Understanding and navigating the complexities of grief can be vital for maintaining one's mental health. Grief is multifaceted, and it's essential to grasp the facts about grief to support not only ourselves but also those around us.

One key fact about grief is that it's a lifelong relationship with something we cannot change. Everyone experiences grief differently. This process isn't linear, and there's no timeline for healing. It's essential to recognize that grief doesn't have a definitive endpoint. Instead, it's about learning to live with the loss while integrating it into our lives.

A significant fact about grief is that healing doesn't equate to forgetting. Instead, it allows you to remember with more love than pain. This transition involves acknowledging the love and memories without being overwhelmed by sorrow. It's about embracing the joyful moments amid grief, which can help transform the pain into a source of peace.

Navigating grief requires a mix of accepting grace and employing effective strategies. Acknowledging the ebb and flow of emotions is crucial. It's about granting yourself the grace to experience and express these emotions without deadlines, demands, or judgment. Integrating strategies for self-care and emotional expression can facilitate the processing of grief, allowing moments of joy and healing to emerge naturally.

Another vital fact about grief is the power of community and connection. Grieving individuals benefit immensely from support systems. Simple acts, such as a phone call, a walk together, or acknowledging significant dates, can have a profound impact. Real connections enable those grieving to feel seen and heard, offering comfort that transcends words.

Lastly, a crucial aspect of grief is its capacity to transform pain into purpose. Many find that their experiences with loss can lead to new beginnings, helping others navigate similar paths. This transformative power can bring light out of darkness, inspiring a journey toward renewed purpose and joy.

Understanding these facts about grief can help you and those around you navigate the complicated emotions that emerge. Equipped with this knowledge, you can approach grief with compassion, patience, and a deeper understanding of its complexities. Remember, healing is about living with gratitude and love, cherishing the memories of those we've lost while embracing the beauty of life.

About Margo Fordonski

Margo Fordonski is on a mission to help other grieving moms learn to fully grieve.

Through compassionate coaching and personalized strategies, she guides grieving moms in finding peace, resilience, and renewed hope. Margo believes that healing involves honoring your child's memory and finding ways to keep them present in your life as you move forward.

Website for Margo Fordonski

Book: She Rises

Download the Free eBook - A Holiday Grief Support Guide

Read the Full Show Notes and Access All Links

It is a scientific fact that gratitude reduces anxiety. From a physiological and neuroscience perspective, the brain can't experience both anxiety and gratitude simultaneously. The benefits of a gratitude practice can be profoundly impactful.

Gratitude reduces anxiety by shifting us from a state of negative thinking to a more positive one. Additionally, the benefits of a gratitude practice include the release of positive hormones in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine. When Serotonin and Dopamine are released, stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are reduced.

In an article on Research.com, researchers shared 35 scientific benefits of practicing gratitude. The benefits are physiological and psychological. Gratitude can help improve sleep, reduce blood pressure, and prevent overeating. It can also stimulate your immune system, motivate you to exercise more, improve your patience, and help you feel more confident. Additionally, it can reduce envy or jealousy, increase optimism, and make you more forgiving. And the list goes on. Gratitude is powerful.

Gratitude evokes positive thinking, thereby fostering cognitive restructuring. Cognitive restructuring is a therapeutic process that involves reshaping negative, potentially detrimental thoughts into more positive and effective ones. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to form and reorganize new neural connections, thereby altering its neural wiring and firing patterns. Both are powerful tools for managing anxiety and dysfunctional thought patterns.

There are many benefits of gratitude. Gratitude shifts your perspective to what is going well, rather than focusing on what could go wrong.

You can think of gratitude as a natural antidepressant because it releases dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin—positive neurochemicals in the brain.

Read the full show notes and access all links.

To start a journaling practice, download the free eBook, 15 Journaling Prompts and Scripture Verses, today!

Schedule a discovery call with Robyn and start your healing journey today!

More than 40% of Americans have an anxiety disorder. Even more alarming, 32% of adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 have an anxiety disorder. With such profound statistics, there is no doubt that parenting and anxiety need to be addressed collectively.

You may have heard the phrase hurt people hurt people. And this is especially true if one does not heal from the past. This may be true for parents and can be made worse when anxiety is present. Hurt can be inflicted intentionally or unintentionally, but without healing, hurt passes from one generation to the next.

Lisa Brenninkmeyer said, "Suffering not transformed is transmitted. Satan wants us to say I was wounded, now I will wound." Her quote seems to be directed more at the person who intentionally hurts others, but the reality is that if we do not transform our suffering, we ultimately hurt others, no matter what. And, we continue to hurt ourselves.

