In this heartfelt episode of the Grieving Gracefully with Kelly podcast, host Kelly, a certified grief educator, explores the profound impact of mother-daughter relationships and how grief reshapes them. Joined by Chelsea Ohlemiller, a writer, speaker, and grief advocate, they discuss Chelsea's personal journey of loss after her mother passed away from cancer at age 57. Chelsea shares her transition from teaching to writing, informed by her mother's encouragement, which culminated in her book, 'Now That She's Gone.' The conversation delves into the challenges of grieving a mother, the importance of embracing vulnerability, and finding ways to honour and carry forward a mother's legacy. Chelsea emphasizes the value of patience, self-love, and the continuous journey of healing. The episode offers insights, practical advice, and a sense of community for anyone navigating their grief. 00:00 Introduction to Grieving Gracefully 00:43 Exploring Mother-Daughter Bonds 01:34 Chels' Personal Journey with Grief 04:57 The Impact of a Mother's Legacy 08:15 Navigating Grief and Motherhood 11:42 Honoring and Remembering Loved Ones 22:06 The Emotional Complexity of Grief 26:02 Closing Thoughts and ResourcesJoin the Grieving Gracefully Circle:If you’re looking for a supportive community where you can share your grief journey and connect with others who truly understand, join The Grieving Gracefully Circle!✨ Encouragement, resources, and real connection await you.👉 Join here: Grieving Gracefully Circle Resources & Links: 🌍 Get a copy of her book!📲 Facebook: Connect with Chelsea on Facebook📲 Instagram: Connect with Chelsea on Instagram📲 Tiktok: Connect with Chelsea on Tiktok Let’s Stay Connected! 📲 Instagram: @GrievingGracefully📲 Facebook: Grieving Gracefully Community📲 LinkedIn: Kelly Sammon  

In this episode of Grieving Gracefully with Kelly, host Kelly Sammon, a certified grief educator, discusses the powerful role that connection plays in healing after loss. Guest Reshma Kearney shares her courageous story of losing her husband to suicide, becoming a solo parent, and rebuilding her life through mindfulness, community, and compassion. Together, Kelly and Reshma explore how grief reshapes identity, the necessity of self-care, and practical, accessible steps to find healing after heartbreak. This inspiring conversation highlights different ways to practice mindfulness, the transformative power of gratitude journaling, and the deep emotional shifts that occur when we walk through grief instead of around it. Reshma reminds us that grief never truly leaves—but it transforms, teaching us invaluable lessons about resilience, presence, and unconditional love. 🎧 Tune in to learn: How connection fosters healing during grief Mindfulness practices that support emotional recovery The emotional shifts that come with deep loss How gratitude and journaling can anchor you in resilience Practical steps for embracing connection and community after loss Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction to Grieving Gracefully00:43 Healing Through Connection01:16 Reshma’s Story of Loss and Resilience06:46 Mindfulness and Self-Care in Grief16:54 The Power of Community Support22:16 Practical Steps for Embracing Connection25:03 Gratitude and Journaling in Healing28:31 Lessons Learned from Grief30:20 Conclusion and Resources----more----Join the Grieving Gracefully Circle:If you’re looking for a supportive community where you can share your grief journey and connect with others who truly understand, join The Grieving Gracefully Circle!✨ Encouragement, resources, and real connection await you.👉 Join here: Grieving Gracefully Circle----more---- About Reshma: Reshma Kearney is a Trauma-Informed Mindfulness and Healing Guide who helps individuals navigate grief and mental health challenges through mindfulness and connection. After losing her husband to suicide, she found herself rebuilding life as a widow and solo parent while supporting her children’s healing. Through her journey, Reshma discovered the transformative power of mindfulness and community in processing grief and building resilience. Today, she shares these tools through mentorship, mindfulness circles, and workshops, creating safe spaces for healing. She is passionate about mental health awareness, grief support, and reminding others that healing isn’t about moving on—it’s about moving forward with love. Resources & Links: 🌍 Reshma Kearney Website📲 Instagram: Connect with Reshma on Instagram Let’s Stay Connected! 📲 Instagram: @GrievingGracefully📲 Facebook: Grieving Gracefully Community📲 LinkedIn: Kelly Sammon

Title:The Grief No One Talks About: Breaking the Silence Around Loss, Love, and Healing Description:Why do people avoid talking about grief—and what happens when we finally do? In this episode, Kelly is joined by grief and trauma psychologist Dr. Heather Taylor for a powerful and compassionate conversation about the silence and stigma around grief. Together, they explore how grief impacts identity, the myths behind the "five stages," and the importance of allowing grief to take up space. Whether you're grieving or supporting someone who is, this episode offers insights, encouragement, and real talk about navigating loss and finding yourself again. 🎧 Tune in to learn: Why grief feels so isolating How to move from surviving to truly living after loss Simple mindset shifts that support healing What Dr. Taylor’s personal journey taught her about love, loss, and purpose Join the Grieving Gracefully Circle If you’re looking for a supportive community where you can share your grief journey and connect with others who understand, join The Grieving Gracefully Circle! This space offers encouragement, resources, and a place to heal together. 👉 Join here: Grieving Gracefully Circle About Heather: Dr. Heather Taylor, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist in Washington state, grief specialist, and unapologetic truth-teller when it comes to loss, healing, and what it really means to move forward. As the host of the Grief is the New Normal podcast and founder of Grief is the New Normal Psychological Services, Dr. Heather is on a mission to help people stop whispering about grief—and start owning it, honoring it, and healing through it. With a powerful mix of clinical expertise, lived wisdom, and let’s-get-real energy, she helps people understand that grief isn’t a problem to fix—it’s a process to feel. Through her newest venture, the Professional Grief Collective, she’s also shaking up the mental health space by empowering clinicians, healers and coaches to better support the grieving clients they serve. Resources & Links: 🌍 Grief is the New Normal Website🌍 Get a copy of Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal📲 Instagram: Connect with Heather on Instagram📲 LinkedIn: Connect with Heather on LinkedIn📲 YouTube: Connect with Heather on YouTube Let’s Stay Connected! 📲 Instagram: @GrievingGracefully📲 Facebook: Grieving Gracefully Community📲 LinkedIn: Kelly Sammon

