Summary:In addition to posing a new concept of grief, we use the analogy of a caterpillar in its cocoon, or chrysalis. Just as the caterpillar is encased in darkness,  we in our grief often feel shut out, isolated. And like the caterpillar is faced with unimaginable turmoil as it morphs into a butterfly and can only move forward in life by struggling to escape the chrysalis, we in our grief can only progress by inconceivable steps to redefine ourselves and feel confident in what can only be described as a new life - never the same life, never the same self. Having introduced this perspective, we are asking your help with a new venture. Listen in...Link to our questionnaire - Tell Us Your Story, https://form.jotform.com/232484291458059Notes:Dorian Johnson is author of the book, The View from Above: One Fathers Memoir of Grief Guided to Grace, in which he describes retracing the trails his son hired one year ago to the day -- a hike from which his son never returned. Through Dorian's introspection he has connected life's virtues and documented them in a table modeled after the Periodic Table. Dorian is a motivational speaker, digital marketer, content creator, influencer and an award winning author.Contact:www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.comFacebook:  As I Live and GrieveInstagram:  @asiliveandgrieveTo Reach Dorian:Email: kidathart@gmail.com            Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod Support the show

Summary:Is there a time in your grief where you have felt guilty? Guilty for a decision you made or didn't make? Guilty because you lived, yet your loved one died? Perfectly normal. Listen to my conversation with Marie Scott. I think it may help.Notes:Marie Scott is a bestselling author, Certified Health Coach, Practitioner of Functional Medicine and a fellow widow after 30 years with her husband, Dave. She has a passion to help widows and widowers gain health, humor and love back into their live using her 7 Steps to Healing After Loss. Marie’s book, “Finding Meaning (and Humor) in Widowhood, Firehouses & Organic Vegetables: 7 Steps to Healing After Loss,” is written for widows and widowers to inspire them to live well, laugh more, and even find love again. Contact:www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook:  As I Live and Grieve Instagram:  @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Marie:Website:  https://www.mariescottwellness.com/Email: marie@mariescottwellness.comCredits: Music by Kevin MacLeod Support the show

Summary:It's no secret that discussing grief with children is often awkward and heart-wrenching, so much so that we turn to books for help. Listen in today as I talk with Tom Crice, author of Birds of a Feather: A Children's Story of Love, Loss, and What Came Next . In this gentle story, the topic of grief is subtle, assuming that role in life that our grief takes as we move through the phase of anger and on to acceptance. Additionally, I found the book filled with sensory words and phrases, as well as daily routines that provide so many "jumping off points" for discussions with our children or grandchildren. Tom describes his book as a "little chapter book" and you will find it appropriate even for a big brother or sister to read to his own little brother or sister, a chapter at a time.Notes:Throughout his life, Tom has been a writer. Five years ago he wrote Birds of a Feather, a children's story set in Texas after his grandfather died. It received excellent reviews from Kirkus and Booklist and is on the shelves of libraries across the USA and Canada, and even a few in Australia.  Tom lives in Providence RI with his wife Ellen, who is the illustrator of this gem of a children's book.Contact:www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook:  As I Live and Grieve Instagram:  @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Tom:Email:  tomcrice@me.com     Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod  Support the show

Summary:It’s my turn to speak - to tell my story in one piece instead a comment here and there. It’s also my turn to let you, the listener, know how much you have helped me. In providing resources for you, I found new and exciting alternatives, curious concepts, and inspirational ideas. It’s time for a break - for introspection, relaxation, and exploration. There will be a gap of 2-3 weeks until the next episode. Until then…Take care of yourselves, as we all continue to live - and grieve.❤️ KathyContact:www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook:  As I Live and Grieve Instagram:  @asiliveandgrieve  Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod Support the show

