scheduling people into this  FALL so it's not too soon to reach out!

If you, or someone you know, is struggling  with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out:

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________

My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.

NEW July 30, 2025 ---> FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!!

Resources for ALL --> Find Here

One-on-One Grief Coaching for Moms after suicide loss ---> Find Here

If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:
CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & Canada

Laura lost her ex-boyfriend to suicide - does that "count"? Can she still grieve?  Is that "OK"? Well, OF COURSE IT IS! But Laura and I talk about her unique perspective and how the past four years have transformed her. There is a lot to unpack with this spirited English woman who now teaches art to children in Entebbe, Uganda.  She talks about stigmas, delayed grief and art as therapy. This is a powerful conversation. I am grateful for Laura being willing to share a part of herself with us.

You can find Laura on Instagram at Laura Avril Dove and also at her new Tambul Arts IG

________________________________________________ 

 My brand NEW website "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is LIVE and that means my 2 x/mo FREE SUPPORT GROUP is available AND my first coaching options are available. The first (3 month) group is planned to begin  NOVEMBER 3  and there  will be a new group begin every 10 weeks after.  There will be limited spots in each group so let me know if you want on the notify list! These groups will be one part community, one part discovery/growth. I believe these two things are intertwined for us in the earlier stages of grief especially.

Interested? Please DM me on Instagram or email me at anytime [email protected]

The website will be at www.theleftoverpieces.com  (naturally, right?)

Please reach out to me if you know of someone that I should talk to or if you yourself would like to have a conversation around the suicide loss and grief space. Instagram is probably still the best way to contact me or directly through email. I am already scheduling people into this  FALL so it's not too soon to reach out!

If you, or someone you know, is struggling  with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out:
The National Suicide Lifeline is there for you

IN a crisis you can also TEXT--->
TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA
in Canada TEXT 686868
in the UK TEXT 85258

And Grievers, I am always here. You can find me on  at The Leftover Pieces

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________

My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.

NEW July 30, 2025 ---> FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!!

Resources for ALL --> Find Here

One-on-One Grief Coaching for Moms after suicide loss ---> Find Here

If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:
CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & Canada

We regularly find suicide as a subject matter on TV and in film these days. But since suicide is such a pervading theme in this life we now live, the question remains - to watch or not? Does the content activate you or help you? Since the reasons these films,  or shows, are made can be so diverse - to educate, to cause fear or shock or disgust, or even to provoke or bring about change and awareness - so are our reasons for choosing, or not choosing, to watch them.

Today, I explore and discuss some of the current choices out there (though there are way to many for one episode) AND I will give MY opinion on whether I have watched it and how it affected me, or if I haven't watched it, if I plan to, and why? I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHICH ONES YOU HAVE SEEN AND YOUR TAKE! 

I will also disclaim this episode as I do all others - take that which serves you and leave the rest. We are all on a very individual journey, and at different spaces inside of each journey, so know that I do understand that completely. I only hope some of what I share will be of help sometimes. My heart and thoughts are always with you. 

The shows/movies that I discuss (or mention) are (they are not linked, you will have to search): 

• Nine Perfect Strangers (Mini series - one of the themes)
• Evelyn (documentary)
• Audrie & Daisy (documentary)
• 13 Reasons Why; Beyond the Reasons
• A Star is Born (not theme, just in the final scene)
• A Million Little Things (tv series - underlying or initial theme) 
• Bird Box 
• Archie's Final Project (aka My Suicide) 
• Perks of Being a Wallflower
• Girl Interrupted 
• The Haunting of Hill House (just some imagery)
• All the Bright Place (theme but also how grief and trauma are handles and change)

________________________________________________________

My brand NEW website "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is LIVE and that means my 2 x/mo FREE SUPPORT GROUP is available (it begins Oct 2)  AND my first coaching options are available. The first (3 month) group is planned to begin  NOVEMBER 3  and there  will be a new group begin every 10 weeks after.  There will be limited spots in each group so let me know if you want on the notify list! These groups will be one part community, one part discovery/growth. I believe these two things are intertwined for us in the earlier stages of grief especially.

