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 belief in positive outcomes. The hard part is, once you know something or have seen something, you can't just pretend it didn't happen, can you? It's tough, I know. But here's something important to remember: losing trust doesn't mean it's gone forever. Just like a broken bone, trust can heal over time. Healing starts with small steps. It's about finding little things and people in your life that show you kindness and goodnes

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 days, you might want to sleep all day, and that's okay. If you feel like crying in public, that's okay too. You can go to a party and have fun, even if you're grieving. Eat what you want, when you want. If you need companionship, reach out to someone. Or, if you prefer to be alone, that's a valid choice as well. It's okay to feel sad, and it's okay to change your routine or the things you used to do. You don't always have

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 the tools to move beyond this pain. This experience was so transformative for me that I knew I had to dedicate my life to helping others find their way through grief. And you know what? You can find your own recovery too. Say "Yes" to healing your life. Say "Yes" to enjoying an authentic life that honors the memory of those you love. It's not about forgetting them; it's about finding a way to remember them with love, no

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 if grief has become a 'dirty word' or the 'enemy.' On social media, for example, funny and uplifting posts get lots of likes and comments. But mention grief or loss, and it's like a ghost town. So, why is it that the word 'grief' makes us so uncomfortable? My guess? We don't talk about it enough. We associate grief with pain, tears, and death. These are all true, but grief is also a universal experience that connects us

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, including dating older men as a result of lacking her father's presence. She reflects on the different kinds of voids created by the absence of a nurturing mother and an affirming father. Dynamics of the Father-Daughter Relationship: The conversation shifts to the unique dynamics of father-daughter relationships. Gigi points out how fathers are often the first male love of a daughter, shaping her future relationships. T

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 first contact with her father and the emotional turmoil it brought. The Role of Grief in the Father-Child Relationship: The conversation delves into how the absence of a father is a significant form of grief. Gigi recounts her own grief and longing for a father she never knew. The discussion touches on how children fill in gaps in their understanding when information is missing. Healing and Reconciliation: Gigi talks

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 contrasts her experiences with those of her peers, highlighting the abnormalities in her upbringing. Escape and Independence: Janine describes her decision to run away from home at 15 and her experiences living homeless. She talks about meeting a significantly older man and entering into a relationship marked by similar abusive patterns as her childhood. Janine's Turning Point: The pivotal moment when Janine decided

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 and Healing: Janine shares her experiences with clients processing their traumas during sessions. These interactions lead her to seek out more healing modalities for herself and her clients. Writing “Abundance Beyond Trauma”: Janine discusses the inspiration behind writing her book. She emphasizes the importance of overcoming self-doubt and the encouragement she received during the writing process. Learning Ayurveda and

"Healing and Growth During the Holidays: Nanette's Personal Journey - Part 2" Episode Summary: In the second part of Nanette's story, we delve into her experience of spending the holidays in a different state, the process of healing, and her journey of rediscovering joy in the holiday season after profound loss. This episode provides an intimate look at grief, coping mechanisms, and the slow but hopeful path to healing. Key Points Discussed: Holiday Experience in Kansas: Nanette recounts her first holiday away from home after her daughter's passing. She describes being welcomed by a new family, which unexpectedly brought her comfort and peace. Dealing with Grief and Longing: Nanette discusses how she managed her grief during this time, focusing on the unexpected moments of peace and the importance of having a plan. Return to Grief and Renewed Healing: Upon returning home, Nanette faced her grief anew. She shares how this led her to seek help and start processing her loss more effectively. Significant Steps i

"Journey Through Grief and Recovery with Nanette - Part 1" Episode Summary: In this heartfelt episode, we're joined by Nanette, a close friend of the host's sister, Charlene. Nanette shares her profound journey through grief following the loss of her daughter, father, and mother. She discusses her close-knit family relationships and the impact of these losses on her life. This episode is the first of a two-part series focusing on coping with grief during the holidays and Nanette's path to recovery. Key Points Discussed: Nanette's Personal Story: Tracing back her 14-year friendship with the host and her sister, Nanette opens up about her life, her deep family bonds, and the tragic losses she has endured. Loss of Loved Ones: Nanette shares the pain of losing her father in 1993, her mother in 2014, and her daughter in 2021. She delves into the unique relationships she had with each of them. Grief and Recovery: Nanette talks about her struggle with grief, especially after losing her daughter, and her initial rel