Balancing work while grieving can feel impossible. The emotional weight of loss affects focus, energy, and motivation—but many workplaces don’t acknowledge how deeply grief impacts employees. So, how do you navigate work when you're struggling, and how can companies create a culture of support? In this episode of Grieving Gracefully with Kelly, host Kelly sits down with Janet, founder of The Motherlove Project, to discuss the challenges of grieving while working. They explore why grief doesn’t follow a schedule, how it affects mental and physical health, and what workplaces can do to better support employees through loss. Janet shares her personal grief journey and provides real, actionable advice for both employees and leaders. Whether you’re grieving or want to better support a coworker, this episode is filled with valuable insights on navigating grief in the workplace. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts & Spotify! What You'll Learn in This Episode: 🔹 The emotional and physical toll of grief on employees🔹 How to advocate for your needs at work while grieving🔹 Practical ways managers and coworkers can offer real support🔹 The role of compassionate leadership in workplace healing🔹 Strategies for balancing grief, work expectations, and self-care Join the Grieving Gracefully Circle If you’re looking for a supportive community where you can share your grief journey and connect with others who understand, join The Grieving Gracefully Circle! This space offers encouragement, resources, and a place to heal together. 👉 Join here: Grieving Gracefully Circle About Janet: Janet has spent over 20 years helping organizations manage change and tackle complex issues. After experiencing deep personal loss, she founded The Motherlove Project, a global platform for motherless daughters. She’s also the co-founder of Bloomwell Partners, which helps workplaces become more compassionate and grief-informed. Janet holds master’s degrees in Arts and Public Administration from Queen’s University. She lives in Ottawa, Ontario, with her partner Meghan and their two daughters. Resources & Links: 🌍 Bloomwell Partners🌍 Motherlove Project Let’s Stay Connected! 📲 Instagram: @GrievingGracefully📲 Facebook: Grieving Gracefully Community📲 LinkedIn: Kelly Sammon

Grief can feel like a battle between holding on and moving forward. Society often tells us to "move on," but what if that’s not the answer? In this episode of Grieving Gracefully with Kelly, host Kelly Sammon sits down with Litsa Williams, grief therapist and co-founder of What’s Your Grief, to unpack the emotional tension between grieving and rebuilding life after loss. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “get back to normal” or guilt for finding joy again, this conversation is for you. 💙 In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ Why healing isn’t about leaving grief behind✔️ How to honor your loved one while still moving forward✔️ Practical ways to handle societal pressure to "move on"✔️ The role of self-compassion in your grief journey If you’ve been struggling with the fear of forgetting or feel stuck between the past and the future, this episode offers reassurance, understanding, and tools to help you navigate life after loss. 🔗 Resources & Connect with Litsa Williams:🌎 whatsyourgrief.com📖 What’s Your Grief: Lists to Help You Through Any Loss 💙 You don’t have to grieve alone. Join The Grieving Gracefully Circle for a supportive community, expert guidance, and exclusive grief resources. Sign up here

Grief doesn’t just change our emotions—it can reshape our entire sense of self. In this powerful episode of Grieving Gracefully with Kelly, host Kelly sits down with Dr. Natasha Trujillo, a licensed counseling and sport psychologist, to explore how loss impacts identity and how we can rebuild after deep grief. Together, they discuss the emotional and psychological shifts that come with loss, common misconceptions about grief, and practical strategies for navigating the journey of self-discovery. Dr. Trujillo shares insights on embracing change with self-compassion, the importance of community, and how to find strength in the midst of uncertainty. Whether you’re currently grieving or reflecting on how loss has shaped you, this episode offers valuable guidance, validation, and hope. 💙 Looking for a supportive space to navigate grief? Join The Grieving Gracefully Circle—a compassionate community where you can find connection, healing, and support. Sign up here About Dr. Natasha Trujillo Dr. Trujillo is a counseling and sport psychologist in private practice in Denver, CO. She specializes in working with current and former athletes and performers on issues related to grief and loss, eating disorders, trauma, life transitions, identity development, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and performance psychology. ✨ Want more from Dr. Natasha Trujillo? Connect with her here:📖 Get her book: www.aswntsa.com🌍 Website: www.npttherapy.com📲 Instagram: @npttherapy Episode Breakdown 00:00 Welcome to Grieving Gracefully00:43 Exploring Identity After Loss00:57 Introducing Dr. Natasha Trujillo01:59 Understanding the Impact of Loss on Identity03:31 Navigating Misconceptions About Grief04:43 Coping Strategies and Self-Reflection05:17 The Importance of Communication and Connection06:00 Embracing Grief and Moving Through It06:32 Positive Self-Talk and Validation14:09 Individualized Grief Support28:53 Rebuilding Identity After Loss35:30 Final Thoughts and Resources

