Life after suicide loss is indeed nothing short of a wasteland of the leftover pieces of your shattered heart, of your former self. As the host, Melissa, a mother who lost her 21-year old son Alex to suicide in 2016, has real conversations with other loss survivors, healers and mental health experts. In these conversations she explores the relevant topics and asks the hard questions we all need to talk about and hear answers to. Nothing is 'off limit' as she delves into areas such as trauma, hope, healing, self-care, stigma, grief & mental health. Melissa believes that we learn to live alongside our grief, not get over it. Only through real, honest talk and mindful choices can we make a real difference. For a supporter, or educator, these conversations hold nuggets of awareness and shine a spotlight on suicide and mental health in a real, and unapologetic, way. As a suicide loss griever, one can find the comfort of a community, and hope for a little brighter tomorrow. Melissa wants to help others, like herself, go from surviving to finding a life with meaning, maybe even happiness, amid their own leftover pieces.
Donate to The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations
The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations podcast has been an incredibly helpful resource for me during my healing process. As someone who has experienced loss by suicide, I found the content of this podcast to be relatable and comforting. The interviews and insights provided by Melissa, the host, have helped me realize that I am not alone in my grief and that there is hope for healing. I appreciate the vulnerability and honesty with which the guests share their experiences, and I am grateful to Melissa for creating a space where these conversations can take place.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is its relatability. The content shared on The Leftover Pieces is so raw and authentic that it truly resonates with listeners who have experienced loss by suicide. Melissa's personal experiences as a loss survivor herself allow her to connect with her audience on a deep level, offering validation and understanding. The interviews with expert guests provide valuable advice and information that can be helpful to anyone navigating the complexities of grief after a suicide loss.
Another wonderful aspect of this podcast is how it challenges the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. By openly discussing these difficult topics, Melissa creates a safe space for dialogue and helps break down barriers to understanding. The conversations she has are crucial in raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting compassion towards those affected by suicide loss.
As for any potential downsides, it can be emotionally challenging to listen to episodes dealing with such heavy subject matter. Suicide loss is deeply painful and can evoke strong emotions in listeners who have personal connections to this type of grief. While this emotional intensity may be necessary for healing and growth, it's important for listeners to approach these episodes at their own pace and take breaks when needed.
In conclusion, The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations podcast is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking support or understanding after experiencing the devastating loss of a loved one by suicide. Melissa's vulnerability, along with her guest's insights, offers a sense of community and hope for healing. This podcast is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of open dialogue in promoting mental health awareness and compassion towards those affected by suicide loss. I highly recommend it to anyone on this difficult journey.
Welcome today fellow griever. I appreciate you, I see you and thank you so much for listening and if you can, please ---Support the showToday, I'm taking you behind the scenes — not just of the podcast, but of why I do all of this.Spoiler alert: it's not about making six figures. Not even close to what it's about! It started with a mic, a grieving heart, and the hope that I could create the kind of podcast I couldn't find after losing my son Alex to suicide. And in many ways, most ways that matter, it still is about that same 'seed' that was planted when the podcast started... the desire to create the space i couldn't find and to walk alongside others on this journey.In this episode, I share how The Leftover Pieces was born — and how everything that's followed (coaching, community, books, retreats…) has grown out of real conversations with other survivors like you. We talk about how I approach grief support differently, why I resist cookie-cutter coaching models, and how I've built this space with heart, not hustle.Yes, I left a full-time job to do this.No, I don't have sponsors or ads.Yes, this work is sacred.And yes — if the podcast has helped you, you can support it (there's a button on the website) — but this episode? It's just me, being real, with no pitch. Just truth. The link is also here in the show notes (top and bottom) BUT I would love you to check out all of the new and newly "spruced up" things on the website! I have been working hard and am so proud of what you will find there.Take what serves you, leave the rest. And thank you — truly — for being here.
Welcome today fellow griever. I appreciate you, I see you and thank you so much for listening and if you can, please ---Support the showYou may have seen soft mentions of some new things I've been building — maybe in your inbox or on social — and today I'm diving all the way in. If this is the first you're hearing of it, then welcome — you're right on time.In this heart-led episode of Down the Rabbit Hole, I'm walking you through what's new — and what's next — here at The Leftover Pieces™. Each of these new offerings has grown out of real conversations with grieving survivors — and from the truth of my own lived experience.
"Hello --It is May 31st and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 5: The FINALE for may 2025 Daily NuggetsDay 31: Today's truth is: "You're still here. That matters." Idea: Completion, continuation, and gratitude. Day 31. We made it. This is something! THANK YOUYou've shown up—for 31 days—inside your grief, your heart, and your truth. That is not small. It is extraordinary. Your courage is inspiring. You are an extraordinary person.This wasn't about fixing anything. It was about witnessing and giving voice to the parts that often go unseen. And you've done that.You're still here. And that matters. It matters immensely.Wherever you go from here — know that you carry love. That you are love. And that your story and your loved one's story are still unfolding.This is not the end—just a pause. Remember, I'll be right here when you need me, and there's a bright future waiting for you.Thank you for walking through May with me. Remember, you're not alone—not in this life, not in this grief, and not in this strange, sacred, mad little world we share. I'm here for you, always.So, this is where I leave you - the finale May Nugget -- but by far, not our last time together -- I am so very, very grateful for you. If you have seen my new link in the show notes, or on my podcast, and have donated, please know I am grateful from the depths of my heart - all of it helps me continue being able to help other grievers. AND Here is the Coupon Code: Podcast5 - to use at checkoutIt is good for BOTH the "Because They Lived" Anthology Info & Submit HERE and The One-on-One Coaching (for moms) HEREBoth coupons good through June 30, 2025 - Thank you for listening! - MelissaTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
"Hello --It is May 30th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 5: The 3 Day Wrap -up for the MonthDay 30: Today's truth is: "Life, what is it but a dream?" Idea: The surreal nature of life after loss. Grief makes reality feel hazy — like you're walking through someone else's life. Or maybe the world is continuing without you.It's okay to feel lost in this surreal, poetic, and incomprehensible life. But remember, you're not alone in this journey.It's okay to feel like you're simultaneously living in a dream and reality. Your emotions are not only valid but also a testament to the depth of your love.And know that your child's love still threads through this dream. You're not living it by yourself. All of us in this community are walking this path with you, sharing the same love and loss.So, let's end here. One more day to go. This was the second to last nugget for May. AND Here is the Coupon Code: Podcast5 - to use at checkoutIt is good for BOTH the "Because They Lived" Anthology Info & Submit HERE and The One-on-One Coaching (for moms) HEREBoth coupons good through June 30, 2025 - Thank you for listening! - MelissaTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
"Hello --It is May 29th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 5: The 3 Day Wrap -up for the MonthDay 29: Today's truth is: (Finale echo) "I can't go back to yesterday..." Idea: Reinforcing transformation.We began this month with this truth and return to it now — because some truths don't get easier, only more familiar.You can't go back. And that's a heartbreak you'll carry. But remember, you've also carried your love. Your memory. Your child's spirit-all the way to this moment. That's a testament to your resilience.So today, take a moment to acknowledge your emotional journey. What has shifted in you this month? What feels a fraction lighter, clearer, or braver?You didn't go back. But you did move. And that's not just something; it's a significant step forward in your journey.So, let's end here. That's your truth - your nugget for today.AND Here is the Coupon Code: Podcast5 - to use at checkoutIt is good for BOTH the "Because They Lived" Anthology Info & Submit HERE and The One-on-One Coaching (for moms) HEREBoth coupons good through June 30, 2025 - Thank you for listening! - MelissaTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
"Hello --It is May 28th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 4: Resilience & ReclamationDay 28: Today's truth is: "Why did you come out here at all?" Idea: The isolation of grief. There are days when grief makes you question your place in the world. You might feel like a shadow of yourself. Or like a misfit in every room.Isolation is part of this journey. But it doesn't have to define it.Today, reach for a small connection. Share a memory, a text, a voice that sees you. These shared memories keep your loved one's spirit alive.You came out here — into this complicated world — because your love for your person still lives. This is a testament to your strength and resilience, even in the face of unbearable loss.And that love deserves to be witnessed. You deserve to be seen. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Others understand and are here to support you.So, that's what I have today. That's your nugget.AND Here is the Coupon Code: Podcast5 - to use at checkoutIt is good for BOTH the "Because They Lived" Anthology Info & Submit HERE and The One-on-One Coaching (for moms) HEREBoth coupons good through June 30, 2025 - Thank you for listening! - MelissaTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
