Not Your Average Grief Podcast

NAVIGATING GRIEF- A JOURNEY OF LOVE + LOSS WITH MARIE GOUDREAU

In this heartfelt conversation that you won't want to miss, Marie Goudreau and I explore the complexities of grief, and share personal stories and insights on how to navigate loss. Marie, a certified death and grief doula, shares her journey with us through grief after losing her partner to cancer and how it led her to support others in their grief. KeyTakeaways * Grief is a personal journey, and each individual is the expert of their own grief. * The experience of loss can profoundly change one's identity and worldview. * Community support is crucial for those navigating grief; it helps alleviate feelings of isolation. * Healing from grief is an ongoing process, not a destination. * Love and legacy continue beyond death, shaping how we live our lives. * Grief is not an emergency; there is no timeline for healing. * It's important to allow oneself to feel the full spectrum of grief. * The relationship with the deceased can evolve but does not have to end. * Presence and understanding are the most valuable gifts we can offer to those in grief. * Being of service to others can be a powerful part of one's healing journey. You can find Marie on Insta @empowered_through_grief or by visiting her website https://www.empoweredthroughgrief.com/ [https://www.empoweredthroughgrief.com/] If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here. https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8 [https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8] If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj [https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj] PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to my website https://shaunadukes.com/ for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

EPISODE 35 | Finding Hope Post Child Loss With Lisa Espinoza

Lisa Espinoza is an author and speaker who knows the deep pain of losing someone you love. With raw honesty, humor and practical wisdom, Lisa offers hope for anyone walking through their own season of grief and loss. In this heartfelt conversation, Lisa and I explore the profound journey of grief following the loss of a child. We discussed the challenges of navigating daily life after such a loss, the importance of cultivating resilience, and the healing power of sharing one's story. Lisa shared with us her personal experiences, including the impact of writing on her healing process and the significance of support from friends and family. The conversation emphasizes the need for understanding and compassion in the face of grief, as well as the signs and connections that can be felt from loved ones who have passed. Takeaways * Healing from grief is a continuous choice and practice. * Resilience can be cultivated through sharing personal stories. * Writing can serve as a powerful tool for processing grief. * Support from friends and family is crucial during difficult times. * Grief is a unique journey that varies for each individual. * It's important to honor the memory of loved ones in meaningful ways. * Finding joy amidst grief is possible and necessary. * Being open to signs from loved ones can provide comfort. * Grief should not be a competition; everyone's experience is valid. You can find out more about Lisa and her offerings by clicking the below link. https://www.lisaespinoza.com/first-brush-your-teethhttps://www.lisaespinoza.com/first-brush-your-teeth [https://www.lisaespinoza.com/first-brush-your-teeth] If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here. https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8 [https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8] If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj [https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj] PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

EPISODE 34 | Anticipatory Grief: A Personal Journey With Erin Whalen

Erin Whalen is the Founder of Compassionate Coaching, which guides teams in the helping profession, especially end-of-life and bereavement professionals, to get through their days with more ease. In this episode Erin Whalen shares with us her personal journey through anticipatory grief, discussing her experiences and insights gained from living with the expectation of loss. She reflects on the impact of her sister's condition and how it shaped her understanding of grief and healing. You can book a free 30 min. call with Erin through this link. https://calendly.com/compassionatecoaching/30-minute-call [https://calendly.com/compassionatecoaching/30-minute-call] Key Takeaways * Anticipatory grief is a profound experience that shapes one's life. * Erin Whalen's journey with her sister's condition taught her about the inevitability of loss. * Understanding and naming anticipatory grief can be a powerful step in healing. * Sharing personal stories helps connect and heal individuals experiencing grief. * Erin emphasizes the importance of community in navigating grief. * Her experiences highlight the need for awareness and support for those living with anticipatory grief. * Erin's story illustrates the complexity of emotions involved in anticipatory grief. * The conversation sheds light on the personal growth that can come from understanding grief. * Erin's insights offer valuable lessons for those supporting others in grief. * The discussion underscores the healing power of storytelling in processing grief. If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here. https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8 [https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8] If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj [https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj] PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

EPISODE 33 | How To Forgive The Unforgivable With Rhonda Britten

In this episode of Not Your Average Grief, I spoke with the incredible powerhouse of a woman, Rhonda Britten. She an Emmy Award Winner, has been on 600 Episodes of Reality TV, is a Bestselling 4X Author "Fearless Living", is named "America's Favorite Life Coach," is a Standing Ovation Keynote Speaker, and has been a fear expert on National TV and Radio for over 30 years. She shared with us her harrowing experience of witnessing her father's murder of her mother at a young age and the subsequent guilt and trauma that shaped her life. Through her story, she emphasizes the importance of facing fear, embracing healing, and the power of forgiveness. She introduces her concept of 'Fearless Living,' a framework designed to help individuals identify and overcome their core fears, ultimately leading to personal growth and emotional freedom. The conversation highlights the ongoing nature of grief and the necessity of sharing our stories to foster connection and healing. Takeaways * The worst days of our lives can lead to transformation. * Witnessing trauma can create deep-seated guilt and fear. * Healing is a lifelong journey, not a destination. * Forgiveness is a process that requires time and understanding. * Fear often manifests in various self-destructive behaviors. * Sharing our stories can create safe spaces for others. * Emotional intelligence is crucial for personal growth. * Fearless Living is about embracing life despite fear. * Identifying core fears can lead to significant breakthroughs. * Grief is a natural part of life that requires acknowledgment and processing. To find out more about Rhonda Britten and her offerings go to her website. Rhonda Britten's Website [https://fearlessliving.org/] and here is the link that she gave us on the call as a freebie. Stretch, risk, or die. https://fearlessliving.org/riskhttps://FearlessLiving.org/risk [https://FearlessLiving.org/risk] If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here. https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8 [https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8] If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj [https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj] PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

EPISODE 32 | Grief Out Loud With Melani Sessa

In this heartfelt conversation, I spoke with the lovely Melanie Sessa. We explored the profound journey of grief following the loss of a child. We discussed the importance of community support, the power of sharing personal stories, and the ongoing nature of grief. Melanie shared her experience of navigating her grief while also supporting others through her Instagram platform, emphasizing that grief is not just sadness but a complex intertwining of love and longing. The discussion highlights the significance of remembering loved ones and the need for open conversations about grief in society. Takeaways * Grief is a deeply personal journey that varies for everyone. * Sharing stories can help connect and heal those who are grieving. * Community support is vital in navigating the grief process. * It's important to remember and honor loved ones who have passed. * Grief is not just sadness; it is an ongoing relationship with love. * Faith can provide comfort and perspective during grief. * Grievers often need specific support rather than open-ended offers of help. * Milestones and anniversaries can be particularly challenging for grievers. * The absence of a loved one is felt in every aspect of life. * Love never dies, and the connection remains even after loss. You can find and contact Melanie on instagram @grace_and_grief_healing If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here. https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8 [https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8] If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj [https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj] PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.