Episode Overview In this episode of Grieving Gracefully with Kelly, host Kelly Sammon speaks with Lisa, grief activist and founder of Reimagining Grief, about the unpredictable nature of grief waves. They explore how these waves affect us emotionally, physically, and mentally, while sharing practical tools for managing them with self-compassion and awareness. Kelly and Lisa discuss the role of breath work, emotional expression, and vulnerability in healing. They also provide guidance on preparing for grief triggers and shifting societal perceptions of grief. Through personal stories and expert insights, this episode offers meaningful advice for those navigating loss. Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction to Grieving Gracefully with Kelly00:43 – Understanding sudden waves of grief01:11 – Meet Lisa: A grief activist’s journey05:23 – Defining grief waves09:26 – Navigating unexpected grief waves18:13 – Communicating your grief needs28:46 – The importance of emotional expression32:33 – Embracing emotions as part of healing33:01 – Introducing the Grieving Gracefully Circle33:54 – Practical tools for managing grief waves36:47 – Personal stories of grief and healing38:54 – The power of breath and mindfulness40:52 – Elizabeth Gilbert’s insight on grief43:30 – Shifting our mindset towards grief52:30 – Final advice and practical tips57:43 – Conclusion and support resources About Lisa Keefauver Lisa Keefauver, MSW is a Grief Activist who transformed her personal and professional experiences with loss into a mission to reimagine grief. As host of a top-rated grief podcast, TEDx and keynote speaker, adjunct professor, and author of Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss, she is expanding our collective story of grief. Connect with Lisa Keefauver Click here to connect with Lisa Follow Lisa on Instagram Join the Grieving Gracefully Community Join The Grieving Gracefully Circle for support, community, and exclusive grief resources: Click Here to Join! Follow Grieving Gracefully on Instagram: Click Here Subscribe to the Podcast for more heartfelt conversations on grief and healing. Contact Us For inquiries, collaborations, or support, reach out to us at:📩 Click Here to Email Us🌐 Click Here to Visit Our Website

Messages from Beyond: Navigating Grief with Hope 🎙 Episode of the Grieving Gracefully with Kelly Podcast Episode Overview In this insightful episode of Grieving Gracefully with Kelly, host Kelly Sammon, a certified grief educator, sits down with Jessica Lynn, a renowned psychic medium, to explore the mysteries of the afterlife and how we can continue our connection with loved ones beyond this physical world. Jessica shares her personal journey into mediumship, which began after the loss of her beloved Nana. She opens up about her experiences receiving messages from the spirit world, what happens after we pass, and the concept of a life review. Throughout this heartfelt discussion, Jessica provides practical tools to help those grieving recognize signs from their loved ones, raise their vibration, and embrace the presence of spirit in their daily lives. If you've ever wondered about life after death, how to feel closer to a loved one who has passed, or how spirit communicates with us, this episode is filled with comfort, clarity, and hope for your grief journey. Episode Breakdown & Key Takeaways 🔹 00:00 | Introduction to Grieving GracefullyKelly introduces the mission of Grieving Gracefully and sets the tone for today’s powerful conversation. 🔹 00:45 | Exploring the Afterlife with Jessica LynnJessica Lynn shares her expertise as a psychic medium and how she connects with spirits beyond the physical world. 🔹 01:16 | Jessica's Journey to MediumshipJessica recounts her deeply personal story of losing her Nana, the event that led her to discover her intuitive gifts. 🔹 06:22 | Messages from the Other SideWhat do spirits want us to know? Jessica reveals the common messages that loved ones share from the afterlife. 🔹 11:07 | Understanding Life After DeathJessica explains the concept of a life review—what happens when we transition from the physical to the spiritual realm. 🔹 16:48 | Connecting with Spirits and Recognizing SignsJessica discusses the different ways spirits communicate—through dreams, symbols, and synchronicities—and how we can become more aware of their presence. 🔹 29:21 | Daily Practices for Peace and ConnectionPractical steps to raise your vibration, stay open to messages from loved ones, and find comfort in grief. 🔹 34:05 | Final Thoughts and FarewellKelly and Jessica reflect on the importance of maintaining a connection with those who have passed and embracing healing. Connect with Jessica Lynn ✨ Follow Jessica on Instagram: @jessicalynnemediumship✨ Visit her website: www.jessicalynnemediumship.com✨ Listen to her podcast Talk Spirit To Me, ranked #1 on the Apple Charts for Spirituality:🔹 Spotify🔹 Apple Podcasts Jessica has read for celebrities, professional athletes, musicians, and business owners. Her incredible work has been featured on The Morning Show on Channel 7, 7News, The Australian, Marie Claire, Mamamia, and Body+Soul. She conducts her readings online to connect with people all over the world. Join the Grieving Gracefully Community Looking for deeper support on your grief journey? Join the Grieving Gracefully Circle, a compassionate community designed to help you find healing and connection. Inside, you'll gain access to: ✔️ Monthly events & guest speakers✔️ Exclusive grief support resources✔️ Private community discussions✔️ 1:1 coaching with Grief Coach Kelly 💙 Join today: Grieving Gracefully Circle Stay Connected with Kelly 💌 Instagram: @GrievingGracefully💌 Website: www.grievinggracefully.com💌 Podcast: Grieving Gracefully with Kelly (available on all streaming platforms) 🎧 If you found this episode meaningful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use this message today.  