Show Notes for Sharon's Podcast Interview with Client Chris: Journey Through Grief Episode Title: A Personal Tale of Triumph Over Grief with Chris In this episode, Sharon sits down with her former client, Chris, who recently completed her grief program. Chris openly shares her journey through grief and how the program helped her navigate this challenging time in her life. Key Topics Discussed: Chris’s Initial Search for Support: Chris talks about feeling alone after losing her family members and husband. She shares her struggle to find a program that resonated with her, including her experiences with psychologists and other grief programs. Finding Comfort in Sharon's Approach: Chris describes her relief upon connecting with Sharon, emphasizing the personal touch and understanding she felt from their very first conversation. The Program’s Impact and Methodology: Chris reflects on the pivotal moments in the program that helped her see progress. She highlights the importance of the program's structure, which al

Show Notes for "What If This Grief Was Meant For You?" Episode Title: Embracing Grief as a Transformative Journey In this powerful episode, we explore the provocative question: What if grief was meant for you? Sharon delves into the notion of grief not as a burden to be escaped, but as a path towards growth and understanding. Key Discussions: Redefining Grief: The episode begins with a thought-provoking introduction challenging the traditional perception of grief. It suggests embracing grief instead of avoiding it, proposing that the true path to healing is through confronting our pain. Societal Misconceptions of Grief: A critical look at how society often wrongly interprets grief, urging people to move on quickly and labeling expressions of sorrow as inappropriate or excessive. Grief's Purpose: Sharon shares insights into the natural process of grieving and its purpose in our lives, including how even children instinctively understand and navigate grief. Real Stories and Expert Insights: Throughout the epis

Podcast Show Notes: "Forever Changed: Navigating Family Dynamics After Loss" with Sharon Episode Overview In this heartfelt episode, Sharon delves into the profound impact of loss on family dynamics. She shares personal stories about how the passing of key family members, especially her father, reshaped her family's traditions and bonds. This episode offers a deep exploration into the complexities of grief and the process of creating new traditions. Key Points Discussed Personal Reflections on Loss: Sharon shares her experiences of losing her father, Austin, and Donovan, highlighting how each loss uniquely affected her and her siblings. The Role of Family Traditions: The importance of family gatherings, especially during holidays, and how these traditions were central to their family life. Sharon reminisces about her father's role in these gatherings and his love for cooking. Impact of Loss on Family Unity: The episode discusses the gradual changes in family gatherings post the loss of Sharon's father and ot

Show Notes for "Surviving the Holidays While Grieving" Episode Title: Embracing the Holidays After Loss Host: Sharon Summary: In this episode, Sharon talks about the challenges of facing holidays while grieving. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the holidays are coming and that they will be different without our loved ones. Sharon shares personal stories and offers guidance on how to navigate this difficult time, suggesting ways to adapt or create new traditions. Key Points: Acknowledging the Holidays: Understanding that holidays will be different and potentially challenging without our loved ones. Inventory of Traditions: Sharon encourages listeners to take a mental inventory of holiday traditions and decide which ones they can bear. Creating New Traditions: Suggestions for starting new traditions that honor the memory of the loved ones we've lost. Emotional Check-In: Importance of staying in tune with one's emotions during the holidays and allowing oneself to feel them fully. Surviving the Hol

Podcast Title: Have You Guys Ever Heard of Dia de los de los MUTOs The Day of the Dead? Overview: Sharon explores Dia de los Muertos, a cultural event distinct from Halloween, focusing on its traditions, meanings, and personal connections. Introduction: Sharon clarifies that Dia de los Muertos is not the Mexican version of Halloween and sets the context for the discussion, emphasizing the differences between the two events. Main Discussion: Dia de los Muertos, occurring in early November, is characterized by vibrant celebrations, honoring the dead with respect, love, and longing. The tradition involves elaborate makeup, costumes, parades, parties, and offerings to deceased loved ones. Sharon reflects on the significance of the celebration in Mexican culture and how it's observed with joy and respect for the dead. Cultural Significance: The podcast delves into the Day of the Dead as a celebration of both life and death, remembering and celebrating loved ones who have passed away. Discussions about the h

"Healing Erika: The Silent Depths of Grief" Hello, everyone, and welcome back to another episode of our podcast. Today, we’re diving deep into a story of resilience, self-awareness, and the journey towards healing. It’s a tale about my past client, Erika, and the silent depths of grief. Let me start by setting the stage. Imagine a vivacious, spirited individual, who despite carrying the weight of two immense losses in her life, couldn’t quite put a finger on the nature of her pain. That's Erika. Referred to me by another client, Erika initially didn’t believe she was grappling with grief. She was under the impression that what she felt was mere depression. Isn't it interesting? Sometimes, our feelings can be so overwhelming and tangled that we can't see them for what they truly are. That was Erika’s state of mind. She assumed therapy could be a way out, but traditional methods didn’t give her the solace she sought. Fast forward six months, a world grappling with a pandemic, Erika reached out again. There’s so

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 L

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 L

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 L

  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