Chapter 20:

Chapter 21: Hot mess express just doing my best as a grieving mother.

In this chapter, we engage in a profound dialogue with Melissa, who shares her deeply personal journey surrounding the loss of her son, Kulten. The salient point of our conversation revolves around the transformative power of grief and how it can be channeled into acts of kindness and community support. Melissa recounts her journey through acute sorrow while also highlighting the initiatives she has established, including the organization "Kulten for a Cause," which aims to enhance the lives of others in Kulten's memory. Through her poignant reflections, we explore the complexities of grief, the importance of maintaining connections with loved ones, and the ways in which shared experiences can foster healing. Ultimately, Melissa’s story serves as a testament to resilience and the enduring bonds of love that persist beyond loss. Mentioned in this episode: Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief Mady's Tattoos Madys tattoos is based out of mission beach California where She specializes in Japanese traditional , black and grey , photography, art, and media. Mady believes that tattoos can be more than art, they are milestones, memories, and reminders of how far you’ve come. To learn more or book a session you can find her on instagram at madys_tattoos. Azadi Healing Azadi — which is FARSI for freedom — empowers individuals and communities through trauma-informed care and events such as nervous system regulation, reiki, sound healing, breathwork facilitation and more. Whether you're exploring healing or navigating grief, Azadi Healing offers a sacred space to come home to yourself and find your center. Remember that you’re never alone on this journey. Visit azadihealing.com

Questionable Grief Decisions: Navigating the Fog with Nick

The segment titled "Questionable Grief Decisions" invites listeners to explore the complexities and often convoluted choices individuals make while navigating the tumultuous waters of grief. In a candid dialogue, the host Story and returning guest Nick from SD Sober Living delve into the realm of grief-driven choices that, upon reflection, may be deemed questionable. Nick shares his poignant journey following the unexpected loss of his partner, illuminating the profound impact of such a loss on one's psyche. He articulates the initial belief that he had mastered his grief, only to be confronted by the sobering reality that his understanding was shifting with time. As the conversation unfolds, Nick candidly recounts his experiences of seeking solace in fleeting connections and reckless decisions, illustrating the desperate measures one may employ in an attempt to alleviate the suffocating weight of sorrow. This segment serves as an exploration of the human condition, revealing that even in moments of profound despair, individuals often grapple with choices that may not align with their better judgment but are driven by an innate desire to find relief from unrelenting pain. Mentioned in this episode: Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief Mady's Tattoos Madys tattoos is based out of mission beach California where She specializes in Japanese traditional , black and grey , photography, art, and media. Mady believes that tattoos can be more than art, they are milestones, memories, and reminders of how far you’ve come. To learn more or book a session you can find her on instagram at madys_tattoos. Azadi Healing Azadi — which is FARSI for freedom — empowers individuals and communities through trauma-informed care and events such as nervous system regulation, reiki, sound healing, breathwork facilitation and more. Whether you're exploring healing or navigating grief, Azadi Healing offers a sacred space to come home to yourself and find your center. Remember that you’re never alone on this journey. Visit azadihealing.com

Chapter 20:

In this chapter of *The Upside to Grief*, we are privileged to engage in a profound dialogue with Nick, the owner of SD Sober Living, as he candidly shares his intimate journey of grief following the passing of his beloved partner, Janae. Nick eloquently articulates the harrowing realities of losing someone so integral to one’s existence, revealing the intricate tapestry of emotions that encompass love, loss, and the struggle for healing. The narrative unfolds to illuminate the complexities of addiction and recovery, as Nick reflects on the duality of his experiences—grappling with the void left by Janae while simultaneously navigating his own path to sobriety. Through this discourse, we are invited to contemplate the multifaceted nature of grief, and the indelible impact it leaves on the human spirit. Ultimately, Nick's story serves as a testament to resilience, underscoring the notion that even amidst profound sorrow, there exists the potential for growth and understanding. Mentioned in this episode: Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief Mady's Tattoos Madys tattoos is based out of mission beach California where She specializes in Japanese traditional , black and grey , photography, art, and media. Mady believes that tattoos can be more than art, they are milestones, memories, and reminders of how far you’ve come. To learn more or book a session you can find her on instagram at madys_tattoos. Azadi Healing Azadi — which is FARSI for freedom — empowers individuals and communities through trauma-informed care and events such as nervous system regulation, reiki, sound healing, breathwork facilitation and more. Whether you're exploring healing or navigating grief, Azadi Healing offers a sacred space to come home to yourself and find your center. Remember that you’re never alone on this journey. Visit azadihealing.com