Episode Overview In this episode of Grieving Gracefully with Kelly, host Kelly sits down with Dr. Joshua Black, a leading expert in grief dreams, to explore the role dreams play in the grieving process. Josh shares his personal journey of loss and how a profound dream about his late father transformed his healing. Together, they discuss different types of grief dreams, their meanings, and how they reflect our emotions. They also address common concerns, such as why some people don’t remember dreams of their loved ones, and share practical tips for processing and interpreting these experiences. Whether you’ve had a vivid dream of a lost loved one or are longing for one, this episode offers hope, insights, and comfort. About Dr. Joshua Black Joshua Black, PhD, is a grief and bereavement researcher, speaker, educator, and host of the Grief Dreams Podcast. His research focuses on grief dreams and continuing bonds after loss, as well as bereavement in the context of homelessness. As one of the leading academic experts in grief dreams—dreams of the deceased—Dr. Black is dedicated to raising awareness about this fascinating phenomenon and its impact on the grieving process. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Grieving Gracefully with Kelly00:49 – Exploring Grief Dreams with Josh01:29 – Josh’s Personal Journey with Grief Dreams06:22 – Understanding Different Types of Grief Dreams08:03 – Interpreting and Processing Grief Dreams11:12 – Grief Dreams in Different Cultures27:55 – Helping Children Understand Grief Dreams33:18 – Why Some People Don’t Dream of the Deceased39:31 – Final Thoughts and Resources Connect with Dr. Joshua Black Click Here to Learn More About Grief Dreams Follow Joshua on Instagram Join the Grieving Gracefully Community Join The Grieving Gracefully Circle for support, community, and exclusive grief resources: Click Here to Join! Follow Grieving Gracefully on Instagram: Click Here Subscribe to the Podcast for more heartfelt conversations on grief and healing. Contact Us For inquiries, collaborations, or support, reach out to us at:📩 Click Here to Email Us🌐 Click Here to Visit Our Website

Episode Summary In this episode of Grieving Gracefully with Kelly, I sit down with grief expert and author Brooke Carlock to discuss the loneliness that often comes with grief. Brooke shares her personal journey and how it led her to support others navigating loss. We explore: The difference between solitude and loneliness Practical ways to cope with loneliness How stepping outside of your comfort zone can support healing The physical and emotional impact of grief Creating new routines and meaningful connections This conversation offers support and guidance for anyone struggling with grief or supporting a loved one through loss. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Grieving Gracefully with Kelly 00:43 – Coping with Loneliness in Grief 01:06 – Brooke's Personal Grief Journey 03:45 – Understanding Loneliness in Grief 09:51 – Coping Mechanisms for Loneliness 12:38 – The Healing Power of Volunteering 16:41 – Navigating Holidays and Special Dates 25:19 – Physical and Emotional Impact of Grief 28:41 – Dealing with Guilt in Grief 35:08 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement 36:34 – Closing Remarks Join the Grieving Gracefully Circle If you're looking for a supportive community, click here to join the Grieving Gracefully Circle. Connect with Brooke Carlock Visit Brooke's Website Connect with Brooke on Instagram Order Grief Sucks (But Your Life Doesn't Have To) Connect with Me Website: grievinggracefully.ca Follow Us On Instagram Join the Community

The holiday season can be especially challenging for those who are grieving. In this episode, Alyssa Rose Ackerman and I explore the complexities of grieving during this emotionally charged time and share practical tips to help you find comfort, healing, and balance. Whether it’s adjusting traditions, managing triggers, or allowing yourself moments of joy, we discuss strategies to help you cope during the holidays while honouring your grief. In This Episode, We Discuss: 1. Understanding Holiday GriefWhy do the holidays amplify grief for so many? We explore how the festive season, associated with joy and family, can feel particularly heavy when you’re grieving. 2. Addressing Emotional NeedsIt’s important to give yourself permission to feel. We share tips on how to embrace your emotions fully without judgment and why this is a crucial part of healing during the holidays. 3. Adjusting TraditionsHoliday traditions can become painful after a loss. We offer advice on how to modify or step away from traditions that no longer serve you during this time, helping you create a new path forward. 4. Handling Holiday TriggersHoliday music, decorations, and family gatherings can trigger unexpected emotions. We discuss strategies to manage these triggers and honour your grief in a healthy way. 5. Seeking SupportIf you’re feeling isolated during the holidays, this part of the conversation is for you. We provide guidance on how to seek the support you need from friends, family, or a community who understands. 6. Helping Others Who GrieveSupporting a grieving loved one during the holidays can be challenging. We share tips on how to offer meaningful comfort without overstepping or making them feel uncomfortable. 7. Creating MeaningFor those looking to honour their loved ones, we share ideas on how to create meaningful ways to remember them during the holiday season. 8. Finding Moments of JoyIt’s possible to find joy and gratitude during the holidays without feeling like you’re dishonouring your grief. We explore how to allow yourself these moments of peace and healing. 9. Managing Social ExpectationsWith all the social obligations during the holidays, it can be overwhelming to manage expectations while grieving. We offer advice on how to navigate social events and protect your emotional well-being. 10. Building ResilienceFor those facing their first or another holiday season without a loved one, we offer messages of hope and encouragement to help you build resilience during this difficult time. Why You’ll Want to Join The Grieving Gracefully CircleIf you're looking for support, understanding, and a community of like-minded individuals who are navigating grief, The Grieving Gracefully Circle is here for you. In the Circle, you’ll have access to personalized grief resources, live events, a supportive network, and tools to help you heal and find comfort during difficult times, including the holidays. We’re here to walk with you on this journey, providing encouragement and hope every step of the way. How to JoinTo become part of The Grieving Gracefully Circle, simply click here to join, and sign up today to access all the resources and support you need to navigate your grief with grace and community. Listen Now for Tips on How to Navigate Grief with Compassion and Understanding this Holiday Season. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who may benefit from these tips.----more----Alyssa Rose stands at the threshold of life's profound transitions, illuminating paths through our deepest grief. As Portland's visionary Grief Tender and Death Doula, she weaves together the wisdom of ancient ritual arts with modern somatic and trauma-informed healing to create transformative spaces of honouring and integrating loss of all kinds. As a facilitator, doula, and speaker in the death-positive movement, Alyssa challenges our culture's relationship with mortality and invi

