See My Grief - A Podcast from Conversations with Kelly

In this episode, Jeffrey and Kelly have a conversation about the way to healing is to travel through and with all emotions. It is common that we judge ourselves for emotions we have, even the positive ones. Rather than judge, we encourage you to drop into your heart space and feel. What if we embraced our emotions like we do a small child who is hurting? In our individual worlds we are allowed to feel what we feel. Our emotions guide us into the space that calls us for healing. Each of us deserves this healing. Peace to all as you navigate your way through. Remember, you do not need to do this alone.

 

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In this episode Jeffrey and Kelly speak with their guest, Bryan Piatt, co-founder of Refresh Network, about his mental health story and what he encourages us all to to consider when opening up about our struggles. Because we are more alike than different, likely someone in your life can identify with your story. We are meant to be connected as humans in our struggles and our joys. Thank you for this insightful conversation, Bryan!

Refresh Network is a space for real conversations about mental health. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/refreshnetworktv/. Learn more about Bryan in this interview courtesy KARE11.

In this episode Jeffrey and Kelly talk about how loss upon loss impacts us. With COVID-19 and the unrest in our country, we are all experiencing grief overload. We come into these times with our own stories and losses. These must be honored as well. We are wishing each person the chance to be heard and validated. 

Wishing you safety and peace, always.

In this follow-up episode about caregiving in times of crisis, Kelly and Jeffrey invite Dan back to the studio to hear how time has helped shape his perspectives. Whatever our situation during challenge or loss, we become aware that our emotions are fluid and ever-changing. We realize we are different today than we were before. Our response to being a caregiver can surprise us and those we love, in powerful and meaningful ways.

If you haven't done so already, listen to part 1 which was originally published in April 2020.

This episode was recorded as the coronavirus was emerging as a worldwide threat. As we strive to cope with the present reality of COVID-19, we hope you find this content timely and relatable.

Today Jeffrey and Kelly welcome their guest, Dan, to the studio. Dan shares his experience caregiving for his father who became seriously ill while out of the country. The uncertainty, fear, anger and guilt that accompanied Dan as a caregiver may be very relatable to how many of us are feeling right now.

As we allow our emotions to surface, we can acknowledge them, name them, and use them to help bring us validation and support. Thank you to Dan for his honesty, vulnerability and presence in sharing his experience with the CWK community. We are reminded through Dan’s story that love truly is what matters most. 

In this episode, Kelly and Jeffrey explore what it means to be present as a caregiver when someone is ill. Jeffrey shares a personal story about his own chronic illness -- and his experience with the caregivers who showed up at the time of diagnosis.

When you are called upon to be a caregiver, there isn't a guide on how to do it. Will you say the right thing? What exactly should you do? How can you help? Communication is key. Listen to understand what your friend or family member needs. It is only by being present that you can truly give the kind of compassionate care your loved one deserves and desires.

For more information on caregiving and other insightful stories about grief, loss and hope, check out Kelly's book A Comforted Heart, available on Amazon.

In this episode Kelly and Jeffrey have a meaningful discussion about the elements of loss often left unsaid. As an individual in this society we are conditioned about how and what is legitimate to grieve -- and what we should share with others. Kelly walks us through all grief reactions. Sometimes when we lose someone, we are not grieving for a beautiful connection, rather a connection we never had. All loss has a grief associated it, and grief has many faces. As you listen, take comfort in knowing we honor ALL of your feelings related to loss. The complexity of grief is something we can seek to understand as we find helpful and healthy ways to experience its many facets.

In  this episode, Jeffrey and Kelly discuss some ideas on how we can honor those who have died. Our love shows up in many ways as we travel through the weeks, months and years trying to navigate life without our loved ones.

Kelly shares how saying the name of the one you miss is a powerful way to honor them. Our loved ones both want us to always remember them and continue living our lives. Grief is a profound experience and honoring the deceased has a beautiful way of keeping us connected. 

In this episode Kelly and Jeffrey have a meaningful discussion about the many poignant lessons Kelly has learned from many years working with people who are terminally ill. There are many beautiful ways to look at life when your lens is more focused on what matters the most. We get to choose how we spend our energy each day. Find your simple joys each day.

In this episode Kelly talks with Jeffrey about his experiences visiting two different people who were at the end of their life. We know this is a sacred time in someone’s life, therefore, we can pressure ourselves to act or be a certain way. Jeffrey and Kelly discuss some beautiful ways that may help in finding a more comfortable approach to the visit. Hear Jeffrey transparently share his fears and ways he allowed for it all -- and how he changed in the process.

To all who are saying goodbye, or visiting a loved one at the end of their life, let the visit unfold as it is meant to.