Grief Deck Pulls: Intuitive Wisdom from the Deck

In the 'Grief Deck Pulls' segment, hosts Story and Erika engage in a profound exploration of grief through a method that combines card pulls with reflective dialogue. The episode highlights the therapeutic aspects of physical movement in the grieving process, as exemplified by the card drawn which encourages individuals to 'move energy through the body.' This theme resonates throughout their conversation as they discuss how gentle physical activity can facilitate emotional healing, thus bridging the gap between mind and body during times of loss. The hosts provide practical suggestions, such as stretching and light exercise, which can help listeners find accessible methods to cope with their grief. The dynamic between Story and Erika adds a warm, personal touch to the segment, as they share their own experiences and insights regarding grief. Their interaction is characterized by a blend of sincerity and authenticity, drawing listeners into their world as they navigate their pain while also discovering moments of joy and healing. This interplay not only makes the conversation engaging but also serves to normalize the complex feelings that accompany grief. Their discussion encourages listeners to approach their own grief journeys with compassion and patience, recognizing that healing is not linear and often requires both introspection and action. Concluding the segment, Story and Erika emphasize the importance of trusting oneself and seeking support from others during the grieving process. They advocate for a balanced approach that includes both emotional processing and physical engagement, ultimately aiming to empower listeners to embrace their grief while taking steps toward healing. In doing so, they create a supportive environment that fosters connection and understanding, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences and the various ways they can approach their healing journey. Mentioned in this episode: Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief Mady's Tattoos Madys tattoos is based out of mission beach California where She specializes in Japanese traditional , black and grey , photography, art, and media. Mady believes that tattoos can be more than art, they are milestones, memories, and reminders of how far you’ve come. To learn more or book a session you can find her on instagram at madys_tattoos. Azadi Healing Azadi — which is FARSI for freedom — empowers individuals and communities through trauma-informed care and events such as nervous system regulation, reiki, sound healing, breathwork facilitation and more. Whether you're exploring healing or navigating grief, Azadi Healing offers a sacred space to come home to yourself and find your center. Remember that you’re never alone on this journey. Visit azadihealing.com

Chapter 19: A Deep Dive into Grief and Healing

Chapter 19 delves deeply into the nuanced process of grieving as Story and Erika engage in a candid exchange about their personal experiences surrounding significant dates in their lives. The principal theme of this chapter revolves around the resonance of memory and the emotional complexities that arise during anniversaries, particularly those linked to loss. Both hosts reflect on the profound impact of these dates, sharing their struggles and moments of connection, which reveal the intricate layers of grief they continue to navigate. As they explore their feelings in real time, the conversation provides listeners with an intimate glimpse into the realities of processing grief, emphasizing that such moments are not only personal but also universally relatable. We invite you to join us in this heartfelt discussion, as we collectively confront the reverberations of our pasts and the enduring bonds we maintain with those we have lost. Mentioned in this episode: Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief Mady's Tattoos Madys tattoos is based out of mission beach California where She specializes in Japanese traditional , black and grey , photography, art, and media. Mady believes that tattoos can be more than art, they are milestones, memories, and reminders of how far you’ve come. To learn more or book a session you can find her on instagram at madys_tattoos. Azadi Healing Azadi — which is FARSI for freedom — empowers individuals and communities through trauma-informed care and events such as nervous system regulation, reiki, sound healing, breathwork facilitation and more. Whether you're exploring healing or navigating grief, Azadi Healing offers a sacred space to come home to yourself and find your center. Remember that you’re never alone on this journey. Visit azadihealing.com