Are you noticing signs from loved ones who’ve passed? On this episode, we dive deep into the ways they might be reaching out to us and how these moments can bring comfort and healing. ✨ Discover common signs like songs, numbers, and dreams.✨ Hear heartfelt personal stories of connection.✨ Explore the science, mystery, and spiritual perspectives behind these experiences.✨ Learn practical ways to open your heart to receiving signs. Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or just curious, this episode offers meaningful insights and real-life stories to help you feel connected to those you miss. Let’s explore how these signs can redefine relationships and bring hope during tough times. 🎙️ Tune in for comfort, connection, and inspiration on your grief journey. ----more---- Connect with Jennifer:InstagramPause and Expand Health and WellnessEnjoy a 14-day free trial of the Meditation Club!Contact Kelly SammonJoin The Grieving Gracefully CircleVisit Our WebsiteConnect with us on InstagramConnect with us on FacebookContact us by email----more----If you’re navigating your own grief journey and feeling alone, I invite you to join The Grieving Gracefully Circle. This is a safe and supportive community designed for those struggling with grief. You don’t have to go through it alone—The Grieving Gracefully Circle offers a space where you can connect with others who understand, share your story, and find comfort and strength together.----more---- Ready to join us? Click the link below to become a part of our compassionate community: Join The Grieving Gracefully Circle You are not alone. ----more----If our podcast has been meaningful to you, please consider making a donation to support the show. Your contribution allows us to continue bringing comfort, hope, and healing to those navigating grief. Every bit helps. Thank you!  Donate here.----more----Thank you so much for listening! Your support means the world to us. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with anyone who may need to hear it. Together, we can bring comfort and healing to more people on their grief journey. ----more----Interested in Sponsoring our Podcast? Please message us at info@grievinggracefully.ca   Thank you for being part of our community! 

In this episode, I chat with Wendy Litner, the brilliant mind behind the Crave Original Series My Dead Mom. Inspired by her own loss, Wendy’s series is a funny, heartfelt exploration of grief, family, and the sometimes-complicated mother-daughter bond—complete with a meddling ghost mom who just won’t stop talking! We dig into what inspired Wendy to create a show that uses comedy to tackle such a heavy topic and how she strikes the perfect balance between humor and respect. Wendy opens up about the challenges of creating a ghostly character who’s both funny and deeply meaningful, the insights she’s gained about grief and relationships, and the amazing ways viewers have connected with her work. Wendy doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff—whether it’s infertility in her International Emmy-nominated series How to Buy a Baby, or navigating life after loss in My Dead Mom. She shares her unique perspective on finding light even in life’s darkest moments and how humor has been a healing force for her. About Wendy Litner:Wendy is a writer turned lawyer and the creator of My Dead Mom, a series inspired by her experience of losing her mom. Known for her raw honesty and laugh-out-loud humor, Wendy has a knack for finding the humanity in life’s toughest challenges. If you’ve ever struggled with grief, love someone who has, or just appreciate stories that make you laugh and cry, this episode is for you. 🎧 Join us as Wendy shares her creative journey, her hopes for the series, and the one piece of advice she’d offer anyone grieving.----more---- Connect with Wendy:InstagramLearn More About The Show My Dead MomWatch My Dead MomFollow LoCo Motion PicturesContact Kelly SammonJoin The Grieving Gracefully CircleVisit Our WebsiteConnect with us on InstagramConnect with us on FacebookContact us by email----more----If you’re navigating your own grief journey and feeling alone, I invite you to join The Grieving Gracefully Circle. This is a safe and supportive community designed for those struggling with grief. You don’t have to go through it alone—The Grieving Gracefully Circle offers a space where you can connect with others who understand, share your story, and find comfort and strength together.----more---- Ready to join us? Click the link below to become a part of our compassionate community: Join The Grieving Gracefully Circle You are not alone. ----more----If our podcast has been meaningful to you, please consider making a donation to support the show. Your contribution allows us to continue bringing comfort, hope, and healing to those navigating grief. Every bit helps. Thank you!  Donate here.----more----Thank you so much for listening! Your support means the world to us. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with anyone who may need to hear it. Together, we can bring comfort and healing to more people on their grief journey. ----more----Interested in Sponsoring our Podcast? Please message us at info@grievinggracefully.ca   Thank you for being part of our community! 

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Rachel, a nurse and mom who experienced the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Tessa, to cancer. Rachel shares with us what those early days of grief were really like, from the raw, difficult moments to the small steps forward she found along the way. Together, we explore how she’s managed to navigate life after loss, the support she’s leaned on, and how she continues to honour Tessa’s memory. Join us for an honest, heartfelt conversation about finding hope, resilience, and connection in the wake of deep loss. ----more---- Rachel Pascas is a registered nurse in Ottawa and have been working in neurosurgery her whole career, 20 years. She had her first daughter in 2017 and her youngest daughter in 2019. Tessa was diagnosed with brain cancer at just 3 months old and she fought so hard for 1 year. Tessa passed away in November of 2020 at 15.5 months old. She went back to work 6 months after Tessa passed away and not long after her marriage fell apart. She lost her husband and his family and a life she thought she would always have. Coparenting is extremely difficult, but she is trying to remain hopeful for the future. ----more---- Connect with Rachel:InstragramTiktokTo Learn More About ATRTContact Kelly SammonJoin The Grieving Gracefully CircleVisit Our WebsiteConnect with us on InstagramConnect with us on FacebookContact us by email----more----If you’re navigating your own grief journey and feeling alone, I invite you to join The Grieving Gracefully Circle. This is a safe and supportive community designed for those struggling with grief. You don’t have to go through it alone—The Grieving Gracefully Circle offers a space where you can connect with others who understand, share your story, and find comfort and strength together.----more---- Ready to join us? Click the link below to become a part of our compassionate community: Join The Grieving Gracefully Circle You are not alone. ----more----If our podcast has been meaningful to you, please consider making a donation to support the show. Your contribution allows us to continue bringing comfort, hope, and healing to those navigating grief. Every bit helps. Thank you!  Donate here.----more----Thank you so much for listening! Your support means the world to us. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with anyone who may need to hear it. Together, we can bring comfort and healing to more people on their grief journey. ----more----Interested in Sponsoring our Podcast? Please message us at info@grievinggracefully.ca   Thank you for being part of our community! 

