In this segment of "Questionable Grief Decisions" we explore the intricate and often tumultuous relationship between grief and decision-making. Jo Story, our guest and host’s mother, divulges her deeply personal experience of choosing to start wedding planning merely two days following the death of her brother. This decision, made amidst the fog of profound grief, epitomizes the complexities of human emotion and the often irrational choices we make in times of sorrow. Through candid reflection, Jo articulates the conflicting feelings that accompanied her choice, ultimately recognizing it as a manifestation of her grief and a misguided attempt to assert control over an uncertain future. This segment invites listeners to contemplate their own experiences with grief and the decisions made in its wake, while fostering an understanding of the shared struggles inherent in the grieving process.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos Madys tattoos is based out of mission beach California where She specializes in Japanese traditional , black and grey , photography, art, and media. Mady believes that tattoos can be more than art, they are milestones, memories, and reminders of how far you’ve come. To learn more or book a session you can find her on instagram at madys_tattoos. Azadi Healing Azadi — which is FARSI for freedom — empowers individuals and communities through trauma-informed care and events such as nervous system regulation, reiki, sound healing, breathwork facilitation and more. Whether you're exploring healing or navigating grief, Azadi Healing offers a sacred space to come home to yourself and find your center. Remember that you’re never alone on this journey. Visit azadihealing.com

The focus of this chapter is the profound exploration of grief as we engage in a heartfelt dialogue with Jo Story, the mother of our host, Story. Jo recounts the harrowing experience of losing her younger brother, Leroy, who succumbed to stage four colon cancer at the age of 42. This poignant conversation delves into the complexities of familial relationships, the burdens of guilt, and the emotional landscape that accompanies such a significant loss. Jo reflects on her evolving relationship with Leroy, from a nurturing sibling dynamic to the challenges posed by distance and life circumstances. Through this intimate exchange, we gain insight into the enduring impact of loss and the intricate pathways of healing that emerge in its wake.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos Madys tattoos is based out of mission beach California where She specializes in Japanese traditional , black and grey , photography, art, and media. Mady believes that tattoos can be more than art, they are milestones, memories, and reminders of how far you’ve come. To learn more or book a session you can find her on instagram at madys_tattoos. Azadi Healing Azadi — which is FARSI for freedom — empowers individuals and communities through trauma-informed care and events such as nervous system regulation, reiki, sound healing, breathwork facilitation and more. Whether you're exploring healing or navigating grief, Azadi Healing offers a sacred space to come home to yourself and find your center. Remember that you’re never alone on this journey. Visit azadihealing.com

The salient point of today's segment revolves around the profound concept of "moments of knowing," which we explore in depth. These moments are characterized by inexplicable experiences that connect us to the energies of those we have lost, often manifesting as sensations that transcend the physical realm. Story recounts a particularly significant experience during a trip to San Francisco, where she felt the presence of her late husband while scattering his ashes at a beach. This event was punctuated by a remarkable and synchronistic occurrence: as she released his ashes, the weather shifted dramatically, illuminating the spiritual essence of the moment. Erika and Story engage in a thoughtful discussion about the nature of these moments, emphasizing their importance in the context of grief and healing, and inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences of knowing.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos Madys tattoos is based out of mission beach California where She specializes in Japanese traditional , black and grey , photography, art, and media. Mady believes that tattoos can be more than art, they are milestones, memories, and reminders of how far you’ve come. To learn more or book a session you can find her on instagram at madys_tattoos. Azadi Healing Azadi — which is FARSI for freedom — empowers individuals and communities through trauma-informed care and events such as nervous system regulation, reiki, sound healing, breathwork facilitation and more. Whether you're exploring healing or navigating grief, Azadi Healing offers a sacred space to come home to yourself and find your center. Remember that you’re never alone on this journey. Visit azadihealing.com

The core of this chapter revolves around the profound notion of "learning to be someone they will never know," which reflects the transformative journey individuals embark upon following the loss of a significant person in their lives. We delve into the complexities of grief, acknowledging the inevitable changes that accompany such loss and the challenge of reconciling one's evolving identity with the absence of that loved one. In conjunction with this theme, we explore the poignant acceptance of how life can still hold goodness in the absence of those we mourn. This acceptance does not diminish the void left behind but rather invites an exploration of gratitude and growth amidst the sorrow. Ultimately, we engage in a candid discussion about the intricacies of navigating grief, emphasizing the importance of connection and dialogue in this shared human experience.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos Madys tattoos is based out of mission beach California where She specializes in Japanese traditional , black and grey , photography, art, and media. Mady believes that tattoos can be more than art, they are milestones, memories, and reminders of how far you’ve come. To learn more or book a session you can find her on instagram at madys_tattoos. Azadi Healing Azadi — which is FARSI for freedom — empowers individuals and communities through trauma-informed care and events such as nervous system regulation, reiki, sound healing, breathwork facilitation and more. Whether you're exploring healing or navigating grief, Azadi Healing offers a sacred space to come home to yourself and find your center. Remember that you’re never alone on this journey. Visit azadihealing.com