"Hello --It is May 27th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 4: Resilience & ReclamationDay 27: Today's truth is: "It sounds uncommon nonsense." Idea: Navigating unhelpful advice. Grief comes with opinions — often terrible ones. "Everything happens for a reason." "They wouldn't want you to be sad." "At least you have other children."Let's name that for what it is: nonsense. Well-intentioned - maybe. But deeply unhelpful.On the other hand, "I'm here for you." "Take all the time you need." "It's okay not to be okay." These are the kind of things that can genuinely help.You don't have to smile and nod or educate every person. But you can give yourself permission to reject the societal noise and feel supported in your struggle. Embrace your emotions and know it's okay to feel what you feel. You understand your grief better than anyone. Your truth is your guide. Let that be louder than their nonsense. Remember, your journey is yours alone, and every step you take is valid. Stand firm in your reality, and don't let others dictate your path to healing.So, that's what I have today. That's your nugget.AND Here is the Coupon Code: Podcast5 - to use at checkoutIt is good for BOTH the "Because They Lived" Anthology Info & Submit HERE and The One-on-One Coaching (for moms) HEREBoth coupons good through June 30, 2025 - Thank you for listening! - MelissaTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
Welcome today fellow griever. I appreciate you, I see you and thank you so much for listening and if you can, please ---Support the showToday, I release a recent conversation with Betsy Thibaut Stephenson to talk about her son Charlie who was a smart, witty, reserved, and was (silently) living with being 'unmotivated' & being depressed. Despite doing what seemed like all of the right things, Charlie, a rising senior in college, died by suicide in July of 2022 at only 21 years old. It was shocking and devastating -- and they are learning to live with it, to carry with it! "Betsy Thibaut Stephenson lives in Alexandria, Virginia with her husband and labrador retrievers. When she isn't visiting her grown daughters in North Carolina and South Carolina, she is helping public affairs clients tell their story to policymakers and the media. Blackbird is her first book."There are SO many take aways from this mom-to-mom heart-to-heart....Here's a few of the highlights of our conversation include: How they responded as a family when Charlie reached out when he spoke out about his thoughts of self-harm from the first time. The trips to see him after he opened up-- and the letter she wrote him, that he carried with him & was found in his backpack after he was gone.The letters he wrote and left behind (not a suicide note, per se, but insight of sorts) & what those told his family & how they 'helped' them understand moreThe shock of his death-- and how they spoke 'the open truth' from the beginning.ALL of the 'signs; she gets from him now... why bringing him into 'everything" helps and makes it lighter somehow. (I love this part!) It's OK to be 'selfish' in your griefWhy the title "Blackbird" for the book --- you HAVE TO HEAR THIS--- stuff you can NOT make up here people!?? What IS Stuck Song Syndrome (OMG --- there's a name for it!!) LO-FI people -- LO-FI is the answer.... who knew? There is SOOO much to this incredible chat that I think you will love --- I hope you will get this book and curl up Find Betsy & her book HERE@blackbirdbetsy21 on Instagram_________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.I hope you will consider SUBMITTING A POEM OR LETTER to my NEW ANTHOLOGY PROJECT --- a book called "Because They Are Loved" SEE ALL OF THE DETAILS HERE!! PS....The Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has finished. Volume 5 is out in the world ...GET ON THE LIST NOW for the SINGLE DATE start for 2025 OR FUTURE PROJECTSFor a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the showSupport the show
"Hello --It is May 26th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 4: Resilience & ReclamationDay 26: Today's truth is: "I shall be punished... by being drowned in my own tears." Idea: Emotional overwhelm.Have you ever felt like grief might consume you? If you let it in, would it pull you under for good?You're not alone. Many of us have felt the weight of grief, fearing that our pain is too big, too dark, too much. But remember, we're all in this together.But your tears are not a punishment. They are a testament to the depth of your love. They are released. They are language.Today, if you cry — let it come. Let it move through you. You are not drowning. You are flowing. And in this flow, you will find healing and eventually, you will find shore again.So, let's end here today. with this nuggetAND Here is the Coupon Code: Podcast5 - to use at checkoutIt is good for BOTH the "Because They Lived" Anthology Info & Submit HERE and The One-on-One Coaching (for moms) HEREBoth coupons good through June 30, 2025 - Thank you for listening! - MelissaTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
"Hello --It is May 25th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 4: Resilience & ReclamationDay 25: Today's truth is: "Why is a raven like a writing desk?" Idea: Unanswerable questions. This is one of those questions that has no answer. It's a shared experience, much like the ones we ask in grief: Why my loved one? Why then? Why now? And the BIG one - Why suicide?Some things don't make sense. They can't. It's important to acknowledge this. No logic will soothe the ache. No theory will soften the silence.And that's where we meet mystery. Not to solve it — but to survive it. To say: I hate this. I don't understand this. But I'm still breathing inside of it.Today, if the questions are loud, let them be. You don't have to answer them to live with them. And remember, if the weight of these questions becomes too heavy, there are people who care about you and are ready to listen.So, let's stop here. That's your nugget for today.AND Here is the Coupon Code: Podcast5 - to use at checkoutIt is good for BOTH the "Because They Lived" Anthology Info & Submit HERE and The One-on-One Coaching (for moms) HEREBoth coupons good through June 30, 2025 - Thank you for listening! - MelissaTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
"Hello --It is May 24th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 4: Resilience & ReclamationDay 24: Today's truth is: "Then you shouldn't talk." Idea: The silence around grief. Sometimes, we silence ourselves — afraid to be too heavy, sad, or too much. It's not easy to express these emotions; we all struggle with it. Other times, the world silences us — with awkwardness, judgment, or discomfort.But your story matters. Your voice matters. Your grief deserves to be heard and acknowledged.If no one is listening, talk to the page, pour your heart into a journal, speak to the endless sky above, or even address the memory of your loved one. And remember, it's okay to seek professional help if you need it.And if you have no words today, that's okay, too. Silence can be sacred and immensely powerful in its own right.Don't mistake your silence for invisibility or insignificance.You are still here. Your presence is a powerful testament to your existence, loud enough to be recognized and valued. So, let's stop here. That's your nugget for today.AND Here is the Coupon Code: Podcast5 - to use at checkoutIt is good for BOTH the "Because They Lived" Anthology Info & Submit HERE and The One-on-One Coaching (for moms) HEREBoth coupons good through June 30, 2025 - Thank you for listening! - MelissaTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
"Hello --It is May 23rd and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 3: Control & SurrenderDay 23: Today's truth is: "Try again: draw a long breath..." Idea: Starting over. Some days, you start over five times before noon. And that's okay. Grief doesn't care about linear progress — it just asks that you show up, in whatever form that may be. Your journey is valid, no matter how it unfolds.This quote is a gentle nudge. Not a demand. Not a hustle. Just a breath. Just a whisper that even here, in the heaviness, you still get to begin again. And it's okay to begin again, as many times as you need.So today, draw a long breath. Literally. Right now. Inhale. Hold. Exhale. That's it. That counts. That matters.Starting again doesn't mean starting over. It just means returning — to now, to your body, to your strength. Embracing the present moment is your anchor in the storm of grief.So, that's all for now...that's your nugget AND Here is the Coupon Code: Podcast5 - to use at checkoutIt is good for BOTH the "Because They Lived" Anthology Info & Submit HERE and The One-on-One Coaching (for moms) HEREBoth coupons good through June 30, 2025 - Thank you for listening! - MelissaTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
"Hello --It is May 22nd and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 4: Resilience & ReclamationDay 22: Today's truth is: "It's a poor sort of memory that only works backwards." Idea: Creating forward-looking memories.Grief keeps us anchored in the past—the moments before, the final day, the last words. That's not wrong, but it can feel like we're trapped in a loop.Today's quote gently nudges us toward a different kind of remembering, including forward memory. That's the legacy work. That's telling their story. That's inviting their memory into what comes next.What does forward memory look like for you? It could be a journal, a tattoo, a foundation, or any other form that resonates with you. The choice is yours, and it's a way to honor their memory in a way that feels right for you.Grief is a journey that takes us both backward and forward, and it's okay to live in both directions. It's okay to cherish the past and look forward to the future. You're not alone in this, and it's a part of the healing process.So, remember, grief is not just about looking back. It's also about looking forward. That's your nugget for today.Take a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."AND Here is the Coupon Code: Podcast5 - to use at checkoutIt is good for BOTH the "Because They Lived" Anthology Info & Submit HERE and The One-on-One Coaching (for moms) HEREBoth coupons good through June 30, 2025 - Thank you for listening! - Melissa[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
"Hello --It is May 21st and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 3: Control & SurrenderDay 21: Today's truth (revisited) is: "I can't go back to yesterday..." Idea: Accepting life as it is now. Let's revisit this truth: You can't go back. And it's cruel — because back there is where your loved one still lived. The pain of this loss is real and valid, and it's okay to feel it. But forward doesn't mean forgetting. Forward means carrying. It means honoring. It means showing the world your resilience and strength. Today, name one thing that remains—a memory, a ritual, a cherished keepsake. A part of your child's spirit is not lost; it's still present in your life, a comforting connection that will never fade. When you share stories or engage in activities they loved, you weave their essence into your ongoing journey. We understand that this journey is not easy. You are not walking away from them. You are walking with them into what's next, embracing both the joy of your memories and future challenges. This ongoing journey is a testament to their enduring legacy that continues to shine through you.So, that's all for now...that's your nugget todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."AND Here is the Coupon Code: Podcast5 - to use at checkoutIt is good for BOTH the "Because They Lived" Anthology Info & Submit HERE and The One-on-One Coaching (for moms) HEREBoth coupons good through June 30, 2025 - Thank you for listening! - Melissa[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
