Loss can come in many forms.  It can be a beloved career, a pet, the unfathomable loss of a child, or perhaps a marriage or life partner.  The grief and trauma that can follow such life events can be daunting.  Sometimes awful things happen to us, and we somehow gather up the courage to handle whatever life puts in our way, but how we get there is different for everyone.

When you are ready to heal from the grief, the important thing is to recognize that you not only choose growth but embrace the new you that came out on the other side of the trauma.  Michele Neff Hernandez did just that, and she now shares with other widowed people her innovative grief support through Soaring Spirits International, a nonprofit providing research-based programs and a community of peers for anyone who has experienced the death of a spouse or partner.

Michele Neff Hernandez is the author of the book Different After You : Rediscovering Yourself and Healing After Grief or Trauma, nonprofit leader, compelling speaker, and a 2021 CNN Hero.  Her story is one of grit, determination, and self-discovery.  Under Michele's leadership, Soaring Spirits has grown from a dream on a napkin to a global nonprofit serving over four million people to date.

In this episode Michele and I discuss:

Grieving what you lost
Inventory what you have
Deciding what you want to build next
Allowing yourself to be changed by trauma

Michele is currently working on a book on self-love.  The love of self is the first piece to healing.

Camp Widow is part of Soaring Spirits International.  There will be a PBS special about Camp Widow in November of 2023.

If you would like to request a Newly Widowed packet for you or someone else, it will provide an orientation to all Soaring Spirits' programs.  (Requests for someone  other than yourself, will be sent to the requester.)

Soaring Spirits International
https://soaringspirits.org/

Michele Neff Hernandez
https://micheleneffhernandez.com/

Different After You : Rediscovering Yourself and Healing After Grief or Trauma is available at most booksellers.

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Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.