​ I am at the Hunter’s Bay Radio studio with my mom.
I asked her to be on my show because she has led me on my spiritual path
and shared part of her story in my book, Love Your Life to Death, in my chapter
for I Bared My Chest and in my chapter for Anxiety Warrior. She is a gift to
​others too! I asked her to share information about Waves of Healing:

 I am a Wholistic Practioner and my practice is called Waves of Healing.
I work out of a wonderful space called, More Than Just Art. I use different methods to help people be healthy physically, emotionally and spiritually;
Reiki, Acupressure, pattern work (a verbal exchange) and energy work.
It helps people look at patterns they’ve repeated in their lives and how
they want to do things differently.

As I mentioned, my mom led me on my spiritual path and changing my
patterns from the past. I was her greatest skeptic. But it helped me so much
in my life. That’s why I share her message, (and not just because she’s my mom!)

We also talked about Finding Your Post, that internal or
permanent something that you can hang onto—no matter what--
in times of despair.  She shares:

My Post is knowing that I can turn to love instead of fear anytime I
choose to do that. To be loving toward myself first—sometimes difficult
for most people—then love others. No matter what the situation,
I believe that love is always the answer.

Love and Gratitude are always the answer,
no matter what the question.

 I believe we can be lighthouses for each other, if we choose.
We can shine the light for ourselves first,
then be the light for everyone in the world.

We never know where our light ends up or how many people we help.

Thank you, mom, for everything you are.
You have helped me to become a better person.
And you say I’ve inspired you?

​Guess we are lighthouses for each other! xo
 
www.wavesofhealing.ca

 
Many times in life, when we are really busy we reach milestones
and things that we should celebrate. But we often say, “Ok we accomplished
that” and just jump to the next thing, and move on.

Well today, I’m going to stop and say that I am really proud, happy and celebrating. Last week, I was a keynote speaker at a hospice/palliative care conference. I had attended the same conference four years ago and loved the closing keynote speaker and thought, “I want to be her.” Well guess what? 
Last Monday, I was!

Then on Friday, we were invited to Centennial College (in Toronto)
where I received the Alumnus of Distinction, 2018 Award. I was given a
beautiful trophy, roses, wonderful lunch; was treated like royalty and the faculty
was amazing. I was also able to say a few words to 500 graduates
and their families. It was magical.

So I am celebrating my accomplishments today. We’ve given our hearts
and souls to “Love Your Life to Death” for the last four years
(and we’re not stopping!). It is nice to be validated and recognized!
Good for us!

I encourage you to celebrate your milestones
along the way--big and small.

What are you going to celebrate you today? :)
​

Sometimes…

• We are broken
• We need space to feel our broken-ness, so we can heal
• It feels like no one cares and we are isolated in our pain.

Please…

• Reach within and remember H.O.P.E….Hold On, Pain Ends
• Reach out to someone who can be there for you
• You have value and you matter.

And we care.

You are never alone.

Here is a panel discussion of people who are here for you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFOSywPRik8
​

As I sit in my lovely office looking at the beautiful trees that surround me,
I am thinking about the many broken hearted people who are grieving, including myself.  As we share our I Just Showed Up movement—teaching people of all
ages how to show up for themselves and each other so they are empowered and resilient when grief arrives—I want to share a few more tidbits.

When there is a funeral, celebration of life or tragedy, people Just Show Up.
Then life goes on for them. But for that grieving person, life is never the
same and they have to adjust to a new normal. And it’s hard. So I want to remind everyone to keep showing up for that person. Their grief journey has only just begun. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

Acknowledge and allow all feelings;
Sad, mad, depressed…whatever they are. If they want to talk, listening and allowing is the greatest gift you can give.

Don’t minimize or “at least” people.
“At least you can do this or that…” it is not helpful.

Don’t start telling your story as soon as they finish telling theirs.
In that grieving moment they just need to be heard.
​Create that space for them. Be a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear.

Forget the Golden Rule.
​Don’t treat people as you want to be treated, treat people as they want to be treated. We are all different, so… ASK! What is the most helpful thing I could
do right now? Maybe offer a choice; can I cut the grass, pick up the kids, bring you dinner, grocery shop for you. Doing something is better than doing nothing.
And if they really don’t know, just do something nice!

Forget the polite conversation.
​“How are you?” “Fine thanks.” Let’s not say we’re fine if we are not,
or hope others do the same. Let’s allow our humanness and be real.

Check in.
​We all have very busy lives. It’s easy for the weeks to slip by and you feel
terribly that you didn’t connect with someone who has had a tremendous loss.
So…put reminders in your phone (or calendar). Call once a week and encourage others to do the same on different days. Of course grieving people need
space to grieve. But we need to keep checking in… for the first year. Then
re-evaluate after that! There’s not timeline!

So, Just Show Up for Yourself First,
and Just Show Up for the grieving.

Together we can help heal people’s broken hearts.

www.ijustshowedup.com