"Hello --It is May 20th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 3: Control & SurrenderDay 20: Today's truth is: "Begin at the beginning... and go on till you come to the end." Idea: Getting unstuck. Grief can make even the most straightforward steps feel like climbing a mountain. It's okay to feel lost. But remember, you're not alone; many have walked a similar path and found their way through.Start right here. Right now. With whatever is in front of you. It's not about the whole journey. Just the next breath. The next sip of water. The next kind thought toward yourself. Each small action builds upon the last, creating a foundation for healing. It's important to remind yourself that movement, no matter how slow, is still progress. It's not about speed or perfection; it's about honoring your feelings and taking each step forward with compassion. So be gentle with yourself, embrace the process, and recognize that every little effort counts. You have the strength to move forward, one breath at a time.So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
Support the showToday I speak with Lauren Wood, a (super brave) third year Human Services student at Northeastern University in Boston, passionate about social justice, equal mental health access, and (naturally) suicide prevention. Lauren opens up about losing her dear friend Coble to suicide when she was just a senior in high school—an event that shattered her world and changed the trajectory of her life. Now, years later, she is leaning into the hard work of healing while actively building a future in advocacy and mental health support.She shares "I am incredibly honored to share my sweet friend Coble's memory through Melissa's incredible platform". Likewise, Lauren, I am incredibly honored to have had this conversation.With honesty, vulnerability, and grace, she brings her voice to this conversation—keeping Coble's light alive while illuminating the often-silent journey of grief that young people carry. This is a conversation about love, loss, growing up too soon, and the power of reclaiming joy.In this episode, we discuss:
"Hello --It is May 19th, and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — "You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness."WEEK 3: Control & SurrenderDay 19: Today's truth is: "Everything's got a moral...if only you can find it." Idea: Today, we're exploring the powerful concept of finding meaning in the midst of loss. People love to wrap loss in platitudes. "Everything happens for a reason." "They're in a better place."But let's be honest — not all losses neatly fit into these tidy narratives. Some experiences of grief and loss are messy, complex, and devoid of any clear moral. The moral is how fiercely you love. The true moral of loss often lies in the depth and intensity of the love you cherished for those you've lost. It might also be found in the unexpected connections and communities that rise from the ashes of your grief, reminding you that you are not alone in your sorrow.Remember, this path through grief is a journey, not a destination. Allow yourself the grace to navigate it in your own way, on your own terms. In doing so, you may discover that even amid the pain, there is room for healing, growth, and eventually, a newfound sense of purpose.So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."AND Here is the Coupon Code: Podcast5 - to use at checkout for 5% offIt is good for BOTH the "Because They Lived" Anthology Info & Submit HERE and The One-on-One Coaching (for moms) HEREBoth coupons good through June 30, 2025 Thank you for listening! - Melissa[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
"Hello --It is May 18th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 3: Control & SurrenderDay 18: Today's truth is: "If everybody minded their own business..." Idea: Setting boundaries.Oh, the unsolicited advice grievers get can be overwhelming. People have their opinions on how you should grieve or when to move on, and it can all feel so draining. Just remember, you don't owe anyone an explanation for your feelings. Your grief is personal, and it deserves the time and space to unfold in your own way. Take a moment today to set some boundaries. Say no to advice that doesn't serve you. Don't hesitate to ignore a text that feels intrusive or delete a comment that's unhelpful. Get that journal out & practice writing a few responses when people offer unwanted 'help'Breathe and remind yourself that you have every right to protect your peace during this tough time. It's okay to focus on what uplifts you and to navigate your grief on your own terms.So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."AND Here is the Coupon Code: Podcast5 - to use at checkout for 5% offIt is good for BOTH the "Because They Lived" Anthology Info & Submit HERE and The One-on-One Coaching (for moms) HEREBoth coupons good through June 30, 2025 Thank you for listening! - Melissa[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
“Hello --It is May 17th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. Let's get real, together. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 3: Control & SurrenderDay 17: Today's truth is: "I can't go no lower... I'm on the floor, as it is." Idea: Hitting emotional rock bottom. This is for you if you're here right now— on the floor emotionally, spiritually, or perhaps even physically. It's okay to be here. There's no pep talk today. No forced optimism or attempt to shine a light on hidden blessings. Just this simple acknowledgment: you are not alone in this struggle. You are still here, and that matters more than you might realize. Your presence in this moment is enough, even if everything feels heavy. When you hit the floor, survival is the goal—this is your immediate focus, not thriving, not fixing, not finding silver linings.So today, give yourself permission to stay low if that's what you need. It's alright to surrender to this feeling. Be present in this moment and allow yourself the space to feel what you're feeling. Let yourself lie still if you need to. Breathe deeply and steadily. Cry if it helps. Do nothing if that feels right. Embrace the stillness and let the floor support you, cradling you through this challenging time. There is strength in simply being, even when it feels like you're at your lowest. You are held, you are valid, and you are enough just as you are.So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
“Hello --It is May 16th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. Let's get real, together. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 3: Control & SurrenderDay 16: Today's truth is: "The time has come, the Walrus said, to talk of many things..." Idea: Talking about the hard stuff. We avoid talking about suicide. We avoid talking about grief. We avoid talking about mental health — especially when it's messy, raw, and unfixable. The stigma looms large and heavy.Silence is heavy. It isolates us. It shames us. The blame-shame game is brutal after a suicide loss & definitely not where we should surrender control. Take away its power by talking about it --- everywhere you can.So today, say one hard thing out loud. Maybe just to yourself. Maybe to someone safe. Maybe just whispered into the wind. It's a step towards healing, towards breaking the silence.There's power in truth. There's freedom in saying the things we're told to keep quiet. And you don't have to carry that silence forever.Every time we choose to voice our thoughts and feelings, we reclaim a piece of ourselves, fostering connection and understanding with those around usSo, that's all for now... that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
"Hello --It is May 15th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 3: Control & SurrenderDay 15: Today's truth is: "Remember who you are" Idea: Reclaiming lost parts of self. In grief, we lose not only our child, but sometimes ourselves. Our roles change. Our future plans shift. And suddenly we're asking, “What's left of me?”But here's what I believe: who you are (were) isn't completely gone — it's just under pain. It is possible to unearth it and bring what serves you back, while welcoming -- or familiarizing ourselves with the new bits, as we can. Someday, though it's hard to imagine now, these bits won't feel that stiff newness that feels uncomfortable like it does now - one day it will be a comfy, softened part of your new life's tapestry ---maybe just not yet, and that's ok.Today, name one truth about yourself that still stands. One strength, one value, one small piece that was yours long before loss.You are still in there. Grief doesn't erase you. It reshapes you. And remembering who you are is how you begin again.So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
“Hello --It is May 14th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 2: Madness & AcceptanceDay 14: Today's truth is: "All the ways about here belong to me.” Idea: Taking back your voice. There's no one way to grieve. And yet the world loves to offer advice — move on, don't be sad, get help, stay strong.But this path? It's yours. You decide the pace, the expression, the silence, the shout.You get to say no to social events. You get to celebrate your child's birthday in your pajamas. You get to cry in the grocery store — or laugh at something dumb without guilt.All the ways about here belong to you. You are the author of your healing, however messy or non-linear it may be.So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
“Hello --It is May 13th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 2: Madness & AcceptanceDay 13: Today's truth is: "I'm not myself, you see." Idea: Identity disturbance. These words hit deep, don't they? Because when your child dies, the “you” who existed before — she fractures. The version that shows up now may feel hollow, uncertain, or unrecognizable.And that's okay. You're not broken — you're in the middle of becoming...becoming what's next. We do not have to engage in the overwhelm of becoming something particular, especially in early grief, just the idea of becoming what's next is all we need to be open to in the beginning.Grief demands a redefinition. A rebuilding. Today, think of one small part of yourself that still feels familiar. A value. A talent. A piece of your heart - even a small piece.Let that be your thread. You don't need the whole tapestry. Just the thread to begin...it will take shape over time, with work and choice and help- one stitch at a time.So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
“Hello --It is May 12th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. Let's get real, together. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 2: Madness & AcceptanceDay 12: Today's truth is: "Curiouser and curiouser!" Idea: Letting yourself explore emotions. This isn't just a cute phrase. It's a lens — one that invites us to approach our emotions with curiosity instead of criticism.What if, instead of judging your grief, you just observed it? Got curious about it?Sad again today? Curious. Feeling irritable with no clear reason? Curious. Laughed unexpectedly? Curious — not guilty.Curiosity doesn't require answers. It simply invites awareness. And that awareness gives us space to breathe inside our emotions, instead of being buried under them.Today, gently ask: “What am I feeling?” And then let the answer be whatever it is — without needing to fix it.So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
