Healing Starts with the Heart

Ken Guidroz will be a special speaker at the Life After Loss Virtual Retreat. He's going to share his wisdom and experiences with us. You won't want to miss it!

https://celebratelegacy.net/retreat

In my recent podcast episode of "Letters to My Son in Prison," I had the honor of talking with Ken Guidroz about a remarkable story of forgiveness. This conversation was truly special, as Ken told me about how he and his son found forgiveness after a very serious mistake.

During our talk, there was a moment that stood out. Ken mentioned someone saying, "I just couldn't live with myself if something happened to him." These words were like a secret signal, and they stopped the conversation in its tracks.

In this podcast episode, we dive into Ken's story and how he and his son went through a tough journey to find forgiveness. It's a story about healing and the powerful love between a father and son. Join me as we explore this emotional and inspiring journey.

Ken Guidroz will be a special speaker at the Life After Loss Virtual Retreat. He's going to share his wisdom and experiences with us. You won't want to miss it!

https://celebratelegacy.net/retreat

PROLOGUE

I did not want my son to move back home.

Lucas had hit another rough patch. He’d lost another job, gotten kicked out of his girlfriend’s apartment, and was ghosting his AA sponsor. Now he needed a place to stay, so the texts to his mother started dinging like the service bell at lunchtime at Jerry’s Deli. He was twenty-seven.

“Nope, I don’t think we should let him move back in,” I told my wife, Joyce. Then her phone dinged again.

Ha! He sure ain’t gonna text me, I thought. He remembers my little ditty:

“No mon, no fun, your son. How sad, too bad, your dad.”

I knew how this move back home would unfold. He’d play the game for a few days—get up on time, help around the house, and look for a job—but soon enough his bedroom door would be closed until ten in the morning, and the knobs on his video controller would be rubbed to a shine. Then the crumbs would appear—oh, those crumbs. I’d see them on the white-tiled kitchen counter—crumbs that a normal, sober, trying-to-go-unnoticed, trying-not-to-get-kicked-out-ofyour-parents’-home young man would never leave so mockingly visible.

Joyce, with her mama bear in full swing, said, “I know…it’s not perfect. But what’s he gonna do? Where’s he gonna stay?”

I thought, It’s not our job to figure out where our twenty-seven-year-old son stays.

Then, as if she’d read my mind, she said, “What if we lay things out super clear? Like when he has to be home and has to have a job by, and that we’ll do random drug tests.”

“And I become the bad cop?” I whined. “No way. I can’t do that again, honey. I’m the one stuck here all day and you get to go to your job at school. I’m the one who’s gonna see his slide. I’m the one who’s gonna hear those ridiculous excuses. And I’m the one who’s gonna have to endure those wretched crumbs on the counter.”

Joyce ran her fingers over the worn grooves of our distressed-oak kitchen table.

“If we’re not careful,” I said softly, “he’s gonna drag us down with him.”

Even as I said it, though, I knew that “us” was not the real concern here. Joyce wasn’t concerned about “us” and, honestly, neither was I. In thirty-plus years of marriage, we had never uttered the D-word, or even contemplated it. But this was a new level. Losing a son to opioids tested us like nothing ever had. We’d started doubting each other, snapping at each other, and misreading intentions. She’d lend him some money and I’d say, “You’re enabling.” I’d turn away from a need and she’d say, “You’re too removed.”

https://kenguidroz.com/letters-to-my-son/

Ken Guidroz will be a special speaker at the Life After Loss Virtual Retreat. He's going to share his wisdom and experiences with us. You won't want to miss it!

Jeremy Clarkin is a featured speaker at the Life After Loss Virtual Retreat, where he'll share his inspiring story of resilience and hope. Don't miss his powerful message of healing and transformation.

https://celebratelegacy.net/retreat

Hey there, and welcome to our podcast! Today, we have an incredible guest with an inspiring story to share. Meet Jeremy Clarkin, a father of three girls, a retired Marine, and a talented self-taught artist. Jeremy has been through some really tough times, and he's here to tell us about his journey.

At one point, Jeremy faced a moment that many of us can't imagine. He'll share his story of trying to end his own life, but thanks to the support of people like you and me, he's still here today. It's a powerful reminder of the strength that can be found in community and connection.

Jeremy's on a mission, and it's an important one. He's seen too many of his fellow veterans struggle with what he calls "so-called coping mechanisms." But he believes there's a better way, a way of hope and healing. Through his art and coaching, he's helping veterans paint away their pain and find a positive path forward.

His mission is clear: he wants to show as many veterans as possible that they have the power to turn their trauma into something constructive, something that can make the world a better place. So, join us as we sit down with Jeremy Clarkin and dive into his remarkable journey of resilience, recovery, and the mission that's changing lives.