Summary:With the loss of a loved one, a person feels blindsided, devastated and often very alone, as it appears others around them just don't "get it." If we are lucky enough to find someone who does "get it," their words of support and encouragement make a huge difference in a grief journey. Gary Sturgis "gets it."Comments:Gary Sturgis survived the greatest loss of his life and now works as a Grief Specialist, Coach, Speaker, and Bereavement Facilitator. He is the author of SURVIVING - Finding Your Way from Grief to Healing , GRIEF - Hope in the Aftermath, and SURVIVING GRIEF - 365 Days A Year. He finds it an honor to help others find their way through the maze of grief to a place of peace. Using what he's learned on his own personal grief journey, Gary shares his insight and experiences to help guide people through the healing process after a significant loss.Contact:www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook:  As I Live and Grieve Instagram:  @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Gary:Website: SURVIVING GRIEF  www.sgrief.comFacebook: SURVIVING GRIEF https://www.facebook.com/SurvivingGriefGarySturgisEmail: gary@sgrief.comCredits: Music by Kevin MacLeod Support the show

Summary:We've talked before about how you pass someone at the mall or grocery store that might be grieving, but we can't tell -- and how special it might be to quietly acknowledge to them that you empathize with them in their loss. Andre Roupp chats with me about how generations ago you could easily tell who was grieving by the clothes they wore, buntings draped on their houses. Grieving through the generations - listen in.Notes:Andre joined Roupp Funeral Home, Inc. as Funeral Director/Supervisor, in 1998.  He attended Washington & Jefferson College, Washington, PA, for two years, prior to earning an AAS in Mortuary Science from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, in 1997.  Andre has been active in coaching boys' basketball at Mifflinburg High School since 1998, and as the head varsity coach since 2012. He is actively involved in community organizations such as the Mifflinburg Kiwanis Club, and enjoys playing golf.Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook:  As I Live and Grieve Instagram:  @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Andre: Website:  https://www.rouppfuneralhome.comPhone:  570-966-2402Email:  andre@rouppfhinc.comCredits: Music by Kevin MacLeod Support the show

Summary:What is your first thought if someone suggested there was beauty to be found in our grief? I'm a lifelong skeptic, so I immediately thought "impossible." However, this does make sense. Listen in...Notes:Dorian Johnson is author of the book, The View from Above: One Fathers Memoir of Grief Guided to Grace, in which he describes retracing the trails his son hired one year ago to the day -- a hike from which his son never returned. Through Dorian's introspection he has connected life's virtues and documented them in a table modeled after the Periodic Table. Dorian is a motivational speaker, digital marketer, content creator, influencer and an award winning author. Contact:www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.comFacebook:  As I Live and GrieveInstagram:  @asiliveandgrieveTo Reach Dorian:Email: kidathart@gmail.com Facebook:                Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod Support the show

Summary:Suicide has a stigma for grievers that only adds to the already horrifying burden. A sense of guilt, shame, and disgrace we cannot imagine makes grief even more unbearable. Alexandra Wyman chats with me today to help me, and you, better understand how complex this issue can be. Notes:Alexandra Wyman is an advocate and public speaker for resources in the aftermath of suicide. After she lost her husband to suicide in August of 2020, Alexandra found a need to change the language around suicide, and decided to write about it in her memoir, The Suicide Club: What To Do When Someone You Love Chooses Death.She has spoken at a variety of conferences including Bridging the Divide Suicide Prevention and Awareness Summit 2022, 2023 Northwest Conference on Childhood Grief, and has been accepted to present at the 2023 Military Social Work & Behavioral Health Conference and the International Association of Suicide Prevention Conference 2023 in Piran, Slovenia. Alexandra has her own podcast called, The Widow’s Club, practices pediatric occupational therapy and lives in Colorado with her son.Contact:www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.comFacebook:  As I Live and GrieveInstagram:  @asiliveandgrieveTo Reach Alexandra:Website:  https://www.forwardtojoy.com               Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod To learn more about Alexandra and her work, visit her website atwww.forwardtojoy.com.Support the show