“Hello --It is May 11h and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. Let's get real, together. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 2: Madness & AcceptanceDay 11: Today's truth is: “I give myself very good advice, but I very seldom follow it.” Idea: Struggling with self-care. If you're anything like me, you know what might help: getting outside, texting a friend, taking a breath, eating something nourishing. And yet? The doing part often feels impossible.That's not laziness. It's grief. It drains the energy even from the smallest acts of care. But here's the thing: You deserve care, even now. Especially now.So today, don't try to fix everything. Don't make a to-do list. Just pick one small thing you would tell someone else to do — and offer it to yourself.Drink a glass of water. Step outside for two minutes. Lie down and close your eyes without apology. Tiny steps count. You count.So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
“Hello --It is May 10th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. Let's get real, together. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 2: Madness & AcceptanceDay 10: Today's truth is: “If you don't know where you're going, any road can take you there.” Idea: There is no one path in grief. Grief doesn't come with a map. And if someone tries to hand you one — toss it out.Because this path, your path, is going to wind and backtrack and stall. Some days, just getting out of bed will be the win. Other days, you might surprise yourself and laugh, create, connect.You're not lost because you don't know the destination. You're human. You're grieving.There is no schedule. No finish line. No gold stars.So if all you do today is breathe and survive — that's enough. If tomorrow holds a spark of light, take it. If not, you'll find another road when you're ready.You don't owe anyone progress. But you do owe yourself this: grace. And maybe a reminder that wherever you are — that's exactly where you're supposed to be.So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
“Hello --It is May 9th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. Let's get real, together. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 2: Madness & AcceptanceDay 9: Today's truth is: "Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." Idea: Rebuilding belief in hope.After loss by suicide, hope can feel offensive. Or even dangerous. Like you're betraying your grief by reaching for more.But maybe hope isn't a lie. Maybe it's a like muscle — one you can stretch without obligation - one that over time, can become strong again. While practicing hope may indeed sound mad, I want to challenge you to do that. To allow it to show up, even consider looking for it -- maybe even just a glimmer because that's all we need to remember it's there sometimes.Today, think of one impossible thing you want to believe again... That joy is still possible. That your life has purpose. That your loved one's love lives on.You don't have to fully believe it yet. Just name it. That naming? That's how hope begins. So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
“Hello --It is May 8th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. Let's get real, together. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 2: Madness & AcceptanceDay 8: Today's truth is: "We're all mad here" Idea: Grief is disorienting—but you're not alone. When we lose a child, we enter a parallel universe — one where love and pain are inseparable, and where ‘madness' starts to feel like reality.This isn't a weakness. To do the work of grieving takes real strength. It's not a flaw. It's the cost of loving deeply and losing profoundly. It's a sacred rite of passage after loss and it will be woven into your life tapestry to carry forth with you for the rest of your journey. It is a gift - albeit one we didn't want or ask for - but that does not take away from its power to transform and shape us in incredible, even beautiful ways when we're ready.Today, let this quote be a badge of belonging. You're not out of place. You're just part of a club no one wants to join — but where every heart understands yours.Here, you don't have to mask your pain. You get to speak it. And that's sanity.So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
“Hello --It is May 7th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. Let's get real, together. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 1: I discuss Identity & TransformationDay 7: Today's truth is: "But I don't want to go among mad people." Idea: Feeling detached from the world. The world feels absurd after loss. People complaining about trivial things. Celebrating holidays. Asking you when you'll be "back to normal."You might feel like a ghost — present, but not fully seen. And that's a hard place to live from.But you're not alone in that feeling. You're not mad. You're just grieving in a world that doesn't understand how deep and wide this pain goes.Take the space you need. Say no. Opt out. Let your grief be your compass, not their comfort.There's a strange kind of sanity in naming the madness. And you, my friend, are more sane than most.So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
“Hello --It is May 6th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. Let's get real, together. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 1: I discuss Identity & TransformationDay 6: Today's truth is: "A grin without a cat — the most curious thing!” ... Idea: Remnants of joy in sorrow. Sometimes, joy appears when you least expect it. A smile sneaks out. A laugh erupts. And immediately, guilt tries to follow.But here's the thing — joy doesn't mean you've forgotten. It means you're still human.Grief and joy can coexist. They often do. The depth of our sorrow reflects the depth of our love — and love makes room for light, even in the darkest places.So today, if a grin visits you — let it stay. Don't question it. Don't chase it away. Let it remind you: your soul still knows how to feel.So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
“Hello --It is May 5th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. Let's get real, together. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 1: I discuss Identity & TransformationDay 5: Today's truth is: "How puzzling all these changes are!" Idea: The disorientation of early grief. Grief doesn't just change our hearts — it changes our brains. Maybe you can't concentrate. Maybe words slip away. Maybe everything feels upside-down. That's normal.There's nothing wrong with you. Your brain is doing the best it can to survive something it was never built for.Give yourself routines today. Anchor yourself with small rituals — a cup of tea, a walk at the same time every day, a five-minute check-in with yourself. These little things create steadiness when everything else feels like a storm.So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
“Hello --It is May 4th and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. Let's get real, together. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 1: I discuss Identity & TransformationDay 4: Today's truth is: "I can't explain myself, I'm afraid, Sir, because I'm not myself, you see." Idea: Losing your sense of self.Some days, it's hard to even recognize ourselves. The person in the mirror looks the same — but feels completely unfamiliar. That's not a failure. That's grief. Grief is so disorienting....you are not crazy, it's grief.You might forget birthdays. Miss appointments. Say no to social events. Not because you don't care — but because you're not functioning in the same way. Your brain and your heart are overloaded.And while others may not understand, you don't owe them explanations.Today, try offering yourself the compassion you would offer a dear friend. Maybe even say aloud: “Of course I'm not myself. I'm grieving.”And that's more than okay.So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
“Hello --It is May 3rd and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. Let's get real, together. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”WEEK 1: I discuss Identity & TransformationDay 3: Today's truth from Alice is: “I can't go back to yesterday because I was a different person then.”I want to say something bold: You will never be the same. That can sound terrifying. But maybe, just maybe, it can also be freeing.Because you don't have to fit back into a life that doesn't fit anymore. You can let go of expectations. You can be a new version of you — one that's shaped by grief but also by love, resilience, and fierce mothering, or fathering, or sistering, or friending....whatever fits griever.Ask yourself today: Who am I becoming? And what part of the old me am I ready to release? How about that as a journal prompt --- or a thought prompt for meditation or a moment of reflection? So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
“Hello --It is May 2nd and welcome to Wonderland Fellow Griever. — “You've just stepped Down the Rabbit Hole — where mental health meets madness after loss. Let's get real, together. This is your daily dose of truth, grief, and yes, just the right bit of madness.”Welcome to Day 2. Our Quote today is is from Ch 5 of The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland: "I knew who I was this morning, but I've changed a few times since then."If that doesn't scream grief, I don't know what does. One hour, we're numb. The next, we're crying in the car. The next — somehow — laughing at a meme. And then we feel guilty for laughing. Grief is emotional whiplash. It doesn't follow a script, and it sure as hell doesn't care about timelines. So here's your permission: let it change. Let you change. We just decide -- we choose -- to change. Yes, it will take time to set into habit, but we have all month together and there's no time like the present as they say!If it helps, try tracking your mood today — not to fix it, but to witness it. Try adding you 'mood of the day' to your journal all month -- or write it in your daily planner. You can look back at months end. You might be surprised by what shifts — and by what stays. No judgment. Just compassion.So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you for helping, everything counts]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
