Healing Starts with the Heart

Episode Summary: In this heartfelt episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, Sharon Brubaker opens the door to a topic many avoid—your grief story. Not the polite, watered-down version, but the real, raw, unfiltered story of what happened, what you felt, and what you still carry. Sharon explains why telling this story—first to yourself and then to others—is a necessary part of healing. She shares how the truth of our pain holds the key to transformation, connection, and true emotional release. Whether you’ve lost a person, a dream, a relationship, or a piece of yourself—this episode...

You Knew How to Grieve

In this empowering episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, Sharon Brubaker pulls back the curtain on one of the greatest grief misconceptions: that we need to learn how to grieve. Sharon reveals a deeper truth—we were all born knowing how to grieve. From your first cry to your instinct to reach out when in pain, grief is not something to be taught but something we’ve been taught to forget. Through raw, compassionate storytelling and the powerful example of a client who found her way back to healing, Sharon reminds us that grief is not a flaw—it’s our body and spirit doing exactly...

Lean Into the Pain, Don’t Run From It

Healing Starts with the Heart

In this raw and deeply honest episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, Sharon Brubaker invites listeners into the messy, painful, and necessary truth of what it means to lean in to grief. Instead of hiding, numbing, or pretending you’re okay, Sharon challenges you to stop running from the pain and start facing it head-on. This is not about suffering for suffering’s sake—it’s about healing the only way that works: by feeling it all. If you’ve ever told yourself, “If I let this out, I’ll never stop crying,” this episode is for you. Sharon unpacks the myths we’re told about...

The Day Everything Fell Apart

Healing Starts with the Heart

🎙️ Episode Summary: In this unforgettable episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker shares the story of the exact moment her life split into “before” and “after.” Through a searingly honest account of the phone call that changed everything—the loss of her nephew Austin—Sharon takes listeners inside the collapse that grief can cause. This isn’t a conversation about “moving on” or checking boxes—it’s a journey through the mess, the silence, and the search for truth. If you’ve had that day—the one where it all fell apart—this...

This Is the Grief Sh*t No One Talks About

Healing Starts with the Heart

Episode Summary: In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Healing Starts with a Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker explores the raw truth behind her book Grieve That Sht*. Through honest storytelling and lived experience, Sharon unpacks “the grief sh*t”—the real, often unspoken pain that comes with loss—and what it actually feels like in the body, mind, and soul. This episode is a lifeline for anyone navigating the devastating aftermath of grief and looking for real talk, not clichés. Key Points Discussed: The origin and meaning behind the book title Grieve That Sht* ...

A Wake-Up Call for Every Griever

Healing Starts with the Heart

A Wake-Up Call for Every Griever Episode Summary: In this powerful kickoff to Healing Starts with a Heart, Sharon Brubaker gets real about what it means to truly grieve. This episode introduces the unapologetic truth behind her upcoming book, Grieve That Sht*. Sharon shares the raw inspiration for the title, why she refuses to sugarcoat grief, and why it’s time for all grievers to stop hiding. If you’ve ever felt suffocated by forced positivity, misunderstood by the people around you, or overwhelmed by the hidden layers of loss—this episode is for you. This is more than a conversation....

Grieve That Sht – A Wake-Up Call for Every Griever

Healing Starts with the Heart

Grieve That Sht – A Wake-Up Call for Every Griever Episode Summary: In this powerful kickoff to Healing Starts with a Heart, Sharon Brubaker gets real about what it means to truly grieve. This episode introduces the unapologetic truth behind her upcoming book, Grieve That Sht*. Sharon shares the raw inspiration for the title, why she refuses to sugarcoat grief, and why it’s time for all grievers to stop hiding. If you’ve ever felt suffocated by forced positivity, misunderstood by the people around you, or overwhelmed by the hidden layers of loss—this episode is for you. This is more...

The Lies We've Been Told About Grief

Healing Starts with the Heart

The Lies We've Been Told About Grief Episode Description: In this eye-opening episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker confronts the damaging lies we've all been told about grief. From childhood, we are handed false beliefs like: • “Don’t feel bad” • “Be strong” • “Time will heal” • “You should get over it” Sharon dives deep into how these messages have distorted our understanding of grief and often cause us to suppress or deny the pain we’re carrying. She shares her own personal experience with the grief that no one warned her...

The Truth About Time and Why It Won’t Heal Your Grief

Healing Starts with the Heart

The Truth About Time and Why It Won’t Heal Your Grief Episode Description: In this powerful episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker challenges one of the most common myths about grief: that time alone will heal all wounds. With raw honesty and deep personal reflection, Sharon explores the ways time affects grief—not by erasing pain, but by revealing the spaces where healing is still needed. She shares her own journey of realizing just how long it has been since she last saw and spoke to her loved ones, and the surprising emotions that surfaced when...

The Truth About Processing Grief

Healing Starts with the Heart

Grief and the Journey of Healing Grief is a deeply personal and often misunderstood experience. Society tends to encourage moving on quickly, but true healing comes from acknowledging and processing grief rather than suppressing it. Sharon Brubaker, a grief specialist with over 18 years of experience, guides individuals through their healing journeys with compassion and practical tools. Rather than avoiding grief, embracing it with awareness can lead to emotional recovery. Suppressing grief may seem like the easiest option, but unprocessed emotions often resurface in unexpected ways. By...

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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

Healing Starts with the Heart

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