In this episode I have a beautiful conversation with Chris Cochran and child loss and finding purpose. Chris shares his personal story of losing his son to cancer and finding purpose in spreading kindness and gratitude. He discusses with us the importance of pausing, finding joy in everyday moments, and making connections with others. He emphasizes the power of love and the resilience that can be found in difficult times. We also share practical tips for cultivating resilience and finding purpose within pain. Chris shares with us stories about his son Christian, highlighting his humor, empathy, and ability to bring joy to others.

Takeaways

• Find joy and gratitude in everyday moments, even in the midst of grief and difficult times.
• Make connections with others and learn from their stories and experiences.
• Believe in signs and messages from the spiritual realm, whether it's from a loved one or a higher power.
• Pause and reflect on life, react with grace, and seek resilience and strength.
• Spread kindness and love, and find purpose in making a positive impact on others. Grief is a unique and individual experience, and it is important to be patient and supportive of each other's grieving process.
• Listening and being present for someone who is grieving is key to providing support.
• Cultivating resilience involves focusing on the present moment, finding joy and meaning in everyday experiences, and taking care of oneself.
• Finding purpose within pain can be a healing and transformative experience.

At the core of his being, Chris Cochran embraces the roles of father, husband, and friend. Professionally, his journey spans over three decades, during which he has held pivotal roles in sales, marketing, operations, and P&L management within large public companies.

Chris's dedication to spreading kindness and generosity is embodied in his involvement with the Christian Cochran Legacy Fund through the Pittsburgh Foundation, a nonprofit organization inspired by his son Christian’s enduring spirit. This commitment to making a positive impact is further reflected in his upcoming book, "What's GOOD About TODAY? - A Purpose Driven Life," scheduled for release on August 22nd.

You can find him here http://chriscochranspeaks.com

If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.

https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here

https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

In this episode I have a conversation with the lovely, Patti DiMiceli. She shares the story of her daughter Amber's battle with cancer and her journey as a grief educator and end of life doula. She discusses the challenges she faced in finding alternative treatments for Amber and the impact of her daughter's death on her life. Patti also talks about the importance of sharing our stories and connecting with others, as well as the need for greater awareness and education about pediatric cancer.

n this conversation, Patti DiMiceli also shares her experiences with narcissistic relationships and the grief that comes with them. She discusses the concept of gray rocking as a way to protect oneself from narcissistic manipulation. Patti also talks about her journey of healing and finding purpose through her work with grief and angels.

Takeaways

• The importance of documenting and sharing our stories to connect with others
• The challenges of finding alternative treatments for pediatric cancer
• The impact of grief on a person's life and the need for support and understanding
• The need for greater awareness and education about pediatric cancer
• Narcissists lack empathy and the capacity for intimacy, and how they manipulate and control others for their own gain.
• Gray rocking is a behavior where you cut off a narcissist's supply by giving no reaction, similar to a gray rock that doesn't react to a cat's taunting.
• Grief from narcissistic relationships can be profound and devastating, as it involves psychological and emotional manipulation that makes you doubt your own sanity.
• Finding purpose and healing in grief often requires going through the hard stuff and choosing to grow from it.

Born in the Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles, CA, Patti knew she was chosen, though she didn’t know why. And then she discovered a small lump behind her daughter, Amber’s, ear in August of 1979. It was a discovery that would change her life, her destiny, and the world.

Patti's story, chronicled in her book, "Embrace the Angel," challenges the notion of death and invites us to use the power of “Crossing the Threshold” to transform this world for the better. She is a Life Coach, an End-of-Life Doula, a Certified Grief Educator, as well as an entrepreneur. Calling herself a "Student of Life" and a "Pebble Thrower in the still pond of Life," Patti has given tiny pewter Guardian Angel coins (Pebbles) to thousands of people as she travels the world.

Using her God-given tools and talents to serve Humanity, she created Tobias & Co. LLC, a company which creates products from the photos she's taken around the world. Their Giving Back Division, "Embrace the Angel," is devoted to elevating others. They donate silk scarves, ties, and pillow covers filled with Angels and inspirational quotes to those who need it most—those who are dying and the Loved Ones they leave behind—so that they can FEEL comforted and loved.

You can stay connected to Patti by clicking the following link http://www.embracetheangel.com

If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.

https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here

https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

In this episode I have conversation with the lovely Susan Snow. She shares her story of losing her father, an LAPD detective, in a tragic ambush when she was 17 years old. She discusses with us the impact of the loss on her life and the challenges she faced in navigating grief and trauma.

Susan also talks about the lack of resources and support for young people dealing with loss and the importance of therapy in her healing journey. She also shares her journey from trauma to resiliency and the importance of finding the right support. She encourages listeners to take their power back and prioritize their own healing.

Key Takeaways

• The loss of a loved one can have a profound impact on a person's life, especially when experienced at a young age.
• Grief and trauma can manifest in various ways, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
• Access to therapy and mental health support is crucial for individuals dealing with loss and trauma.
• Having a supportive partner or loved ones can provide a sense of stability and strength during difficult times.
• Shared experiences of trauma can deepen the bond between individuals and strengthen their relationship. PTSD can be experienced by anyone who has gone through a traumatic event, and it requires ongoing management.
• Journaling can be a helpful tool for processing emotions and improving sleep.
  Sitting with grief and honoring the emotions that come with it is an important part of the healing process.
• Finding meaning and purpose in giving back to others can be a powerful way to heal.
  Modalities like breathwork and box breathing can help regulate the nervous system and provide a sense of empowerment.
• Taking your power back and prioritizing your own healing is essential for moving forward.