Hello Fellow Griever— Welcome to this special Down the Rabbit Hole series I'm calling “Welcome to May – We're All Mad Here.” [P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]If you're new here, I'm Melissa, a suicide loss survivor and a bereaved mom myself. I'm also a grief coach, and the host of this podcast The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations podcast. And this month — this Mental Health Awareness Month — I'm doing something a little different.Every. Single. Day... in May, I'll be dropping a short, 3-to-5-minute episode in this series — just a few moments together. Just you and me — and the truth. Down the Rabbit Hole. Because let's face it: grief isn't polite. It's not tidy. It doesn't play by the rules, and it doesn't give a damn what month it is. But we do. Because mental health matters every day, especially for us — grieving moms trying to make sense of a world that no longer makes sense.You won't get fluffy inspiration here. No sugar-coating. No cliches. Just honest reflection, a dose of real-talk, and a little bit of literary magic — courtesy of Alice in Wonderland.I've always loved Alice. My regular listeners know I have a recurring segment called Down the Rabbit Hole — because that's exactly what grief feels like, right? Disorienting. Upside-down. A little… mad.So, I thought, what better way to explore the messiness of mental health after loss than through the curious, confounding, and oddly wise world of Wonderland?Each day, I'll share a quote from Alice in Wonderland or Through the Looking Glass — and use it as a springboard. Some days we'll talk about identity. Some days we'll talk about rage. About stigma. About drowning in your own tears. About not recognizing the person in the mirror anymore. It's all fair game.This is a space for truth. For reflection. For the hard stuff. And for the reminder that you are not alone — not in your madness, and not in your mourning.So, if you're grieving — whether you're brand new to this or have been carrying your loss for years — I hope you'll walk (or crawl) through this month with me. Listen in when you can. Save the episodes you need. Share them with another grieving heart.We're all mad here, after all — but we don't have to be alone.TODAY we discuss:WEEK 1: We will discuss Identity & TransformationDay 1: Quote: "Who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle." The Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Chapter 2Reflect on how grief dismantles our identity.Offer simple grounding techniques. - 5-4-3-2-1 Technique, The focus on one thing technique AND the energy-fueled adrenaline-fueled activity.Taking care of YOU -- Plan even 10 minutes -- a bubble bath, a walk, reading your favorite book. So, that's all for now...that's the nugget to carry todayTake a breath. Take what you need. leave the rest. And come back tomorrow because, remember, you're not broken—you're grieving. And you're not alone in this madness. ---I'll be right here Talk Soon."SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! __________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada ORSupport the show
Today I share a recent chat with Larry Carlat. He is a writer, author, a retired editor, a grief coach -- and the bereaved father of Rob, his son who died by suicide. This is life after suicide in a packed-full-of lived-experience-wisdom and hope-filled conversation. One of the chapters in his book is called The Soul Knows When It's Time to Go...and you can listen to us discuss this, and synchronicities, and our kids being connected to other parents (deceased) kids, and hopelessness and hopefulness and So. Much. More!!! Oh .... and we both lean into CHOICES as a big part of this journey, especially after year one.His book is an incredible read and an even better 'helper' as a way to make it through, day by day, 'poco a poco' as I now say...In the book he breaks it down like this: Part One - is The End of Your Life (as you know it)Part Two -- is The Middle (moving through grief)Part Three - is The beginning (of creating this new life)He reads several parts of this incredible book including one called "We are Extraordinary Parents" (versus extra ordinary) and do stay until the end and hear "Parts of You" and "A Little Reminder" at the end.... which isn't the actual end...you will want to read it over and over but go get it!A Space in the Heart Book; A Survival Guide for Grieving Parents his bookGrief for Guys 1:1 Coaching for MenOur House Grief Center LA__________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has finished. Volume 5 is out in the world ...GET ON THE LIST NOW for the SINGLE DATE start for 2025 OR FUTURE PROJECTSFor a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the showSupport the show
Today, in talking about life after suicide loss, I am releasing a recent chat with Julie Halpert - Garrett's mom, journalist, and co-founder of Garrett's Space. Tragically, Garrett died by suicide at 23 years old in 2017...He was incredibly bright, loved & talented. And Garrett struggled with his mental health on and off for years. These things came together as the inspiration for the work of Garrett's Space - a suicide prevention nonprofit.They were about to 'break ground' at our recording on the physical facility near Ann Arbor, Michigan. This upcoming facility, along with the programs that Garrett's Space has been holding, is a beacon of hope for those struggling with their mental health. Garrett's Space has been holding programs (online with monthly social gatherings) for young people to support their mental health. The upcoming 10,000-square-foot residential center, along with the 2000-square-foot creativity studio, is a testament to the incredible support of the community. The whole point, as Julie emphasizes, is to create a very homelike atmosphere. They are even working with a leading-class architect specializing in trauma-informed design, and they will. They also plan to offer this on a sliding scale; there'll be a service fee, but it should be available for anyone regardless of their ability to pay. The whole community has really rallied around this, and it is an incredible asset for the whole area there in Michigan.This is an incredible episode, and it was my honor to have this conversation with Julie. Learn a bit more, and find the links below."Julie Halpert is an award-winning journalist, writing articles for dozens of widely read media outlets, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, covering many topics. She also teaches an environmental journalism course at the University of Michigan. She is the co-founder with her husband, Scott, of Garrett's Space, a suicide prevention nonprofit."Be sure to go to their website below, and don't miss the incredible video of Garrett while you are there!Garrett's Space WebsiteInstagramThe Dinner Party (her daughter's community connection & mental health forward endeavor) And, yes, we spoke about the SIBLING SUPPORT group in my community (click the link to find all support groups I have, including for moms and siblings -- spousal group in the planning)__________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has finished. Volume 5 is out in the world ...GET ON THE LIST NOW for the SINGLE DATE start for 2025 OR FUTURE PROJECTSFor a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the showSupport the show
Today I share my conversation with Blake & Lisa. They are Zach Carter's mom and oldest brother. Zach died by suicide in 2022. The 3 of us talk about many things including, but not limited to, Zach's devotion to family, to his job and even to Crocs...yes, the cushy, bright colored charm-adorned shoes! We talk about his joys and his struggles and even his love for pizza! There is something in this one for everyone. From Zach's brother:“On June 22nd, 2022, my life was turned upside down. We lost my brother and best friend, Zachary, to suicide at the ripe young age of 21. After losing him we were all impacted by the lack of resources available to those facing anxiety, depression, and grief. It was this unfortunate loss, and the need to continue Zach's love of mental health advocacy that led us to launch ZTC.”“Today's mental health care system, in my eyes, is a joke. After the loss of Zach we were filled with depression, anxiety and grief and needed to seek professional help. Family members contacted multiple facilities just to be told the wait was 6-18 months or just didn't receive a call back. If we struggled to find help while we were still functioning with mild depression and anxiety, how are those that are severely suffering getting treated when they are reaching out for treatment that could be life or death?”From Zach's Mom:“This foundation is very important to me. It's a way we can honor my youngest son Zachary, who lost his battle with Mental Illness when he was only 21. We would love to help others going through struggles and trying to find help. After my son passed away, I found it very hard to get the help I needed. I was told I would be put on a waiting list and it could be 12-18 months. This is just unacceptable!! I was lucky to find a church that offered a grief counseling program. It was so helpful to me. We want to help others, whether its help funding therapy or guiding them with the resources to get help.I have also started zachsbutterflies.org. Be sure to check it out sometime. My husband and I, along with some family members, are crocheting butterflies and leaving them around for others to find. We leave a little note of encouragement with it. Maybe one day you will find one while you're out and about.HERE are all of the LINKs as promised:The ZTC Foundation WebsiteZach's Butterflies & Zach's Buddy BenchesFacebook & InstagramThe (infamous) You Matter HoodiesAnkits Hope AppQPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Training__________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.If you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
Today I tackle another precarious topic in life after suicide loss --remember, as always, take what serves you, and leave the rest. In today's Down the Rabbit Hole, I discuss this topic of what I call the "Wintering" and Grief Seasons. It's not a long one, but something to think about! Come with me today and let's explore grieving through all of the seasons, but today, we take on "Winter" - or looking ahead to "un-wintering", with all of its intricacies and nuances ...and the promise of Spring ahead! Here is the Sesame Workshop Video I discussed and promised. I hope there is something of use here. AND AGAIN ... Bravo for the grief affirming message. We need SO. MUCH. MORE. of this in the world!!The Poem (by author/poet Ullie-Kaye)Winter.winter reminds me that ihave a greater appreciationfor the warmth when I ammade to endure the cold.my heart has a winter too.Have you seen the latest MOMs RETREAT scheduled for May 28- June2, 2025 (held here in sunny Puerto Rico) that is out? LOOK HERE And what about Legacy? Let's remember your child together!! I start the ONE & ONLY Legacy Project this year (2025) on March 5 --- there's still time to talk to me & see if this is your year!! LET"S CHAT - SCHEDULE A CHAT HERE It would be my honor to do this work with you -- I wish I had opportunities like this earlier in my grief, but I didn't...so now you do! My hearts mission is to provide meaningful, real-help-resources and healing opportunities for suicide loss survivors and one-on-one with other moms like me. Be sure to check out my website for tons of free resources and recommendations as well as other healing opportunities. AND watch emails in Jan and February for some new options. I don't add a LOT, but what I do add is always designed for maximum impact.Sending love, peace and enough hope for us both! (See, that's just one way community helps -- we need others to be our strength and motivators and accountability partners when we can't get there alone!) "This is so lonely, but you do not have to be alone." - XO Melissa__________________________________________________________________________Go to my WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has finished. Volume 5 is out in the world ...GET ON THE LIST NOW for the SINGLE DATE start for 2025For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USASupport the show