I've lost way too many brothers to all of these so-called coping mechanisms, and I’m on a mission to show them that there is another way. There is hope.

Hello, I’m Jeremy Clarkin. Girl dad (x3), a Marine (Retired), and a self-taught artist with an unwavering passion for coaching veterans on how to paint their pain away. I discovered my talent after a suicide attempt and being in an inpatient facility.

His Mission

Jeremy mission is to help as many
veterans as possible, realize that they have the ability to use their trauma to
impact the world around them in a constructive way.

https://tatteredsoulcreative.com/

Jeremy Clarkin is a featured speaker at the Life After Loss Virtual Retreat, where he'll share his inspiring story of resilience and hope. Don't miss his powerful message of healing and transformation.

https://celebratelegacy.net/retreat

Jeremy Clarkin is a featured speaker at the Life After Loss Virtual Retreat, where he'll share his inspiring story of resilience and hope. Don't miss his powerful message of healing and transformation.

https://celebratelegacy.net/retreat

Hey there, and welcome to our podcast! Today, we have an incredible guest with an inspiring story to share. Meet Jeremy Clarkin, a father of three girls, a retired Marine, and a talented self-taught artist. Jeremy has been through some really tough times, and he's here to tell us about his journey.

At one point, Jeremy faced a moment that many of us can't imagine. He'll share his story of trying to end his own life, but thanks to the support of people like you and me, he's still here today. It's a powerful reminder of the strength that can be found in community and connection.

Jeremy's on a mission, and it's an important one. He's seen too many of his fellow veterans struggle with what he calls "so-called coping mechanisms." But he believes there's a better way, a way of hope and healing. Through his art and coaching, he's helping veterans paint away their pain and find a positive path forward.

His mission is clear: he wants to show as many veterans as possible that they have the power to turn their trauma into something constructive, something that can make the world a better place. So, join us as we sit down with Jeremy Clarkin and dive into his remarkable journey of resilience, recovery, and the mission that's changing lives.

I've lost way too many brothers to all of these so-called coping mechanisms, and I’m on a mission to show them that there is another way. There is hope.

Hello, I’m Jeremy Clarkin. Girl dad (x3), a Marine (Retired), and a self-taught artist with an unwavering passion for coaching veterans on how to paint their pain away. I discovered my talent after a suicide attempt and being in an inpatient facility.

His Mission

Jeremy mission is to help as many
veterans as possible, realize that they have the ability to use their trauma to
impact the world around them in a constructive way.

https://tatteredsoulcreative.com/

Jeremy Clarkin is a featured speaker at the Life After Loss Virtual Retreat, where he'll share his inspiring story of resilience and hope. Don't miss his powerful message of healing and transformation.

https://celebratelegacy.net/retreat

More of Patricia's content. Follow the links to learn more about her and her amazing projects!

Her website: https://faithhopeandfiction.com , https://faithhopeandfiction.com/ohnita-harbor

Amazon – The Secrets of Still Waters Chasmhttps://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Still-Waters-Chasm-Mystery/dp/1954907648?ref_=ast_author_dp

Amazon – The Secrets of Ohnita Harborhttps://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Ohnita-Harbor-Patricia-Crisafulli/dp/1954907486?ref_=ast_author_dp

Giving Your Grief Space: The Power of Allowing Pain to Exist

Introduction

Grieving is a complex journey that everyone experiences differently. 💔 In our culture, we often feel pressure to suppress our pain and put on a brave face. However, it's essential to find those places where your grief can be as bad as it is, where it can suck as much as it does. Your pain needs space to be acknowledged and felt. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of giving your grief the space it deserves and how allowing your pain to exist can be transformative.

Acknowledging the Depth of Your Pain

The pain of loss can be overwhelming, and it's natural to want to avoid or bury those emotions. However, denying your pain can hinder the healing process. By finding places where you can let your grief be as intense as it is, you give yourself permission to confront the depths of your emotions. 🌊

Allowing yourself to fully feel the pain can be frightening, but it's a brave and necessary step towards healing. Embrace your emotions with compassion, knowing that it's okay to feel deeply. 💕

Creating Safe Spaces for Grief

Finding safe spaces where you can express your grief without judgment is crucial. It could be a quiet corner in your home, a support group, or a close friend who is willing to listen without trying to fix things. In these spaces, you can be vulnerable and authentic, allowing your pain to be witnessed and acknowledged. 🤗

Giving your grief space in these environments creates room for validation and healing. It helps you process your emotions and prevents them from being suppressed and festering inside you. 🌈

