The Fear of Moving On Without You
Healing Starts with the Heart
Welcome to "Healing Starts with the Heart," a podcast where we explore the journey of healing from grief. I'm your host, Sharon, and today we're going to talk about a feeling that many of us who have experienced loss can relate to: not wanting to return to 'normal.' Let's start with a simple truth. When you lose someone or something important, your life changes. It's like you're on a journey where, at first, your loss becomes a part of you. It's not about overcoming it quickly; it's about integrating it into your life. Now, I know the idea of getting 'better' or the thought of your grief...
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You Now Live in the Alternate Universe
Healing Starts with the Heart
Hello, dear listeners, and welcome to another episode of "Healing Starts with the Heart." I'm Sharon, your guide on this journey of understanding and healing from grief. Today's topic is a unique one: feeling like you're living in an 'Alternative Universe' after a loss. You're still here on Earth, going about your daily life. You say hi to your neighbors, visit the grocery store, talk to people. But something feels different, doesn't it? It's like you're there, but not really seen. There's this vast divide between you and the rest of the world. This feeling is more common in grief than you...
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Loss of Trust in the World and People
Healing Starts with the Heart
Hello, everyone! Welcome back to "Healing Starts with the Heart." I'm your host, Sharon. Today, we're going to explore a tough aspect of grief that many of us face: losing trust in the world and the people around us. When something really big and painful happens, it can feel like your whole world has changed. You might start thinking that there aren't any good things or good people left. It's like you're asking yourself, "Do things really work out fine in the end?" This feeling is what we call a secondary loss. It's not just about the person or thing you lost. It's also about losing your...
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Grievers Have Choices
Healing Starts with the Heart
Hello, everyone! Welcome to another episode of "Healing Starts with the Heart." I'm Sharon, your host, and today we're going to talk about something really important: the choices we have as grievers. Often, when we're grieving, it feels like we have no control over anything. But guess what? That's not entirely true. Even in grief, we have choices. You have the choice to stay where you are or to go somewhere new. It's okay to say no to things you don't feel ready for. And you know what? It's perfectly fine to ask for help when you need it. Or you can choose to handle things on your own. Some...
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Saying "Yes" to Healing and Living Again
Healing Starts with the Heart
Hi everyone, welcome back to "Healing Starts with the Heart." I'm Sharon, your host, and today I want to talk about something very close to my heart: helping you heal from heartbreak and find peace and joy again. If you're feeling alone, overwhelmed, or just lost in your grief, I'm here to support you. I understand the pain of a broken heart deeply because I've been there too. After the death of my nephew Austin, I thought I would never really live again. I was consumed by grief. But then, something changed. I was introduced to a Grief Recovery Specialist, and through their guidance, I learned...
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Let's Talk About Grief
Healing Starts with the Heart
Hello, everyone! Welcome to "Healing Starts with the Heart." I'm Sharon, and today we're going to talk about something that touches all our lives: loss and grief. Loss is an unavoidable part of life. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, a pet, or even a long-held dream, we will all experience a broken heart at some point. Grief is normal and natural, but going through the healing process can be one of the toughest times in our lives. Now, have you ever wondered why people don't like to talk about grief? It seems like whenever we bring up grief or loss, people get uncomfortable. It's almost as...
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Deepening the Father-Child Bond: Healing and Hope
Healing Starts with the Heart
Podcast Show Notes: Exploring the Father-Child Relationship with Gigi Denar - Part 2 Episode Title: "Deepening the Father-Child Bond: Healing and Hope" Introduction Host: Sharon Guest: Gigi Denar, Author Topic: The critical importance of the father-child relationship in shaping life trajectories. Discussion Highlights The Significance of the Father-Child Relationship: Gigi emphasizes the unique role fathers play in identity formation. The discussion revolves around how the absence of a father leads to a sense of brokenness. Gigi's Personal Experience: Gigi shares her personal journey,...
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Unveiling the Depths of the Father-Child Bond
Healing Starts with the Heart
Podcast Show Notes: Exploring the Father-Child Relationship with Gigi Denar Episode Title: "Unveiling the Depths of the Father-Child Bond" Introduction Host: Sharon Guest: Gigi Denar, Author, Motivational Speaker, Counselor Topic: Father-Child Relationships and Their Impact on Grief and Personal Development Key Points Discussed Gigi Denar's Background and Journey: Gigi shares her personal experience of growing up without knowing her father. She details the moment she learned about her siblings and the start of her clandestine relationship with her paternal grandfather. Gigi describes her...
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Embracing Healing: Janine Rashidi's Journey Through Trauma Part 1
Healing Starts with the Heart
Podcast Show Notes: Healing Journey with Janine Rashidi - Part 1 Episode Title: "Embracing Healing: Janine Rashidi's Journey Through Trauma" Introduction Host: Sharon Guest: Janine Rashidi, Author and Healer Topic: Overcoming trauma and the journey towards healing Key Points Discussed Janine Rashdi's Background: Janine shares her upbringing in a household with addiction and abuse. She details the various forms of abuse she experienced and her role as a caretaker for her siblings. Early Realization of Abuse: Janine recounts realizing her family dynamics were not normal at a young age. She...
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Abundance Beyond Trauma: Janine Rashidi's Path to Healing Part 2
Healing Starts with the Heart
Podcast Show Notes: Healing Journey with Janine Rashidi - Part 2 Episode Title: "Abundance Beyond Trauma: Janine Rashidi's Path to Healing" Introduction Host: Sharon Brubaker Guest: Janine Rashidi Podcast: Healing Starts With the Heart Topic: Continued exploration of Janine Rashidi's healing journey and insights into her work Key Points Discussed Janine's Career Shift to Independent Practice: Janine talks about transitioning from working for a chiropractor to establishing her own practice. She emphasizes the importance of autonomy in her healing and counseling journey. Clients’ Trauma...
info_outlineEmbracing 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