Today I release an impactful conversation that I had recently with Peyton James' dad - David. Peyton was an incredible young man who died by suicide in 2014 and while his dad will feel his absence for the rest of his life, he takes some comfort in spreading the ripple effects of Peyton's life with hope through the legacy foundation started in his sons' name - The Peyton Heart Project. You should ALL take a look and consider getting involved at the link below-- they make it super easy!!Among other things we discuss stigma, mental health in schools, organ donorship and how dads grief matters - deeply - and yet often feel forgotten or like they have nowhere to turn to find support. We also discuss how suicide loss is different. This dad has definitely leaned into his pain to find purpose. This is one for everyone to listen to! READ MORE HERE on the Peyton Heart WEBSITEAt the Peyton Heart Project, our mission is to raise global awareness about suicide, bullying, and to help end the stigma surrounding mental health issues.We're doing this through our campaign of distributing small, knitted and crocheted hearts with inspirational messages in locations where we hope they'll be easily found. To date, we've scattered over 100,000 hearts all across the country and the world.You can help us spread our message by making hearts and shipping them to us or scattering them yourself, or we'll gladly ship you a package of hearts that you can use to spread our message. Our project is donor-funded, so we ask that you keep us in mind in your giving plans. Thank you for your generous support. We couldn't do it without you."David is the father of The Peyton Heart Project's namesake, Peyton James. After losing Peyton to suicide in 2014, David set out to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide so that other families wouldn't feel the pain of losing a loved one to suicide. Knowing that education is the key to prevention, David has lobbied for laws in his home state of Texas that require educators to be trained yearly in suicide awareness. He also speaks at various events using Peyton's story to help others. He resides in the Texas Hill Country with his wife Lisa, daughter Emmalee, and two corgis Earl and Zelda." Again --- Find all of the great things they do HERE__________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has finished. Volume 5 is out in the world ...GET ON THE LIST NOW for the SINGLE DATE start for 2025For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA & CanadaSupport the show
Today I speak with Michelle. Michelle lost her husband to suicide in April of 2016 - and she has so much to share about loss, life & mindfulness in the surviving places! She is an incredible light of a soul, and I am so glad we connected & even happier that I get to share her wisdom with you.... she says it but I agree, we feel like 'soul sisters'. Be sure to see all of the Links to books etc. that we mention below!Here are just some of the things we hit on in this incredible chat! We are all over the topic of mindfulness because it is both of our 'grief love language' I thinkHer compound losses including the loss of her husband to suicideHear her address Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs & the four A'sThe power of the "Pause" and meeting your own needsShe even addresses faith -- and how that can matterAnd soooo much more....And OH...also hear her call me out on something -- it's all good!! She was not wrong! It was a great 'catch' ;)Michelle Ann Collins is a dedicated professional who helps individuals navigate grief, trauma, and loss through her organization, Inhabit Joy. As a certified mindfulness meditation teacher, grief educator, wellness coach, and yoga therapist, she combines her knowledge of positive psychology, neuroscience, and mindfulness to guide clients toward resilience. Her personal journey through significant losses, including her mother's death and her husband's suicide, transformed her trauma into growth and inspired her bestselling books, "Surviving Spouse or Partner Suicide Loss" and "Supporting a Survivor of Spouse or Partner Suicide Loss." In addition to her private practice, Michelle conducts workshops and wellness programs in corporate settings. She emphasizes mindfulness, yoga therapy, and wellness strategies, particularly for suicide loss survivors, aiming to normalize conversations around grief and suicide. Her mission is to help individuals cope with loss while rediscovering joy and purpose.Find her HERE (you will be glad you did) on her Inhabit Joy WebsiteFind her books Surviving Spouse or Partner Suicide Loss" and "Supporting a Survivor of Spouse or Partner Suicide Loss." HERE HERE's Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (mentioned in the podcast)And HERE is the book I refer to A Walk in the Wood; Meditations & Mindfulness from a Bear Named Pooh JUST GET IT --- It's INCREDIBLE! __________________________________________________________________________Please Listen to my Start Here - Meet Melissa Episode if you are new to the podcast & have not listened (or if you are not new, it was updated in Feb 2025 & you may learn something new:) Go to my WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The SINGLE DATE start for 2025 Leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USASupport the show
As a sort of "Re-Boot" for The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations podcast after taking the last 6 weeks of 2024 "off" I am choosing to 'start over' this way .... please listen weekly to Down the Rabbit Hole episodes dropped at the start of each week and / or listen daily to these readings from The Daily Stoic-- nuggets as I call them -- of wisdom passed along from Ryan Holiday. Stephen Hanselman and the ancient Greek Philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca. I hope you will do both. I hope you will consider journaling along with me. I hope it provides some inspiration, even motivation to keep going, to how we do what we do, to why we do what we do in moving forward 'after'...I hope it is a tool that you (like me) might find useful in your life after loss by suicide.The following is an excerpt directly from the book -- they are not my words and are placed here as a sample to help you journal. The full book must be purchased to follow along all year. I am ONLY doing this in January (on the podcast).TODAYS READING January 31 - PHILOSOPHY AS MEDICINE FOR THE SOULGet your own copy of The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman**“Don't return to philosophy as a task-master, but as patients seek out relief in a treatment of sore eyes, or a dressing for a burn, or from an ointment. Regarding it this way, you'll obey reason without putting it on display and rest easy in its care.” —MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 5.9 The busier we get, the more we work and learn and read, the further we may drift. We get in a rhythm. We're making money, being creative, and we're stimulated and busy. It seems like everything is going well. But we drift further and further from philosophy. Eventually this neglect will contribute to a problem—the stress builds up, our mind gets cloudy, we forget what's important—and result in an injury of some kind. When that happens, it's important that we tap the brakes—put aside all the momentum and the moment. Return to the regimen and practices that we know are rooted in clarity, good judgment, good principles, and good health. Stoicism is designed to be medicine for the soul. It relieves us of the vulnerabilities of modern life. It restores us with the vigor we need to thrive in life. Check in with it today, and let it do its healing." - all above quoted words from the credited to the authors**I SURE HOPE THAT YOU TOOK SOMETHING VALUABLE AWAY FROM THIS MONTH! i KNOW I DID. - SENDING MY LOVE & PEACE - MELISSA__________________________________________________________________________Go to my WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The SINGLE DATE start for 2025 Leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USASupport the show
Today it is my honor to once again welcome back a resilient, inspirational survivor mom -- Lynn Lewis. I first spoke with Lynn in April of 2022. At that time Lynn was 3 years in after the loss of her "favorite man child" as she often refers to her precious son, Daniel. HERE is that Episode Lynn Brooks-Lewis's Story; "I Choose to Live" after the Suicide Loss of her Son from Season 3 of this podcastSo, it's time to 'catch up' with Lynn .... she has indeed been up to alot, and I want to share with you so that you can celebrate with me where she is now along with acknowledging all of the critical support (& tools) she is providing to other survivors of suicide loss. Let's find out why 'denial isn't always a bad thing.' Let's be inspired. Let's find hope.About Lynn: Lynn Lewis, a Certified Grief Educator, is the Visionary and Chief Empathy Officer for Destined to Thrive Grief Coaching, a speaker and an author. After her son's death on August 4 of 2019, Lynn Lewis made the choice to not be consumed by the grief of her tragic loss. Lynn readily shares her grief story “I Choose to Live in the Aftermath”. She talks about how she strives daily to keep moving forward, why she does it and the positive impact self-love has on how she manages grief. She supports adults who are ready to move forward with living meaningful and impactful lives despite having experienced the loss of a loved one Lynn is the co-author of "Prepare for Purpose – Your Invitation to The Next Level" and author of "My Suicide Grief Journey Journal; Memory Book." She is happily retired from the automobile claim industry with 39 years of service and resides in N. Chesterfield, VA with her husband, Keith D. Lewis.For more information go to www.destinedtothrivegriefcoaching.com Here is the journal she wrote (on Amazon) My Suicide Grief JourneyShe is the Co-Author of Prepare For Purpose: Your Invitation to the Next Level is an inspiring and practical guide that seeks to help readers discover and nurture their individual paths to living meaningful lives.Watch her in a candid TV Interview HEREHer INSTAGRAM is HERE__________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has finished. Volume 5 is out in the world ...GET ON THE LIST NOW for the SINGLE DATE start for 2025For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 in the US or Canada OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USASupport the show