In this heartfelt episode, we delve into the profound impact of grief on our sense of identity. Grief often leaves us feeling disconnected from who we were before our loss, leading to a shift in our self-perception that can be challenging to navigate. Join us as we explore how this transformation manifests in the early stages of grief and discuss why it can affect not only our emotions but also our core identity. We’ll share insights on recognizing the signs that you may have lost touch with who you are, and offer guidance on reconciling the versions of yourself that exist ‘before’ and ‘after’ your loss. Discover practical advice on rebuilding your identity when so much of who you were was intertwined with the person you've lost. Cassandra will provide small, actionable steps to help you reconnect with yourself during this difficult time, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and patience in the healing process. We’ll also discuss the vital role support systems—friends, therapy, and support groups—play in helping you find your way back to yourself. If you’ve been feeling adrift for too long after a loss, we’ll address when it might be time to seek professional help and how to recognize that moment. Plus, we’ll touch on the physical changes grief can bring, such as shifts in sleep and energy levels, and how these can impact your sense of self. Finally, we’ll explore how to embrace the changes grief has brought while honouring the parts of yourself that matter. Thank you for joining us on this journey of rediscovery and healing. About Cassandra:Cassandra's journey into the realm of psychotherapy began during her tenure as a Physiotherapist Assistant at Sunnybrook Hospital, where she gained invaluable insights into the profound interconnection between mental health, physical well-being, and overall vitality. With over eleven years of experience, she has honed her expertise in providing compassionate care to individuals (ages 16+), couples, and groups facing diverse mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, emotion regulation, self-esteem issues, identity, trauma, and navigating life transitions.  Cassandra's therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in Emotion-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Attachment Theory, and an Anti-Oppressive, Trauma-Informed, and Culturally Sensitive lens. As a Trauma-Informed Yoga Practitioner, she integrates mindfulness and breathing techniques into her practice, tailoring her methods to meet the unique needs of each client. This commitment to fostering holistic wellness embodies her private practice, One Peace Therapy.----more---- Contact Cassandra Francis:Connect with CassandraContact Kelly SammonJoin The Grieving Gracefully CircleVisit Our WebsiteConnect with us on InstagramConnect with us on FacebookContact us by email----more----If you’re navigating your own grief journey and feeling alone, I invite you to join The Grieving Gracefully Circle. This is a safe and supportive community designed for those struggling with grief. You don’t have to go through it alone—The Grieving Gracefully Circle offers a space where you can connect with others who understand, share your story, and find comfort and strength together.----more---- Ready to join us? Click the link below to become a part of our compassionate community: Join The Grieving Gracefully Circle You are not alone. ----more----If our podcast has been meaningful to you, please consider making a donation to support the show. Your contribution allows us to continue bringing comfort, hope, and healing to those navigating grief. Every bit helps. Thank you!  Donate here.----more----Thank you so much for listening! Your support means the world to us. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with anyone who may need to hear it. Together, we can bring comfort and healing to more people on their grief journey. ----more----Interested in Sponsoring our Podcast? Please message us at info@grievinggracefull

In this episode, I’m joined by Jessica Correnti, a Certified Child Life Specialist with over 16 years of experience supporting grieving children and families. Jessica is the author of The ABCs of Grief and Forever Connected, a book for bereaved siblings, and her upcoming book The ABCs of Grief: Emotions & Feelings. With a BA in Education of Young Children, a minor in Psychology, and an MS in Healthcare Administration and Community Health, Jessica has worked extensively with children in Pediatric ICUs, Emergency Departments, and surgical centers. As the founder of Kids Grief Support, Jessica offers therapeutic sessions worldwide, helping kids navigate grief through age-appropriate activities and expert care. Together, we dive into the ways children process grief, which often looks different from adult grief, and discuss the unique challenges they face. Jessica shares tips on how parents and caregivers can encourage children to open up about their feelings and support their healing in simple, practical ways. We explore how age and developmental stages affect a child’s response to loss and offer thoughtful advice on explaining the concept of death in a way that resonates with kids.   Jessica also discusses how parents can create a safe space for their children to grieve and remember their loved ones meaningfully, suggesting activities and rituals that honour memories without overwhelming them. We wrap up with strategies for helping kids manage shifts in their relationships with family and friends that may arise after a loss. This conversation with Jessica is full of empathy, wisdom, and practical guidance for anyone supporting a grieving child. Tune in to gain valuable insights and encouragement for this difficult journey.  ----more---- Contact Jessica:Connect with Jessica on InstagramKids Grief SupportPreorder a copy of The ABC's of GriefContact Kelly SammonJoin The Grieving Gracefully CircleVisit Our WebsiteConnect with us on InstagramConnect with us on FacebookContact us by email----more----If you’re navigating your own grief journey and feeling alone, I invite you to join The Grieving Gracefully Circle. This is a safe and supportive community designed for those struggling with grief. You don’t have to go through it alone—The Grieving Gracefully Circle offers a space where you can connect with others who understand, share your story, and find comfort and strength together.----more---- Ready to join us? Click the link below to become a part of our compassionate community: Join The Grieving Gracefully Circle You are not alone. ----more----If our podcast has been meaningful to you, please consider making a donation to support the show. Your contribution allows us to continue bringing comfort, hope, and healing to those navigating grief. Every bit helps. Thank you!  Donate here.----more----Thank you so much for listening! Your support means the world to us. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with anyone who may need to hear it. Together, we can bring comfort and healing to more people on their grief journey. ----more----Interested in Sponsoring our Podcast? Please message us at info@grievinggracefully.ca   Thank you for being part of our community! 