Susan Snow is the daughter of slain LAPD Detective Thomas C. Williams, who was ambushed and killed on October 31, 1985 when she was 17. She is a published author, speaker, and coach. Susan currently works as a Realtor in the Denver Metro area. You can find her and all her resources here. http://a.co/d/fFuR4iT

If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.
https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here
https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

In this episode, I have a conversation with the lovely Lisa Sugarman. We discuss Lisa's personal experiences with suicide loss and the importance of normalizing conversations about mental health and grief. Lisa shares with us her journey of discovering her father's suicide 35 years after his death and how it changed her perspective on mental illness. We also discuss the power of storytelling and vulnerability in creating safe spaces for healing and support. In this conversation, Lisa also provides advice on how to support someone who is suicidal, emphasizing the importance of being direct, honest, and helping them find the professional help they need. She shares insights on supporting mental health, highlighting the significance of small, consistent actions and daily habits. Lisa also talks about her work as a storyteller for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), where she shares her own experiences and provides hope and connection to others.

Takeaways

• Normalizing conversations about mental health and suicide loss is crucial in combating stigma and providing support.
• Finding purpose in pain and using personal experiences to help others can be a powerful form of healing.
• Knowledge and understanding are key in changing attitudes towards mental illness and suicide.
• Creating safe spaces for vulnerability and sharing stories can help individuals feel less alone and provide support in their healing journey. Use language that is sensitive and respectful when talking about suicide, replacing 'committed suicide' with 'died by suicide' or 'took their life'.
• When supporting someone who is suicidal, be direct, honest, and help them find the professional help they need.
• Supporting mental health involves small, consistent actions and daily habits, such as practicing gratitude, prioritizing self-care, and engaging in meaningful conversations.
  Storytelling can provide hope and connection for those experiencing mental health challenges or grief, and organizations like NAMI offer platforms for sharing personal stories.

You can stay in touch with her and find all her invaluable resources on her website. http://www.lisasugarman.com

If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.

https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here

https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

In this episode I have a conversation with the beautiful Bridgette Dunbar.

BRIDGETT DUNBAR is a Breakthrough Strategist who helps individuals achieve freedom in their mental, emotional, and spiritual health to enhance their overall well-being and relationships. She has been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for more than a decade, pastoral counselor, and leader in personal and spiritual development. She has personally experienced the loss of two children through stillbirth and miscarriage. Since then, Bridgett has dedicated herself to helping individuals achieve the breakthroughs they need to thrive in life, including helping those navigating grief and loss find their way back to joy and peace.

For a FREE download of her book (Grief, Loss and The Goodness Of God) and for more resources visit: Bridgettdunbar.com/grief

Key Takeaways

• Grief is a unique and individual experience, and everyone processes it differently.
• The death of a loved one brings not only the loss of that person, but also the loss of hopes, dreams, and relationships.
• Grief can be a long and challenging journey, but healing is possible.
  It is important to give yourself time and patience to explore your identity and what matters in life after loss.
• Grief can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and a reevaluation of priorities. Choose to move forward and find growth in the midst of suffering.
• God's healing may not come in the form of physical healing, but in the growth and connections that occur during difficult times.
• Gratitude and perspective are powerful tools in the healing process.
• Community and support are essential in the journey of grief and rebuilding.
• Honest communication and vulnerability are key in relationships, especially when supporting someone who is grieving.

If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.

https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here

https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

In this episode, I discuss the concept of legacy building and how to honor the memory of loved ones who have passed away. I share various ways we as a family have honored our son, Trucker, who passed away at 3 years old.

These include going on a road trip and randomly blessing people, organizing a 5K run in his honor, hosting a youth dive tournament, and creating stickers with Trucker's shaka image.

I encourages listeners to find their own unique ways to honor their loved ones and emphasize the importance of cherishing every moment with the people we love.

Key Takeaways

• Legacy building involves doing things in honor of loved ones who have passed away.
• Ways to honor loved ones
• Finding unique and personal ways to honor loved ones can bring comfort and joy.

If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.
https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here
https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.

In this episode I share my personal journey with nutrition and the impact it had during Trucker's cancer treatment. I touch on the importance of nutrition in the context of grief and healing and also provide five simple tips for eating well during difficult times.

Takeaways

• Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting the body during grief and illness.
• Eating real, nutrient-dense food can positively impact overall health and emotional well-being.
• Learning to read labels, sourcing high-quality meat, and avoiding processed sugars are essential for a healthy diet.
• Choosing organic and connecting with local growers through farmers markets can enhance the quality of food consumption.
  

  If you are grieving right now, you are not alone. You can order a copy of my bestselling book Even If-A Holistic Approach to Living A Joy Filled Life With Loss on amazon by clicking here.

  https://amzn.to/3x5Qbd8

  
  

  If you are a fellow grieving mamma and would like to know more about Holistic Grief Academy, my coaching program you can click here

  https://holisticgriefacademy.myflodesk.com/prei7fpydj

  
  

  PS. I would love to stay connected. You can follow me on Instagram @mrsshaunadukes or head over to ShaunaDukes.com for a free ebook on how to support a grieving friend.