As a sort of "Re-Boot" for The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations podcast after taking the last 6 weeks of 2024 "off" I am choosing to 'start over' this way .... please listen weekly to Down the Rabbit Hole episodes dropped at the start of each week and / or listen daily to these readings from The Daily Stoic-- nuggets as I call them -- of wisdom passed along from Ryan Holiday. Stephen Hanselman and the ancient Greek Philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca. I hope you will do both. I hope you will consider journaling along with me. I hope it provides some inspiration, even motivation to keep going, to how we do what we do, to why we do what we do in moving forward 'after'...I hope it is a tool that you (like me) might find useful in your life after loss by suicide.The following is an excerpt directly from the book -- they are not my words and are placed here as a sample to help you journal. The full book must be purchased to follow along all year. I am ONLY doing this in January (on the podcast).TODAYS READING January 30 - YOU DON'T HAVE TO STAY ON TOP OF EVERYTHINGGet your own copy of The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman**“If you wish to improve, be content to appear clueless or stupid in extraneous matters—don't wish to seem knowledgeable. And if some regard you as important, distrust yourself.” —EPICTETUS, ENCHIRIDION, 13a One of the most powerful things you can do as a human being in our hyperconnected, 24/7 media world is say: “I don't know.” Or, more provocatively: “I don't care.” Most of society seems to have taken it as a commandment that one must know about every single current event, watch every episode of every critically acclaimed television series, follow the news religiously, and present themselves to others as an informed and worldly individual. But where is the evidence that this is actually necessary? Is the obligation enforced by the police? Or is it that you're just afraid of seeming silly at a dinner party? Yes, you owe it to your country and your family to know generally about events that may directly affect them, but that's about all. How much more time, energy, and pure brainpower would you have available if you drastically cut your media consumption? How much more rested and present would you feel if you were no longer excited and outraged by every scandal, breaking story, and potential crisis (many of which never come to pass anyway)?" - all above quoted words from the credited to the authors**I hope you are considering journaling along with us in January__________________________________________________________________________Go to my WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The SINGLE DATE start for 2025 Leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USASupport the show
As a sort of "Re-Boot" for The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations podcast after taking the last 6 weeks of 2024 "off" I am choosing to 'start over' this way .... please listen weekly to Down the Rabbit Hole episodes dropped at the start of each week and / or listen daily to these readings from The Daily Stoic-- nuggets as I call them -- of wisdom passed along from Ryan Holiday. Stephen Hanselman and the ancient Greek Philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca. I hope you will do both. I hope you will consider journaling along with me. I hope it provides some inspiration, even motivation to keep going, to how we do what we do, to why we do what we do in moving forward 'after'...I hope it is a tool that you (like me) might find useful in your life after loss by suicide.The following is an excerpt directly from the book -- they are not my words and are placed here as a sample to help you journal. The full book must be purchased to follow along all year. I am ONLY doing this in January (on the podcast).TODAYS READING January 29 - KEEP IT SIMPLEGet your own copy of The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman**“At every moment keep a sturdy mind on the task at hand, as a Roman and human being, doing it with strict and simple dignity, affection, freedom, and justice—giving yourself a break from all other considerations. You can do this if you approach each task as if it is your last, giving up every distraction, emotional subversion of reason, and all drama, vanity, and complaint over your fair share. You can see how mastery over a few things makes it possible to live an abundant and devout life—for, if you keep watch over these things, the gods won't ask for more.” —MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 2.5 Each day presents the chance to overthink things. What should I wear? Do they like me? Am I eating well enough? What's next for me in life? Is my boss happy with my work? Today, let's focus just on what's in front of us. We'll follow the dictum that New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick gives his players: “Do your job.” Like a Roman, like a good soldier, like a master of our craft. We don't need to get lost in a thousand other distractions or in other people's business. Marcus says to approach each task as if it were your last, because it very well could be. And even if it isn't, botching what's right in front of you doesn't help anything. Find clarity in the simplicity of doing your job today." - all above quoted words from the credited to the authors**I hope you are considering journaling along with us in January__________________________________________________________________________Go to my WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The SINGLE DATE start for 2025 Leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USASupport the show
As a sort of "Re-Boot" for The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations podcast after taking the last 6 weeks of 2024 "off" I am choosing to 'start over' this way .... please listen weekly to Down the Rabbit Hole episodes dropped at the start of each week and / or listen daily to these readings from The Daily Stoic-- nuggets as I call them -- of wisdom passed along from Ryan Holiday. Stephen Hanselman and the ancient Greek Philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca. I hope you will do both. I hope you will consider journaling along with me. I hope it provides some inspiration, even motivation to keep going, to how we do what we do, to why we do what we do in moving forward 'after'...I hope it is a tool that you (like me) might find useful in your life after loss by suicide.The following is an excerpt directly from the book -- they are not my words and are placed here as a sample to help you journal. The full book must be purchased to follow along all year. I am ONLY doing this in January (on the podcast).TODAYS READING January 28 - WATCHING THE WISEGet your own copy of The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman**“Take a good hard look at people's ruling principle, especially of the wise, what they run away from and what they seek out.” —MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 4.38 Seneca has said, “Without a ruler to do it against, you can't make crooked straight.” That is the role of wise people in our lives—to serve as model and inspiration. To bounce our ideas off and test our presumptions. Who that person will be for you is up to you. Perhaps it's your father or your mother. Maybe it's a philosopher or a writer or a thinker. Perhaps WWJD (What would Jesus do?) is the right model for you. But pick someone, watch what they do (and what they don't do), and do your best to do the same." - all above quoted words from the credited to the authors**I hope you are considering journaling along with us in January__________________________________________________________________________Go to my WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The SINGLE DATE start for 2025 Leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USASupport the show
As a sort of "Re-Boot" for The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations podcast after taking the last 6 weeks of 2024 "off" I am choosing to 'start over' this way .... please listen weekly to Down the Rabbit Hole episodes dropped at the start of each week and / or listen daily to these readings from The Daily Stoic-- nuggets as I call them -- of wisdom passed along from Ryan Holiday. Stephen Hanselman and the ancient Greek Philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca. I hope you will do both. I hope you will consider journaling along with me. I hope it provides some inspiration, even motivation to keep going, to how we do what we do, to why we do what we do in moving forward 'after'...I hope it is a tool that you (like me) might find useful in your life after loss by suicide.The following is an excerpt directly from the book -- they are not my words and are placed here as a sample to help you journal. The full book must be purchased to follow along all year. I am ONLY doing this in January (on the podcast).TODAYS READING January 27 - THE THREE AREAS OF TRAININGGet your own copy of The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman**“There are three areas in which the person who would be wise and good must be trained. The first has to do with desires and aversions—that a person may never miss the mark in desires nor fall into what repels them. The second has to do with impulses to act and not to act—and more broadly, with duty—that a person may act deliberately for good reasons and not carelessly. The third has to do with freedom from deception and composure and the whole area of judgment, the assent our mind gives to its perceptions. Of these areas, the chief and most urgent is the first which has to do with the passions, for strong emotions arise only when we fail in our desires and aversions.” —EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 3.2.1–3a Today, let's focus on the three areas of training that Epictetus laid out for us. First, we must consider what we should desire and what we should be averse to. Why? So that we want what is good and avoid what is bad. It's not enough to just listen to your body—because our attractions often lead us astray. Next, we must examine our impulses to act—that is, our motivations. Are we doing things for the right reasons? Or do we act because we haven't stopped to think? Or do we believe that we have to do something? Finally, there is our judgment. Our ability to see things clearly and properly comes when we use our great gift from nature: reason. These are three distinct areas of training, but in practice they are inextricably intertwined. Our judgment affects what we desire, our desires affect how we act, just as our judgment determines how we act. But we can't just expect this to happen. We must put real thought and energy into each area of our lives. If we do, we'll find real clarity and success." - all above quoted words from the credited to the authors**I hope you are considering journaling along with us in January__________________________________________________________________________Go to my WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The SINGLE DATE start for 2025 Leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USASupport the show
As a sort of "Re-Boot" for The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations podcast after taking the last 6 weeks of 2024 "off" I am choosing to 'start over' this way .... please listen weekly to Down the Rabbit Hole episodes dropped at the start of each week and / or listen daily to these readings from The Daily Stoic-- nuggets as I call them -- of wisdom passed along from Ryan Holiday. Stephen Hanselman and the ancient Greek Philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca. I hope you will do both. I hope you will consider journaling along with me. I hope it provides some inspiration, even motivation to keep going, to how we do what we do, to why we do what we do in moving forward 'after'...I hope it is a tool that you (like me) might find useful in your life after loss by suicide.The following is an excerpt directly from the book -- they are not my words and are placed here as a sample to help you journal. The full book must be purchased to follow along all year. I am ONLY doing this in January (on the podcast).TODAYS READING January 24 - THE POWER OF A MANTRAGet your own copy of The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman**“Erase the false impressions from your mind by constantly saying to yourself, I have it in my soul to keep out any evil, desire or any kind of disturbance—instead, seeing the true nature of things, I will give them only their due. Always remember this power that nature gave you.” —MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 8.29 Anyone who has taken a yoga class or been exposed to Hindu or Buddhist thought has probably heard of the concept of a mantra. In Sanskrit, it means “sacred utterance”—essentially a word, a phrase, a thought, even a sound—intended to provide clarity or spiritual guidance. A mantra can be especially helpful in the meditative process because it allows us to block out everything else while we focus. It's fitting, then, that Marcus Aurelius would suggest this Stoic mantra—a reminder or watch phrase to use when we feel false impressions, distractions, or the crush of everyday life upon us. It says, essentially, “I have the power within me to keep that out. I can see the truth.” Change the wording as you like. That part is up to you. But have a mantra and use it to find the clarity you crave." - all above quoted words from the credited to the authors**I hope you are considering journaling along with us in January__________________________________________________________________________Go to my WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The FIRST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has finished & the last one is under way...GET ON THE LIST NOW for the SINGLE DATE start for 2025For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USASupport the show