The Transformative Power of Allowing Pain

At first, it may seem like allowing your pain to exist without restraint is too intangible to be of use. However, by giving your grief space, you change it somehow. You transform the pain from an overwhelming force into something you can navigate and learn from. 🌟

When you embrace your pain with openness, you take control of it instead of letting it control you. Allowing your pain to exist helps you understand its impact on your life and enables you to find healthier ways of coping with it. 💪

Embracing Healing Through Acceptance

Accepting and allowing your pain doesn't mean you're surrendering to it forever. It means you're giving yourself permission to heal. It's a step towards self-compassion and self-awareness. By acknowledging your pain, you create space for self-growth and resilience. 🌱

Remember, healing is not linear, and grief may resurface from time to time. But by giving your grief space, you cultivate a foundation of acceptance and understanding that can carry you through the ups and downs of the healing journey. 🌞

Conclusion

Giving your grief space is a powerful act of self-compassion. Allow yourself to find those places where your pain can exist without judgment or suppression. Embrace your emotions, feel deeply, and create safe spaces for healing. By acknowledging your pain, you empower yourself to transform it and navigate the path towards healing and growth. 🌷💖

https://linktr.ee/TheGriefSchool

Your Grief Pain Will Change You

Introduction

Grief is a deeply personal and emotional experience that touches all of us at some point in our lives. 💔 Losing a loved one or experiencing significant loss can be overwhelming and can evoke intense emotions. In this blog post, we'll explore how your grief pain has the potential to change you, shaping your perspectives, emotions, and personal growth.

Embracing the Complexity of Grief

Grief pain is not a simple emotion; it's a multifaceted experience that can leave a lasting impact. It's essential to recognize that grieving is a natural and valid response to loss. Allowing yourself to feel and process the emotions that come with grief is an important step in the healing journey. 🌊

Grief can bring forth an array of emotions such as sadness, anger, guilt, and even relief. Embracing the complexity of these feelings can lead to a deeper understanding of yourself and your relationship with the person you've lost. 🌈

The Transformative Nature of Grief

Grief pain has the power to change you in profound ways. As you navigate through your grief, you may find yourself reevaluating your priorities, relationships, and life's purpose. 🌟 The loss may prompt you to reassess your values and make meaningful changes in your life.

While grief is undoubtedly challenging, it can also be a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery. By facing your grief pain, you open yourself up to the possibility of transformation and new beginnings. 🌱

Navigating the Ups and Downs

Grief is not a linear process. It's a journey with ups and downs, moments of strength and vulnerability. Your grief pain may come in waves, and some days may feel more challenging than others. It's essential to be patient with yourself and allow yourself to grieve at your own pace. 🌞

Remember that healing takes time and that it's okay to seek support from friends, family, or professionals during your grief journey. By embracing the fluctuations of grief, you give yourself the space to heal and grow. 🤗

Finding Meaning and Resilience

Amidst grief pain, you may find opportunities for resilience and finding meaning in your experiences. 💪 Some individuals channel their grief into positive actions, such as supporting others in similar situations or starting meaningful projects in memory of their loved ones.

Finding a sense of purpose and meaning in the face of loss can help you navigate through grief pain with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. 💕

Conclusion

Your grief pain is a unique and transformative experience that can change you in ways you may not expect. Embracing the complexity of grief, navigating its ups and downs, and finding resilience and meaning can lead to personal growth and healing. 🌷💖

As you allow yourself to grieve and process your emotions, remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Each individual's grief journey is unique, and it's essential to be compassionate and patient with yourself during this time. 🌈💕

https://linktr.ee/TheGriefSchool

Dealing Effectively With Your Grief Is The First Step

Grief is an inevitable part of life, and at some point, we all experience the pain of losing someone or something we hold dear. Whether it's the passing of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a major life change, grief can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. However, it is crucial to understand that dealing with grief effectively is the first step towards healing and finding a sense of peace.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

The first and most crucial step in dealing with grief is to acknowledge your feelings. It's common to feel a wide range of emotions such as sadness, anger, guilt, or even numbness. Don't try to suppress these emotions; instead, allow yourself to experience them fully. Give yourself permission to cry, vent, or seek solace in the presence of friends and family. Remember, it's okay to grieve, and there is no right or wrong way to feel.

Seek Support

Grief can be an isolating experience, but you don't have to go through it alone. Reach out to your support network, whether it's friends, family, or a grief support group. Talking about your feelings can provide immense relief and comfort during this challenging time. Surrounding yourself with people who care about you can help you feel less alone and more understood.