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the complexities of grief and how it can affect relationships, especially for couples grieving in completely different ways. We all know that grief is a deeply personal experience, but when two people in a relationship are both grieving, it can be incredibly challenging to navigate together. How can couples support each other when their grief journeys are so different? How does grief impact communication and connection? And how can couples create space for both individual healing and shared moments of grief? To help us explore these topics, we’re joined by Lisa Gray, LMFT, a highly experienced couples therapist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Lisa specializes in working with high-conflict couples and those dealing with chronic illness and pain. After spending 10 years as an Air Traffic Controller and serving as a Peer Debriefing Counselor for her colleagues, Lisa found her true passion in counseling. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from John F. Kennedy University in 2004 and has been helping couples navigate difficult emotions ever since. Lisa is passionate about teaching couples how to engage in healthy conflict, allowing their relationships to thrive even in the midst of pain. In addition to her therapy work, Lisa is an avid reader, reviewing self-help books on her Instagram account, Therapy Book Nook. She lives in the Bay Area with her family and her three large dogs. We’re so excited to have her on the show today to share her wisdom on how couples can support each other through grief, communicate more effectively, and find strength in their relationship during tough times. Tune in to hear valuable insights and tips on keeping your connection strong, even when you’re both hurting. ----more---- Contact Lisa Gray:Connect with Lisa on InstagramVisit Lisa's WebsiteContact Kelly SammonJoin The Grieving Gracefully CircleVisit Our WebsiteConnect with us on InstagramConnect with us on FacebookContact us by email----more----If you’re navigating your own grief journey and feeling alone, I invite you to join The Grieving Gracefully Circle. This is a safe and supportive community designed for those struggling with grief. You don’t have to go through it alone—The Grieving Gracefully Circle offers a space where you can connect with others who understand, share your story, and find comfort and strength together.----more---- Ready to join us? Click the link below to become a part of our compassionate community: Join The Grieving Gracefully Circle You are not alone. ----more----If our podcast has been meaningful to you, please consider making a donation to support the show. Your contribution allows us to continue bringing comfort, hope, and healing to those navigating grief. Every bit helps. Thank you!  Donate here.----more----Thank you so much for listening! Your support means the world to us. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with anyone who may need to hear it. Together, we can bring comfort and healing to more people on their grief journey. ----more----Interested in Sponsoring our Podcast? Please message us at info@grievinggracefully.ca   Thank you for being part of our community! 

In this heartfelt episode of Grieving Gracefully with Kelly, I’m joined by the wonderful Havva Ramadan to talk about the power of creativity in healing. Havva has been through her own personal journey of loss and found that writing, especially poetry, has been a significant part of processing her grief. Together, we explore how creative expression, like writing, can offer comfort and hope during such difficult times. Havva Ramadan is a spoken poetry artist and singer-songwriter passionate about using her creative talents to make a difference. Through her deeply personal and moving poetry, she gives voice to emotions that are often difficult to express, especially in times of grief and loss. Her words resonate with those searching for healing, while her music brings comfort and hope to listeners. With a unique blend of raw emotion and artistry, Havva creates a space for connection, vulnerability, and inspiration, encouraging others to find solace and strength through creative expression.Havva begins by reflecting on those early days of loss, sharing some unexpected ways she coped aside from writing, and the pivotal moments that led her to find solace in poetry. She opens up about the deeply personal emotions she pours into her work and the balance she strikes between sharing her raw feelings with an audience and keeping some of her grief private for her own healing. We also dive into how overwhelming grief can feel and how Havva approaches writing on days when the emotions are too heavy to face. Vulnerability plays a key role in her writing, and she explains how embracing that vulnerability has changed the way she connects with others, both in her personal life and through her poetry. Over time, writing has transformed the way she views her loss, and Havva shares how her relationship with grief has evolved through her creative work. Beyond writing, we talk about other creative outlets Havva has explored and how they compare to the healing power she finds in poetry. She also reflects on the feedback she’s received from her readers, discussing how their responses have shaped her own understanding of both grief and writing. Finally, Havva offers thoughtful advice to those who may feel unsure about whether creative expression, like writing, is the right path for them during their grief journey. She emphasizes the importance of finding what works best for you, whether that’s through writing, art, or another creative outlet. ----more---- Contact Havva:Connect with Havva on InstagramOrder A Voice: Turning Pain into PowerContact Kelly SammonJoin The Grieving Gracefully CircleVisit Our WebsiteConnect with us on InstagramConnect with us on FacebookContact us by email----more----If you’re navigating your own grief journey and feeling alone, I invite you to join The Grieving Gracefully Circle. This is a safe and supportive community designed for those struggling with grief. You don’t have to go through it alone—The Grieving Gracefully Circle offers a space where you can connect with others who understand, share your story, and find comfort and strength together.----more---- Ready to join us? Click the link below to become a part of our compassionate community: Join The Grieving Gracefully Circle You are not alone. ----more----If our podcast has been meaningful to you, please consider making a donation to support the show. Your contribution allows us to continue bringing comfort, hope, and healing to those navigating grief. Every bit helps. Thank you!  Donate here.----more----Thank you so much for listening! Your support means the world to us. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with anyone who may need to hear it. Together, we can bring comfort and healing to more people on their grief journey. ----more----Interested in Sponsoring our Podcast? Please message us at info@grievinggracefully.ca   Thank you for being part of our community! 