This week's segment of "Moments of Knowing" features Sherie from Azadi Healing, who shares profound experiences of connection with her father, particularly surrounding the moments of his passing. Sherie articulates the ineffable nature of these experiences, wherein the energy of her father manifests in ways that are deeply empowering and transformative. A pivotal moment she recounts is the night of her father's death, which marked a significant alteration in her life and understanding of existence. Throughout the discussion, both Story and Erika engage with Sherie's insights, exploring how these moments serve as affirmations of love and guidance from those we have lost. This segment poignantly illustrates how grief can facilitate moments of knowing that transcend ordinary understanding, fostering a sense of continuity and connection beyond physical presence.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos Madys tattoos is based out of mission beach California where She specializes in Japanese traditional , black and grey , photography, art, and media. Mady believes that tattoos can be more than art, they are milestones, memories, and reminders of how far you’ve come. To learn more or book a session you can find her on instagram at madys_tattoos. Azadi Healing Azadi — which is FARSI for freedom — empowers individuals and communities through trauma-informed care and events such as nervous system regulation, reiki, sound healing, breathwork facilitation and more. Whether you're exploring healing or navigating grief, Azadi Healing offers a sacred space to come home to yourself and find your center. Remember that you’re never alone on this journey. Visit azadihealing.com

Trigger Warning: This chapter contains discussions about suicide which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care of yourself and skip this chapter if you need. Sherie will be joining us next week for the segment "Moments of Knowing", we encourage you to join us next week if this subject is triggering for you.

We are honored to have Sherie, the founder of Azadi Healing, join us for chapter five of our podcast. Sherie shares her experiences surrounding the loss of her dad to suicide, providing insight into the complexities of grief and the moments that define our understanding of loss. As she recounts the events leading to her dad's passing, she highlights the importance of presence and connection in times of sorrow. This conversation is not merely a recounting of pain but a testament to the love and memories that endure beyond loss. We invite you to tune in next week for Sherie's segment, "Moments of Knowing," where she will delve deeper into these themes.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos Madys tattoos is based out of mission beach California where She specializes in Japanese traditional , black and grey , photography, art, and media. Mady believes that tattoos can be more than art, they are milestones, memories, and reminders of how far you’ve come. To learn more or book a session you can find her on instagram at madys_tattoos. Azadi Healing Azadi — which is FARSI for freedom — empowers individuals and communities through trauma-informed care and events such as nervous system regulation, reiki, sound healing, breathwork facilitation and more. Whether you're exploring healing or navigating grief, Azadi Healing offers a sacred space to come home to yourself and find your center. Remember that you’re never alone on this journey. Visit azadihealing.com

Introducing our segment "Moments of Knowing" In this segment, Story engages in a profound dialogue with our esteemed guest, RoseAnne, as we delve into the intimate and often ineffable experiences that accompany the process of grief and remembrance. Central to our discussion are the "moments of knowing," which encapsulate those extraordinary instances when one feels a visceral connection to a departed loved one, often manifesting through signs or serendipitous occurrences. RoseAnne shares poignant anecdotes, such as the striking coincidence of donning her father's shirt on the anniversary of his passing, which evokes a profound sense of connection and presence. We explore the subtle yet powerful ways in which our departed loved ones communicate with us, be it through dreams or unexpected encounters with nature, such as birds that evoke cherished memories. Through this segment, we illuminate the significance of recognizing and cherishing these moments, offering solace to those navigating the complexities of loss.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos Madys tattoos is based out of mission beach California where She specializes in Japanese traditional , black and grey , photography, art, and media. Mady believes that tattoos can be more than art, they are milestones, memories, and reminders of how far you’ve come. To learn more or book a session you can find her on instagram at madys_tattoos. Azadi Healing Azadi — which is FARSI for freedom — empowers individuals and communities through trauma-informed care and events such as nervous system regulation, reiki, sound healing, breathwork facilitation and more. Whether you're exploring healing or navigating grief, Azadi Healing offers a sacred space to come home to yourself and find your center. Remember that you’re never alone on this journey. Visit azadihealing.com

In chapter four of the podcast, Story talks with RoseAnne about the death of her father and her faith that carries her on the daily. Through her reflective recounting, we are offered a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of grief, characterized by moments of despair as well as unexpected revelations of love and connection. Story and RoseAnne engage in a candid dialogue about their respective journeys with grief. RoseAnne’s journey is particularly compelling, as she shares the emotional weight of her father's illness on short notice and the intimate moments shared during his final days. This exploration illuminates her personal journey but also fosters a sense of shared understanding and connection among listeners. Overall, the chapter captures the essence of grief as a complex and deeply personal experience, while also emphasizing the importance of communication and reflection in the healing process.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsorship for The Upside to Grief

Mady's Tattoos Madys tattoos is based out of mission beach California where She specializes in Japanese traditional , black and grey , photography, art, and media. Mady believes that tattoos can be more than art, they are milestones, memories, and reminders of how far you’ve come. To learn more or book a session you can find her on instagram at madys_tattoos. Azadi Healing Azadi — which is FARSI for freedom — empowers individuals and communities through trauma-informed care and events such as nervous system regulation, reiki, sound healing, breathwork facilitation and more. Whether you're exploring healing or navigating grief, Azadi Healing offers a sacred space to come home to yourself and find your center. Remember that you’re never alone on this journey. Visit azadihealing.com