As a sort of "Re-Boot" for The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations podcast after taking the last 6 weeks of 2024 "off" I am choosing to 'start over' this way .... please listen weekly to Down the Rabbit Hole episodes dropped at the start of each week and / or listen daily to these readings from The Daily Stoic-- nuggets as I call them -- of wisdom passed along from Ryan Holiday. Stephen Hanselman and the ancient Greek Philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca. I hope you will do both. I hope you will consider journaling along with me. I hope it provides some inspiration, even motivation to keep going, to how we do what we do, to why we do what we do in moving forward 'after'...I hope it is a tool that you (like me) might find useful in your life after loss by suicide.The following is an excerpt directly from the book -- they are not my words and are placed here as a sample to help you journal. The full book must be purchased to follow along all year. I am ONLY doing this in January (on the podcast).TODAYS READING January 24 - THE ONLY PRIZEGet your own copy of The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman** “What's left to be prized? This, I think—to limit our action or inaction to only what's in keeping with the needs of our own preparation . . . it's what the exertions of education and teaching are all about—here is the thing to be prized! If you hold this firmly, you'll stop trying to get yourself all the other things. . . . If you don't, you won't be free, self-sufficient, or liberated from passion, but necessarily full of envy, jealousy, and suspicion for any who have the power to take them, and you'll plot against those who do have what you prize. . . . But by having some self-respect for your own mind and prizing it, you will please yourself and be in better harmony with your fellow human beings, and more in tune with the gods—praising everything they have set in order and allotted you.” —MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 6.16.2b–4a Warren Buffett, whose net worth is approximately $65 billion, lives in the same house he bought in 1958 for $31,500. John Urschel, a lineman for the Baltimore Ravens, makes millions but manages to live on $25,000 a year. San Antonio Spurs star Kawhi Leonard gets around in the 1997 Chevy Tahoe he's had since he was a teenager, even with a contract worth some $94 million. Why? It's not because these men are cheap. It's because the things that matter to them are cheap. Neither Buffett nor Urschel nor Leonard ended up this way by accident. Their lifestyle is the result of prioritizing. They cultivate interests that are decidedly below their financial means, and as a result, any income would allow them freedom to pursue the things they most care about. It just happens that they became wealthy beyond any expectation. This kind of clarity—about what they love most in the world—means they can enjoy their lives. It means they'd still be happy even if the markets were to turn or their careers were cut short by injury. The more things we desire and the more we have to do to earn or attain those achievements, the less we actually enjoy our lives—and the less free we are." - all above quoted words from the credited to the authors**I hope you are considering journaling along with us in January__________________________________________________________________________Go to my WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The FIRST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has finished & the last one is under way...GET ON THE LIST NOW for the SINGLE Support the show
As a sort of "Re-Boot" for The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations podcast after taking the last 6 weeks of 2024 "off" I am choosing to 'start over' this way .... please listen weekly to Down the Rabbit Hole episodes dropped at the start of each week and / or listen daily to these readings from The Daily Stoic-- nuggets as I call them -- of wisdom passed along from Ryan Holiday. Stephen Hanselman and the ancient Greek Philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca. I hope you will do both. I hope you will consider journaling along with me. I hope it provides some inspiration, even motivation to keep going, to how we do what we do, to why we do what we do in moving forward 'after'...I hope it is a tool that you (like me) might find useful in your life after loss by suicide.The following is an excerpt directly from the book -- they are not my words and are placed here as a sample to help you journal. The full book must be purchased to follow along all year. I am ONLY doing this in January (on the podcast).TODAYS READING January 24 - PUSH FOR DEEP UNDERSTANDINGGet your own copy of The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman**“From Rusticus . . . I learned to read carefully and not be satisfied with a rough understanding of the whole, and not to agree too quickly with those who have a lot to say about something.” —MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 1.7.3 "The first book of Marcus Aurelius's Meditations begins with a catalog of gratitude. He thanks, one by one, the leading influences in his life. One of the people he thanks is Quintus Junius Rusticus, a teacher who developed in his student a love of deep clarity and understanding—a desire to not just stop at the surface when it comes to learning. It was also from Rusticus that Marcus was introduced to Epictetus. In fact, Rusticus loaned Marcus his personal copy of Epictetus's lectures. Marcus clearly wasn't satisfied with just getting the gist of these lectures and didn't simply accept them on his teacher's recommendation. Paul Johnson once joked that Edmund Wilson read books “as though the author was on trial for his life.” That's how Marcus read Epictetus—and when the lessons passed muster, he absorbed them. They became part of his DNA as a human being. He quoted them at length over the course of his life, finding real clarity and strength in words, even amid the immense luxury and power he would come to possess. That's the kind of deep reading and study we need to cultivate as well, which is why we're reading just one page a day instead of a chapter at a time. So we can take the time to read attentively and deeply." - all above quoted words from the credited to the authors**I hope you are considering journaling along with us in January__________________________________________________________________________Go to my WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The FIRST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has finished & the last one is under way...GET ON THE LIST NOW for the SINGLE DATE start for 2025For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USASupport the show
As a sort of "Re-Boot" for The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations podcast after taking the last 6 weeks of 2024 "off" I am choosing to 'start over' this way .... please listen weekly to Down the Rabbit Hole episodes dropped at the start of each week and / or listen daily to these readings from The Daily Stoic-- nuggets as I call them -- of wisdom passed along from Ryan Holiday. Stephen Hanselman and the ancient Greek Philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca. I hope you will do both. I hope you will consider journaling along with me. I hope it provides some inspiration, even motivation to keep going, to how we do what we do, to why we do what we do in moving forward 'after'...I hope it is a tool that you (like me) might find useful in your life after loss by suicide.The following is an excerpt directly from the book -- they are not my words and are placed here as a sample to help you journal. The full book must be purchased to follow along all year. I am ONLY doing this in January (on the podcast).TODAYS READING January 23 - THE TRUTH ABOUT MONEYGet your own copy of The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman**“I will keep constant watch over myself and—most usefully—will put each day up for review. For this is what makes us evil—that none of us looks back upon our own lives. We reflect upon only that which we are about to do. And yet our plans for the future descend from the past.” —SENECA, MORAL LETTERS, 83.2"In a letter to his older brother Novatus, Seneca describes a beneficial exercise he borrowed from another prominent philosopher. At the end of each day he would ask himself variations of the following questions: What bad habit did I curb today? How am I better? Were my actions just? How can I improve? At the beginning or end of each day, the Stoic sits down with his journal and reviews: what he did, what he thought, what could be improved. It's for this reason that Marcus Aurelius's Meditations is a somewhat inscrutable book—it was for personal clarity and not public benefit. Writing down Stoic exercises was and is also a form of practicing them, just as repeating a prayer or hymn might be. Keep your own journal, whether it's saved on a computer or in a little notebook. Take time to consciously recall the events of the previous day. Be unflinching in your assessments. Notice what contributed to your happiness and what detracted from it. Write down what you'd like to work on or quotes that you like. By making the effort to record such thoughts, you're less likely to forget them. An added bonus: you'll have a running tally to track your progress too." - all above quoted words from the credited to the authors**I hope you are considering journaling along with us in January__________________________________________________________________________Go to my WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central.PS....The FIRST SESSION of the Legacy Writing Project in 2024 has finished & the last one is under way...GET ON THE LIST NOW for the SINGLE DATE start for 2025For a way to leave a Legacy of your child - GO HEREIf you, or someone you know, is struggling ww suicidal thoughts, reach out:CALL 988 OR, you can also TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USASupport the show
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