In this heartfelt episode of Grieving Gracefully with Kelly podcast, we are joined by Kyla, the mother of Bella Brave, whose remarkable journey touched thousands. Kyla Thomson is a former teacher turned medical mom, and now a bereaved mother of her beloved daughter, Bella Brave. Alongside her husband Lyle and her strong-hearted son Waylon, who helps heal her heart daily, Kyla has navigated profound personal loss with courage and grace. She shares her journey on TikTok, where she has amassed 7.5M followers under @kylact. Originally started as a way for her and Bella to inspire others to be brave, Kyla continues to uplift & guide people through their hardest battles, keeping Bella’s spirit and legacy of bravery alive.Kyla opens up about Bella’s story, the emotional toll of being her primary caregiver, and the challenges she faced during Bella’s toughest times. We dive into the deeply personal experience of losing a child, as Kyla shares how she’s been navigating her grief since Bella’s passing, and the role that support systems played for her. From the lack of resources after loss to the transition away from caregiving, Kyla offers invaluable insight into the realities of life after such a profound loss. We explore the importance of self-care, finding hope amidst grief, and the online community that embraced her story. Kyla also provides advice for other parents and caregivers who may face similar heartache, sharing her thoughts on how to emotionally and practically prepare for the days after loss. Finally, Kyla speaks to how she honors Bella’s legacy every day and what brings her moments of peace along the way. Tune in to hear Kyla’s powerful story of love, loss, and resilience. ----more---- Contact Kyla:Learn more about KylaVisit Bella Brave's WebsiteContact Kelly SammonJoin The Grieving Gracefully CircleVisit Our WebsiteConnect with us on InstagramConnect with us on FacebookContact us by email----more----If you’re navigating your own grief journey and feeling alone, I invite you to join The Grieving Gracefully Circle. This is a safe and supportive community designed for those struggling with grief. You don’t have to go through it alone—The Grieving Gracefully Circle offers a space where you can connect with others who understand, share your story, and find comfort and strength together.----more---- Ready to join us? Click the link below to become a part of our compassionate community: Join The Grieving Gracefully Circle You are not alone. ----more----If our podcast has been meaningful to you, please consider making a donation to support the show. Your contribution allows us to continue bringing comfort, hope, and healing to those navigating grief. Every bit helps. Thank you!  Donate here.----more----Thank you so much for listening! Your support means the world to us. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with anyone who may need to hear it. Together, we can bring comfort and healing to more people on their grief journey. ----more----Interested in Sponsoring our Podcast? Please message us at info@grievinggracefully.ca   Thank you for being part of our community! 

In this heartfelt episode, we're excited to welcome Tara, the Founder of Losses Become Gains (LBG). Tara shares her personal journey through grief, offering honest insights and practical strategies for anyone navigating similar challenges. She opens up about the toughest moments she faced and emphasizes the vital role that support systems—like friends, family, and support groups—can play in our healing. Tara shares some of her favourite coping strategies and self-care tips that are easy to incorporate into even the busiest of schedules. As we chat, she reflects on how her experiences with grief have shaped her into who she is today and offers encouragement for those just beginning their own journeys. We also discuss the difference between "moving on" and "moving forward" with grief, and Tara shares how she finds hope and motivation despite her losses. Plus, she recommends some valuable resources for anyone looking for extra support. Join us for an open and relatable conversation that reminds us all that while grief is a heavy burden, it can also lead to personal growth and connection with others. ----more---- About Tara: Tara is the founder of Losses Become Gains (LBG), a space created to provide compassionate support for those experiencing loss. With a focus on making the grief process feel as human and relatable as possible, Tara believes that we are so much more than our losses. Her mission is to help others find their way through grief while discovering their own strengths and gains along the journey. ----more---- Contact Tara:Losses Become GainsListen to Life with Grief PodcastConnect with Tara on InstagramContact Kelly SammonJoin The Grieving Gracefully CircleVisit Our WebsiteConnect with us on InstagramConnect with us on FacebookContact us by email----more----If you’re navigating your own grief journey and feeling alone, I invite you to join The Grieving Gracefully Circle. This is a safe and supportive community designed for those struggling with grief. You don’t have to go through it alone—The Grieving Gracefully Circle offers a space where you can connect with others who understand, share your story, and find comfort and strength together.----more---- Ready to join us? Click the link below to become a part of our compassionate community: Join The Grieving Gracefully Circle You are not alone. ----more----If our podcast has been meaningful to you, please consider making a donation to support the show. Your contribution allows us to continue bringing comfort, hope, and healing to those navigating grief. Every bit helps. Thank you!  Donate here.----more----Thank you so much for listening! Your support means the world to us. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with anyone who may need to hear it. Together, we can bring comfort and healing to more people on their grief journey. ----more----Interested in Sponsoring our Podcast? Please message us at info@grievinggracefully.ca   Thank you for being part of our community!