The word suffering may feel a little extreme when it comes to anxiety. However, anxiety can be debilitating and can lead to outbursts of anger due to irritability and an inability to cope. When this happens, the people in the path of the anxious person get hurt. And when that happens — once or repeatedly — suffering ensues and builds. Relationships are often damaged and maybe, over time, even destroyed.

For parents, it is crucial to heal from past wounds and navigate anxiety in order not to bring past hurt into our parenting.

Any time there are unhealed wounds, there is a risk of increased anxiety. Oftentimes, when people are wounded, they are angry and have not taken the initiative to forgive. Unforgiveness can cause an increase in anxiety. We know that God calls us to forgive. If you have someone you need to forgive, pray about it. That sounds simple, but the Lord can and will soften your heart. It is important to note that granting forgiveness does not mean you will forget the hurt caused by someone else. But you can forgive and set boundaries so the hurt doesn't continue.

When we've been hurt, we may be tempted to harden our hearts. Instead, we can harden our exterior by establishing boundaries while softening our hearts to allow for forgiveness, love, and compassion without holding onto past hurts. Once we make this effort and continue to pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength, we will see transformation. With transformation, anxiety will decrease. You will be less likely to overreact when someone, like your child, spouse, or even your parent, aggravates you or reminds you of a past wound.

Read the full show notes and access all links.

To start a journaling practice, download the free eBook, 15 Journaling Prompts and Scripture Verses, today!

Schedule a discovery call with Robyn and start your healing journey today!

In a world where we continuously seek ways to make a difference, the power of sharing our experiences and insights has never been more crucial. Whether you're driven by a sense of purpose or a desire to impact others positively, speaking can be a transformative tool in your journey. Unfortunately, many individuals feel a calling to share their message, but are often held back by uncertainty and self-doubt. However, if you have an impactful message, we want to help you start speaking today to share your story and make a difference.

Your Unique Message to Share

Everyone has a story or perspective that deserves to be shared. It's common to compare our stories to others, wondering if they are significant enough. Remember, what seems ordinary to you might be life-changing for others. The value of your message lies in its authenticity and relatability, not in pomp or spectacle. Embrace this reality and step forward to share what makes your journey unique.

Start Speaking: Find Your Focus

If you want to start speaking, clarity is your friend. Begin by defining what you want to be known for—your speaker statement. This involves identifying who you can help and how your speaking can facilitate that transformation. Specificity in your message enables you to connect with the right audience. Rather than trying to cover numerous topics, focus on one area where your insights can have the most significant impact.

Overcoming the Fear of Speaking

For many, anxiety and fear are significant hurdles to becoming a speaker. Shifting from seeing public speaking as a performance to viewing it as a service can make a huge difference. By focusing less on yourself and more on the needs of your audience, the pressure to be perfect diminishes. Think of yourself as a lighthouse, guiding others with your insights, instead of a spotlight, seeking validation.

Read the full show notes and access all links.

In the realm of spiritual communities, few topics are as sensitive or impactful as church hurt. This phenomenon affects individuals across various denominations and can profoundly influence one's faith journey. Understanding and healing from church hurt is essential for maintaining and rebuilding a healthy relationship with Jesus.

Church hurt stems from negative experiences within religious settings, such as emotional turmoil, spiritual abuse, or feeling ostracized. It does not discriminate among denominations; it can happen anywhere and to anyone. Recognizing this is crucial to navigating the complicated emotions involved and finding ways to heal.

Healing from church hurt often involves acknowledging the pain and finding supportive environments to express it. Talking with trusted individuals who understand or have experienced similar struggles can be invaluable. Recovery is not about finding an immediate solution but about gradually rebuilding trust and faith.

Tools and resources can offer guidance in recognizing and addressing hurt resulting from others in the church community. Such resources help individuals identify red flags and articulate their feelings. Seeking external perspectives can shed light on situations and clarify if certain behaviors are problematic or dismissive in religious contexts.

While healing from the hurt of individuals within church organizations, it is vital not to generalize all religious communities based on one experience. Positive, nurturing faith communities do exist, and taking the time to find them can offer renewed faith and fellowship. Remember, it's about finding a place that reinforces spiritual well-being and growth.

Read the full show notes and access all links.