Summary:Every so often you hear or see a commercial reminding you to put your affairs in order for your personal end of life so your loved ones won't have the burden of choosing what they think you wanted. The piece that is missing from this is that should you do it ahead of time, you are giving them a huge gift in their initial grief.  Whether "prepared" for your death or not, the actuality remains devastating for your loved ones after you die. When the task of making decisions about your wishes for a service, your burial, etc. are already done, they have a moment to catch their breath and treasure the love they have for you. Listen in as I chat with Corey and Katie...Notes:Corey and Katie entered widowhood in 2016.  Corey’s wife, Kris, died from pancreatic cancer, 16 months after being diagnosed.  They were married for 26 years and have four wonderful children – three daughters and one son.  There is one grandchild with another on the way.  Katie’s husband, Dave, passed away on Aug 11th 2016, 7 and a half months after being diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  Katie and Dave were married two weeks shy of 27 years. They have three amazing sons together. Corey and Katie met and connected in a widow/widower support group and later married. One of the principles they learned from their own experiences and those of other surviving spouses is that the more prepared a surviving spouse is on a financial, legal, emotional, and practical level, the better they will adjust to widowhood.  With so many in their support group sharing hardships that could have been avoided with proper preparation, Corey and Katie decided to launch Prepare Your Affairs.  They provide digital tools as well as personal coaching to help families face the future with fortitude. Contact:www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.comFacebook:  As I Live and GrieveInstagram:  @asiliveandgrieveTo Reach Corey and Katie:Website:  https://www.affairsinorder.comEmail: peaceofmind@affairsinorder.com               Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod Support the show

Summary:A recent change in the mental health field has upset therapists and grievers alike, as one type of grief was recently tagged with a DSM-5 diagnosis code, making it an official mental health disorder. Marj and I discuss this and come to a conclusion. See if you agree.Notes:Marj Smith, LCSW, has over 15 years of experience  with specialties in grief and life transitions, as well as a variety of challenges experienced as adults. She is a member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) and obtained her MSW in 2004 from Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester, NY.  Her varied career has offered her the opportunity to develop skills in many settings. Contact:www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.comFacebook:  As I Live and GrieveInstagram:  @asiliveandgrieveTo Reach Marj:Email:  marj@healwithmarj.comWebsites:     https://zencare.co/provider/therapist/marjorie-smith   https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1127612Call or Email Marj for a free 15 minute consultation - (585) 728-4751Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod Support the show

Summary:Join our conversation today as Cindy Burns offers her insight on grief.  She lost her husband 10 years, to the exact day, that she lost her father. Married 31 years, they raised 6 sons. In her grief, she felt alone, leaving her sons to grieve themselves without adding to their worry. Like many, she stuffed feelings, going on as she thought others expected her to. Years later, she was able to sort through many emotions and change her life.Notes:Cindy is a Grief Doula, a certified Life Purpose Life Coach and a Happiness Coach. She offers coaching and specialized programs to aid others in working through their grief to a new purpose in life. Contact:www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.comFacebook:  As I Live and GrieveInstagram:  @asiliveandgrieveTo Reach Cindy:Website:  https://www.cindyjburns.comCredits: Music by Kevin MacLeod Support the showSupport the show

Summary:It's so hard to let go when we lose someone, so don't feel you have to. Dave Roberts shares how he was able to remain connected to his daughter after her death. Finding linking objects and continuing to include your loved one in your daily routine can you manage your grief in a more fulfilling manner. Listen in...Notes:David J. Roberts, LMSW, became a parent who experienced the death of a child, when his daughter Jeannine died of cancer on 3/1/03 at the age of 18. He is a retired addiction professional and an adjunct professor in the psychology child life department at Utica University in Utica, New York. Dave also teaches psychology classes at  Pratt MWP School of Art and Design. He is the host of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, which can be found on Apple, Spotify and other podcast platforms. Dave  has been a past HuffPost contributor and has contributed  articles to Medium, Open to Hope Foundation, Mindfulness and Grief, Thrive Global, and the Recovering the Self Journal. He has also appeared on numerous podcasts, as well as Open to Hope Television. In 2021,he co-authored and published a book with Reverend Patty Furino titled, When The Psychology Professor Met The Minister.Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook:  As I Live and Grieve Instagram:  @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Dave: Website:  http://bootsyandangel.comE-mail : bootsyandangel@gmail.comBook Website: http://psychologyprofessorandminister.com Book Purchasing Information: When The Psychology Professor Met The MinisterFacebookLinkedinInstagram Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod Support the show