Take Care of Yourself

Amidst grief, self-care often takes a backseat, but it's essential to take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Make sure you're getting enough rest, eating well-balanced meals, and engaging in gentle exercise. Avoid turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive drinking or isolating yourself from the world. Remember, caring for yourself is not selfish but necessary for your healing process.

Create Rituals

Rituals can provide structure and comfort during times of grief. Whether it's lighting a candle in memory of your loved one, writing in a journal, or visiting a special place, these rituals can be a way to connect with your feelings and memories. Additionally, creating new rituals can also help you move forward and honor the person or thing you've lost.

Seek Professional Help

If you find yourself struggling to cope with your grief, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor experienced in grief and loss can provide valuable guidance and support tailored to your specific needs. They can help you navigate the complex emotions and challenges that come with grief and assist you in finding effective coping strategies.

Give Yourself Time

Healing from grief is not a linear process and can't be rushed. Be patient with yourself and allow the healing to take its course. There is no timeline for grief, and everyone's journey is unique. It's okay to have good days and bad days; it's all part of the healing process.

Remember the Good Times

While grief can be painful, it's essential to remember the good times and the joyous memories you shared with the person or thing you've lost. Celebrate their life and the impact they had on yours. Embracing the positive aspects can bring a sense of comfort and peace amidst the pain.

Dealing effectively with grief is a challenging journey, but it's also a transformative one. By acknowledging your feelings, seeking support, taking care of yourself, creating rituals, seeking professional help when needed, giving yourself time, and cherishing the memories, you can begin the healing process and gradually find a path towards acceptance and renewal. Remember, it's okay to grieve, and in time, you can emerge stronger and more resilient from this experience.

https://linktr.ee/TheGriefSchool

You Must Take Breaks From Your Grief

Introduction

Grieving is a natural and necessary process when we experience loss, but it's essential to remember that taking breaks from grief is equally crucial. 💔 In this blog post, we'll explore why giving yourself permission to take breaks from grief is a healthy and necessary part of the healing journey.

Why Breaks Are Important

Grief can be all-consuming, affecting every aspect of our lives. Taking breaks doesn't mean forgetting about our loss or dismissing our feelings; it means allowing ourselves moments of respite from the intensity of grief. 🌟

Breaks offer an opportunity to recharge emotionally, physically, and mentally. They give us the space to gain perspective, process our emotions, and return to grief with renewed strength. 💪

Permission to Feel Joy

During grief, it's common to feel guilty for experiencing moments of happiness or joy. However, allowing ourselves to take breaks and enjoy life doesn't diminish our love for the person we lost or the significance of our loss. It's a natural part of the healing process. 😊💕

Taking breaks and allowing ourselves to laugh or find pleasure in small moments doesn't mean we're betraying our grief. It means honoring our loved ones by continuing to live our lives with moments of happiness amidst the sorrow. 🌈

The Importance of Self-Care

Grief can take a toll on our physical and emotional well-being. Taking breaks from grief allows us to focus on self-care, which is crucial for healing. Whether it's going for a walk, engaging in a hobby, or spending time with loved ones, self-care helps us build resilience and cope with grief in healthier ways. 🌺💖

Breaking the Isolation

Grief can make us feel isolated and alone in our pain. Taking breaks allows us to connect with others and seek support. Sharing our feelings with someone who understands can be therapeutic and reassuring. 🤝🤗

During breaks, reaching out to friends, family, or support groups can remind us that we don't have to navigate grief alone. Finding comfort in the company of others can help us feel understood and less isolated. 💛

Balancing Grief and Breaks

Balancing grief and taking breaks is an individual journey, and there's no right or wrong way to do it. Listen to your emotional needs and give yourself the permission to take breaks when you need them. 🌼

Remember, grief doesn't have a timeline, and healing takes time. Taking breaks from grief i

Embracing Personal Authority: When Others Claim to Know Your Person Better

Losing a loved one is a deeply personal and transformative experience. In the aftermath of their passing, you may encounter well-meaning individuals who want to share their own perspectives and knowledge about your person. However, it's important to remember that no one is the ultimate authority over your loved one, especially after they have died. This blog explores the tendency of others to assert their knowledge and offers insights on embracing your personal authority.

Challenging Assumptions

People have a natural inclination to project their own perceptions onto others, even more so when it comes to discussing someone who has passed away. They may want to feel connected to your loved one by sharing anecdotes, memories, or opinions. However, it's essential to recognize that their understanding is limited to their own experiences and perspectives.

When others claim to know your person better or attempt to correct you on aspects of your loved one, it's important to challenge these assumptions. Remember that you are the ultimate authority on your loved one's life and the impact they had on you. Your unique relationship and personal experiences are what truly define your understanding of them.