Website for Mary DeMuth

Additional resources you will find helpful:

Mary DeMuth - You Need to Meet These Women of the Bible (They Are Just Like Us) - Episode 398

Rebecca George - Ditch the prosperity gospel. Trust God's Timing. Episode 381

Download the free eBook: 15 Journaling Prompts and Scripture Verses

In the evolving world of parenthood, maintaining a strong bond with adult children presents unique challenges. As children transition into adulthood, the dynamics shift, often leading to confusion for parents. However, with understanding and a strategic approach, it's possible to improve relationships with adult children and cultivate a healthy, fulfilling family connection.

Once children turn 18, they are legally considered adults. This milestone often surprises parents who feel uncertain about their new role. As children grow into their independence, they become increasingly determined to make their own choices, sometimes clashing with their parents' ideals. This can lead to emotional chaos and strained relationships. However, understanding these dynamics is the first step to improving relationships with adult children.

For mothers, connecting with themselves is paramount. As the cornerstone of the family, maintaining inner peace is essential. By prioritizing self-awareness, moms can better navigate the emotional upheavals that come with parenting adult children. Self-care and inner reflection act as the glue that binds the family, providing stability during times of change.

Open communication is essential for improving relationships with adult children. It is necessary to engage in active listening, validate the emotions of your children, and initiate a dialogue about their feelings and experiences. By acknowledging their perspectives, parents can build a stronger, more respectful relationship.

For those who treasure faith, integrating it into your parenting approach can help mend and strengthen familial ties. By relying on spiritual guidance, parents can find peace in surrendering their worries and trusting a higher power with their children's paths. This can lead to healing and transformation within the family unit.

Read the full show notes and access all links.

Website for Kim Damon

Additional Resources

Reset Your Nervous System and Become the YOU you want to be - Episode 394 - https://therobyngraham.com/reset-your-nervous-system/

You Need to Start Avoiding the Victim Mentality. Period. - Episode 391 - https://therobyngraham.com/victim-mentality/

Purchase You, Me, and Anxiety: Take Action Over Anxiety to Enjoy Being You

Teen edition

Parent edition

In our increasingly isolated society, establishing meaningful friendships can be a critical step in alleviating the pervasive feeling of loneliness. While life transitions, such as moving to a new area or changing jobs, can disrupt established connections, they also provide opportunities to cultivate new relationships that align with our values. Developing these friendships requires time, effort, and intentionality.

In light of today's epidemic of loneliness, which affects many despite the facade of being well-connected digitally, nurturing meaningful friendships is vital. These friendships are not merely social interactions; they are pivotal to our emotional health and well-being. True friends provide support, joy, and alignment with our values, which are essential for maintaining a stable and happy life.

Building meaningful friendships is a journey. It is not just about logging 200 hours with someone to establish a connection. It's about engaging in experiences, conversations, and activities that forge deep, meaningful bonds. This journey involves vulnerability, openness, and an eagerness to discover potential friends in settings such as church groups, sports clubs, or book clubs.

Despite a busy lifestyle or fears of rejection, it's crucial to break down barriers that impede the development of friendships. Many are afraid to reach out, fearing interruption or rejection. However, these barriers can be overcome by simple actions, such as initiating conversations, setting up coffee dates, or sharing a simple gesture of appreciation.

Friendships evolve over time and across life stages. Whether you are a young mom or someone who transitions through different life phases, recognizing the need for friendships at each stage is crucial. Groups like playgroups or community activities can be excellent ways to introduce new friends who share common values and interests.

Read the full show notes and access all links.

Additional Resources

Finding Your Superpowers: leaning into personal values & dropping comparison - Episode 339

The solution to emotional isolation - Episode 209

Website for Misty Hughes

In our journey through life, many of us face struggles that seem overwhelming, whether it's anxiety, parenting challenges, or simply navigating daily life. In these moments, seeking God's miraculous provision can become a beacon of hope and guidance, helping us to rise and thrive.

God's provision isn't always about grand gestures. It's often about the everyday miracles that help us navigate life's storms. Recognizing these provisions requires trust and faith. Andrea Anderson's book, "Bread Like Rain," delves into encountering God's provision in daily life, offering practical insights for those feeling stuck.

One key strategy for rising and thriving in life is recognizing that control doesn't always serve us. Attempts to micromanage life can lead to increased anxiety. By turning to God and releasing control, we open ourselves to His guidance. This spiritual surrender is often where God's miraculous provision begins. As we learn to trust in God's plan, we discover strength and direction that lead us toward harmony and peace.

Website for Andrea Anderson.

Order Bread Like Rain today.

Read the full show notes.

Download the free eBook, 15 Journaling Prompts and Scripture Verses.