Summary:We have established that we each walk our own grief journey, different than others, yet with numerous similarities. We can gain strength and support through the stories of others. Suzanne Anderson is with me today to talk about her journey after the loss of her husband.Notes:Suzanne has lived on a kibbutz in Israel and taught skiing in the Golan Heights, met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and did Transcendental Meditation and lived for a month in a remote cliff cave in Crete exploring altered states. She has long been on a path of growth and enlightenment, yet her husband's death shook her like an earthquake. "Within 6 months I had lost everything I held most precious – my beloved husband and our future together, our island retreat center home, my cat, my community and my company." Now she guides women, not only through grief, but through transformation.  She is the author of two books, You Make Your Path by Walking and The Way of the Mysterial Woman.Contact:www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.comFacebook:  As I Live and GrieveInstagram:  @asiliveandgrieveTo Reach Suzanne:Email:  suzanne@mysterialwoman.comWebsite:  https://www.mysterialwoman.comCredits: Music by Kevin MacLeod Support the show

Summary:So much free advice and guidance can be offered to us as we grieve. It is important, therefore, to be able to decide what might be helpful and what we just have to learn for ourselves. Gary Roe is the perfect resource to help and guide us as we grieve.Notes:Gary Roe is the multiple award-winning author of more than a dozen books including Comfort for the Grieving Spouse’s Heart, Shattered: Surviving the Loss of a Child, and Aftermath: Picking Up the Pieces After a Suicide. Gary’s books have won three international book awards and have been named as finalists eight times. He has been featured on Dr. Laura, The Daily Positive, Wellness, BeliefNet, Thrive Global, and other national media. A trusted and compassionate voice in grief recovery, Gary currently serves as a hospice chaplain and grief counselor for Hospice Brazos Valley in central Texas. Known for his engaging style and sense of humor, he is also a popular speaker at a wide variety of venues. Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook:  As I Live and Grieve Instagram:  @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Gary Roe: Website:  https://www.garyroe.com/  Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod Support the show

Summary:In grief we tend to shrink within ourselves at times, a form of protection. Kimberly Brown offers thoughts and tips instead on how to open our hearts in our grief.  Kimberly is a meditation teacher, guide and coach with so many ideas and exercises to help along the way. Notes:Transformed by practicing traditional Buddhist meditations and contemporary therapeutic techniques, Kimberly teaches others how to create a life of wisdom, love, and compassion—for ourselves, others, and the world. Her book, Navigating Grief and Loss-25 Buddhist Practices to Keep Your Heart Open to Yourself and Others, is definitely one that should be in your hands. Kimberly is a Certified Mindfulness Teacher, Professional Level (CMT-P) with the International Mindfulness Teachers Association, a member of The Mindful Directory, and a graduate of a year-long 200 hour intensive Meditation Teacher Training program (2011). As a Buddhist student of nearly two decades, she regularly participates in silent residential retreats and trains with teachers in the Insight and Tibetan lineages.Contact:www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.comFacebook:  As I Live and GrieveInstagram:  @asiliveandgrieveTo Reach Kimberly:Email:  kim@meditationwithheart.comWebsite:  https://meditationwithheart.com/Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod Support the show

Summary:Grief is best understood by personal experience. That explains why supporters who have yet to experience it feel awkward, confused and unable to help. Aly Bird has written exactly the right book to fill the gap. In her words she demonstrates how to be a supportive Grief Ally to those suffering and shares with us today some helpful information.Notes:Since her husband’s untimely death, Aly Bird has poured her heart into helping those who feel helpless during an unexpected crisis. Her extensive study ofgrief psychology and culture, combined with her own devastating first-handknowledge, led her to create a roadmap for those committed to supporting thebereaved. An author, coach, speaker and workshop leader, Aly shows a clear pathto those who have the courage to take on the vital role of being a grief ally. Contact:www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook:  As I Live and GrieveInstagram:  @asiliveandgrieve To Reach Aly:Website:  www.alybird.comSocial Media:  @thealybirdCredits: Music by Kevin MacLeod Support the show