Honoring Your Perspective

Grieving is a deeply personal and individual journey. No one can fully comprehend the depth and complexity of your relationship with your loved one. It is crucial to honor and trust your own perspective, memories, and feelings.

When others try to assert their knowledge or correct you, take a moment to reflect on your own experiences. Allow yourself to embrace the memories and emotions that are true to you. Trust that your understanding of your loved one is valid and valuable, regardless of what others may say.

Boundaries and Self-Advocacy

Establishing boundaries and practicing self-advocacy are vital when others attempt to assert their authority over your person. Politely but firmly remind them that your perspective is based on your unique relationship and experiences. Share your boundaries and communicate your need for support and understanding rather than correction or assumption.

By asserting your personal authority, you create a space where your loved one's memory can be honored in a way that feels authentic to you. It's important to surround yourself with individuals who respect and support your perspective, allowing you to navigate your grief journey in a way that feels true and meaningful.

The Gift of Listening

While it is essential to honor your own perspective, it's also valuable to listen to others' stories and memories. Engaging in conversations about your loved one can provide different insights and perspectives that may deepen your understanding and broaden your own memories.

However, remember that listening does not mean accepting others' claims as the absolute truth. Embrace a receptive mindset, filtering the information through your own experiences and emotions. Recognize that everyone's relationship with your loved one is unique, and their memories may offer a different perspective without invalidating your own.

Embracing Personal Authority

No one can claim to be the ultimate authority over your person, especially after they have died. Embracing your personal authority means recognizing and trusting your own experiences, emotions, and memories of your loved one.

Grief is a deeply personal journey, and your relationship with your loved one is unique. It's important to assert your personal authority, set boundaries, and advocate for your perspective. Surround yourself with individuals who respect and support your understanding, allowing you to navigate your grief authentically and find healing in your own way.

Remember, no one can diminish the significance of your relationship or the

Embracing Personal Authority: When Others Claim to Know Your Person Better

Losing a loved one is a deeply personal and transformative experience. In the aftermath of their passing, you may encounter well-meaning individuals who want to share their own perspectives and knowledge about your person. However, it's important to remember that no one is the ultimate authority over your loved one, especially after they have died. This blog explores the tendency of others to assert their knowledge and offers insights on embracing your personal authority.

Challenging Assumptions

People have a natural inclination to project their own perceptions onto others, even more so when it comes to discussing someone who has passed away. They may want to feel connected to your loved one by sharing anecdotes, memories, or opinions. However, it's essential to recognize that their understanding is limited to their own experiences and perspectives.

When others claim to know your person better or attempt to correct you on aspects of your loved one, it's important to challenge these assumptions. Remember that you are the ultimate authority on your loved one's life and the impact they had on you. Your unique relationship and personal experiences are what truly define your understanding of them.

Honoring Your Perspective

Grieving is a deeply personal and individual journey. No one can fully comprehend the depth and complexity of your relationship with your loved one. It is crucial to honor and trust your own perspective, memories, and feelings.

When others try to assert their knowledge or correct you, take a moment to reflect on your own experiences. Allow yourself to embrace the memories and emotions that are true to you. Trust that your understanding of your loved one is valid and valuable, regardless of what others may say.

Boundaries and Self-Advocacy

Establishing boundaries and practicing self-advocacy are vital when others attempt to assert their authority over your person. Politely but firmly remind them that your perspective is based on your unique relationship and experiences. Share your boundaries and communicate your need for support and understanding rather than correction or assumption.

By asserting your personal authority, you create a space where your loved one's memory can be honored in a way that feels authentic to you. It's important to surround yourself with individuals who respect and support your perspective, allowing you to navigate your grief journey in a way that feels true and meaningful.

The Gift of Listening

While it is essential to honor your own perspective, it's also valuable to listen to others' stories and memories. Engaging in conversations about your loved one can provide different insights and perspectives that may deepen your understanding and broaden your own memories.

However, remember that listening does not mean accepting others' claims as the absolute truth. Embrace a receptive mindset, filtering the information through your own experiences and emotions. Recognize that everyone's relationship with your loved one is unique, and their memories may offer a different perspective without invalidating your own.

Embracing Personal Authority

No one can claim to be the ultimate authority over your person, especially after they have died. Embracing your personal authority means recognizing and trusting your own experiences, emotions, and memories of your loved one.

Grief is a deeply personal journey, and your relationship with your loved one is unique. It's important to assert your personal authority, set boundaries, and advocate for your perspective. Surround yourself with individuals who respect and support your understanding, allowing you to navigate your grief authentically and find healing in your own way.

Remember, no one can diminish the significance of your relationship or the