Interested? Please DM me on Instagram or email me at anytime [email protected]

The website will be at www.theleftoverpieces.com  (naturally, right?)

Please reach out to me if you know of someone that I should talk to or if you yourself would like to have a conversati

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________

My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.

NEW July 30, 2025 ---> FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!!

Resources for ALL --> Find Here

One-on-One Grief Coaching for Moms after suicide loss ---> Find Here

If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:
CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & Canada

Today I speak to a mom who lost her son to suicide just over a year ago.  Suzanne lost her 17 year old son Samuel to suicide on 2nd September 2020. Samuel struggled with his mental health for 4 years prior to his death which had a huge impact on Suzanne and her family. Suzanne is determined to make a difference in Samuel's name and support others who have travelled this lonely path. Suzanne set up www.coachingafterloss.com to create a safe space for those who have suffered loss to explore their challenges, rebuild their confidence and find meaning and purpose to move forward. She is an NHS nurse and qualified coach who combines her passion for caring with coaching experience.

You can find Suzanne in all of her spaces HERE on her Linktree Link

And again, HERE is the direct link to the WEBSITE Coaching After Loss

________________________________________________ 

 My brand NEW website "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is LIVE and that means my 2 x/mo FREE SUPPORT GROUP is available AND my first coaching options are available. The first (3 month) group is planned to begin  NOVEMBER 3  and there  will be a new group begin every 10 weeks after.  There will be limited spots in each group so let me know if you want on the notify list! These groups will be one part community, one part discovery/growth. I believe these two things are intertwined for us in the earlier stages of grief especially.

Interested? Please DM me on Instagram or email me at anytime [email protected]

The website will be at www.theleftoverpieces.com  (naturally, right?)

Please reach out to me if you know of someone that I should talk to or if you yourself would like to have a conversation around the suicide loss and grief space. Instagram is probably still the best way to contact me or directly through email. I am already scheduling people into this  FALL so it's not too soon to reach out!

If you, or someone you know, is struggling  with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out:
The National Suicide Lifeline is there for you

IN a crisis you can also TEXT--->
TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA
in Canada TEXT 686868
in the UK TEXT 85258

And Grievers, I am always here. You can find me on  at The Leftover Pieces

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________

My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.

NEW July 30, 2025 ---> FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!!

Resources for ALL --> Find Here

One-on-One Grief Coaching for Moms after suicide loss ---> Find Here

If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:
CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & Canada

Today I dive DEEP into the rabbit hole and discuss perception vs reality and if they are one in the same. I talk about where I am in this grief journey and the evolution of my thoughts on what we have the power over with regard to grief - in my opinion. I think that the real destruction lies in allowing ourselves to go on auto-pilot - you know when we are not intentional about how we are grieving or what choices we are making.  

________________________________________________________

My brand NEW website "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is LIVE and that means my 2 x/mo FREE SUPPORT GROUP is available (it begins Oct 2)  AND my first coaching options are available. The first (3 month) group is planned to begin  NOVEMBER 3  and there  will be a new group begin every 10 weeks after.  There will be limited spots in each group so let me know if you want on the notify list! These groups will be one part community, one part discovery/growth. I believe these two things are intertwined for us in the earlier stages of grief especially.

Interested? Please DM me on Instagram or email me at anytime [email protected]

The website will be at www.theleftoverpieces.com  (naturally, right?)

Please reach out to me if you know of someone that I should talk to or if you yourself would like to have a conversation around the suicide loss and grief space. Instagram is probably still the best way to contact me or directly through email. I am already scheduling people into this  FALL so it's not too soon to reach out!

If you, or someone you know, is struggling  with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out:
The National Suicide Lifeline is there for you

IN a crisis you can also TEXT--->
TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA
in Canada TEXT 686868
in the UK TEXT 85258

And Grievers, I am always here. You can find me on  at The Leftover Pieces

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________

My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.

NEW July 30, 2025 ---> FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!!

Resources for ALL --> Find Here

One-on-One Grief Coaching for Moms after suicide loss ---> Find Here

If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:
CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & Canada