Summary:As women, we can't always understand why grief is different for men. John Lewis offers insight into how and what men feel in their grief. Maybe this will help a bit. Listen in...Notes:John Lewis is a speaker, motivator, author and single father of two daughters (ages 21 and 24), with his youngest graduating May 2023 from Brandeis University. With the death of his wife in 2016, he navigated the circuitous journey of his grief, finally choosing to rebuild his life. Like everyone else, he did not have an easy time of it, but now shares his journey with others, using it to demonstrate how one can use grief's negative energy to create positive outcomes. His book is titled, "Cook Away Your Grief: Using your Negative Energy to Create a Better Self," and he is about to launch his podcast (May 15, 2023) called "Giving Grief the Middle Finger." Contact:www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.com Facebook:  As I Live and GrieveInstagram:  @asiliveandgrieve To Reach John:Website:  jl3motivation.comFacebook:  JLewisIIIMotivationInstagram:  jlewisiiimotivation/LinkedIn:  jlewisiiimotivationCredits: Music by Kevin MacLeod Support the show

Summary:Music is said to calm us at times, and at other times it can make us scream along with the lyrics. How about using music to assist our emotions in coming to the surface? Could toe tapping, progress to humming, then to getting up on our feet dancing? Why not? Listen to my conversation with Greg - let me know if you think music can help in our grief.Notes:Greg Halpen is a multi-passionate creative. He's a creativity coach, singer, actor, solo show artist, food photographer, and digital content creator. Greg has an extensive background as a performing artist performing in musical productions in NYC, Upstate NY and across the United States. He studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC and the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Greg has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is currently studying for his graduate degree in mental health counseling.Contact:www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.comFacebook:  As I Live and GrieveInstagram:  @asiliveandgrieveTo Reach Greg:Email:  vision@creativevisionary.com Website:  https://creativevisionaryincubator.com/Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod  Support the show

Summary:He's baaack! John returns to chat about taking care of ourselves while grieving. He offers a unique perspective about others around us. You really need to listen to this one...Notes:John Polo is a coach, author and speaker. In January of 2016, John lost his wife, Michelle, to cancer. From the rubble of everything that he once knew, consumed by desperation and despair, John held on long enough until he found his hope. And he slowly rebuilt. Today John helps others through his social media, books, coaching, workshops, speeches and podcasts. From grief to dating, self-growth and everything in between, John offers a style of coaching that is not only effective, but also very personal and unique.  John is the author of three books, host of two podcasts and has worked with clients on thousands of coaching sessions. He has been featured on People.com, NBC, The Huffington Post, Yahoo, Fox and more. Contact: www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.comFacebook:  As I Live and GrieveInstagram:  @asiliveandgrieveTo Reach John:Email:  john@johpolocoaching.comWebsite:  johnpolocoaching.com Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod Support the show

Summary:With the pandemic mostly behind us, thoughts of those we lost remain. Victoria Noe realized the loss of numerous friends and shares how we often are unsupported in this grief. Despite how close or important these relationships were, they are not usually recognized as valid. Notes:Deep into her fourth career, St. Louis native Victoria Noe is a Chicago-based award-winning author, speaker and activist with two degrees in theater. Her Friend Grief series - the result of a promise she made to a dying friend - recognizes the importance of friendships in shaping our lives. Noe’s long-time HIV/AIDS activism then led her to write F*g Hags, Divas and Moms: The Legacy of Straight Women in the AIDS Community, the groundbreaking book that honors the women who changed the course of the epidemic. An accomplished public speaker, she has presented at ACT UP/London, Mt. Sinai Hospital, the Muse and the Marketplace, BookExpo America, and Open Hand/San Francisco as well as libraries and bookstores around New York state and the Midwest. During COVID, she presented regularly and led writing groups online. Noe’s newest book, What Our Friends Left Behind: Grief and Laughter in a Pandemic, about people who have grieved a friend during the pandemic, will be published in June, 2023. Try to keep up with her at victorianoe.com.  Contact:www.asiliveandgrieve.cominfo@asiliveandgrieve.comFacebook:  As I Live and GrieveInstagram:  @asiliveandgrieveTo reach Victoria: victoria@victorianoe.comwww.victorianoe.comFacebook:  facebook.com/VictoriaNoeAuthorInstagram:  Instagram.com/victorianoe1131LinkedIn:  LinkedIn.com/victorianoeauthor Credits: Music by Kevin MacLeod  Support the show