After the devastating loss of her daughter Maddisyn Colleen to a shallow water blackout, Michelle opens up about her journey through grief and healing. In this deeply emotional conversation, Michelle shares the wisdom and kindness Maddi left behind, and how her untimely death became a catalyst for Michelle’s personal growth.

Candidly recounting the emotional turmoil of guilt and broken promises, Michelle reflects on her path through PTSD and the transformative power of community and creative expression.

From ketamine therapy to meditation, Michelle explores unconventional methods of healing while building a community that supports those facing similar losses. Join us as we honor Maddisyn’s life, discover the lessons Michelle learned, and find hope in the darkest of times.

Her book, "Please Don't Say That Sh*t," offers a poignant and practical guide for those struggling with unhelpful comments in grief, providing insight into the healing process and the importance of a supportive network.

If you're in need of immediate support or help with thoughts of self-harm, please reach out to someone you trust or contact a mental health professional. If you're experiencing a crisis, I encourage you to call a suicide prevention hotline, such as:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.): 988

You don’t have to go through this alone—help is available, and reaching out is a brave first step.

Contact Michelle: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellecbutler11

To order "Please don't say that Sh*t!":
https://www.amazon.com/Please-Dont-Say-That-Sh-ebook/dp/B0CLL1DJXV/ref=sr_1_1crid=19R94WI81LAKP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RV8mOSMjcI0aKHqfj71ZqtMW_nP6NhIMI2bJCIQxEoWDKNvdISe5wMi8MyPGwrMjGKVdoXe97EUzLVA5Va-VtJBZ9xyBMhFrA2XWouFVmUU.BOYsXs7xl89u7LgR-o7SuH2UJo-gcpW_Q9SJ-0fxw7w&dib_tag=se&keywords=please+dont+say+that+sh*t&qid=1732303517&sprefix=please+dont+say+that+sh+t%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-1

To order "Befriending my Grief Monster":
https://www.amazon.com/Befriending-My-Grief-Monster-Navigating/dp/B0CVLMN4TL/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

To attend a healing session at the Center for Spiritual Care in Vero Beach, FL:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/CenterForSpiritualCare/

Connect with Jen:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ineedbluepodcast/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1q8SfA_hEXRJ4EaizlW8Q
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567221068683
Website: https://ineedblue.net/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-need-blue/id1567450935

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/i-need-blue/cf77fdb3-396e-4c1c-82aa-c2c3f6d1eee2/ratings-and-reviews

Purchase my book: Why I Survived: How Sharing My Story Helped Me Heal from Dating Abuse, Armed Robbery, Abduction, and Other Forms of Trauma by Jennifer Lee
https://whyisurvived.com/

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by Char Good.
https://chargood.com/home

Support the show

In this deeply moving episode of the I Need Blue podcast, Carolyn, the inspiring founder of Ocean Sands Wellness, shares her extraordinary journey through unimaginable loss and personal challenges.

After the tragic loss of her son, enduring a difficult divorce, facing the emotions of her brothers suicide, and battling breast cancer, Carolyn embarked on a path of unexpected spiritual awakening.

Through her experiences, she uncovered six key influences of stress and now channels her insights into a unique blend of healing practices, including cranial sacral therapy, lymphatic drainage, coaching, and Reiki.

Carolyn's story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative strength we all have within.

Connect with Carolyn:
Website: www.oceansandswellness.com
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Oceansandswellness/
Business: 321-389-9547
Carolyn's recommended reading list for Personal & Spiritual Growth can be found on https://ineedblue.net/

Connect with Jen:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ineedbluepodcast/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1q8SfA_hEXRJ4EaizlW8Q
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567221068683
Website: https://ineedblue.net/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-need-blue/id1567450935

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/i-need-blue/cf77fdb3-396e-4c1c-82aa-c2c3f6d1eee2/ratings-and-reviews

Purchase my book: Why I Survived: How Sharing My Story Helped Me Heal from Dating Abuse, Armed Robbery, Abduction, and Other Forms of Trauma by Jennifer Lee
https://whyisurvived.com/



The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by Char Good.
https://chargood.com/home

Support the show

Explore the incredible journey of Robbie, a paramedic who braved the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic, faced unthinkable trauma, and discovered the profound kindness of humankind in moments of crisis.

During the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic in Tampa, he witnessed the chaos and uncertainty that enveloped the healthcare system, where overwhelmed first responders grappled with fragmented communication and escalating demands. Robbie's experiences highlight the immense pressure and emotional toll on individuals committed to saving lives in such dire circumstances.

His reflections highlight the critical importance of mental health and the need for supportive relationships with both colleagues and friends beyond the job. Robbie shares the unique challenges of balancing family life while constantly living on "alarm time," always ready for the next call. Through heartfelt anecdotes from his experiences in private and government-funded EMS roles, he provides valuable insights into the differences between these environments and their impact on paramedics' lives.

This story is for anyone drawn to this vital work or who wants to understand the dedication of first responders.

Connect with Jen:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ineedbluepodcast/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1q8SfA_hEXRJ4EaizlW8Q
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567221068683
Website: https://ineedblue.net/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-need-blue/id1567450935

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/i-need-blue/cf77fdb3-396e-4c1c-82aa-c2c3f6d1eee2/ratings-and-reviews

Purchase my book: Why I Survived: How Sharing My Story Helped Me Heal from Dating Abuse, Armed Robbery, Abduction, and Other Forms of Trauma by Jennifer Lee
https://whyisurvived.com/

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by Char Good.
https://chargood.com/home

Support the show