The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations

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 19 - WHEREVER YOU GO THERE YOUR CHOICE ISGet your own copy of The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman**“A podium and a prison is each a place, one high and the other low, but in either place your freedom of choice can be maintained if you so wish.” —EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 2.6.25 "The Stoics all held vastly different stations in life. Some were rich, some were born at the bottom of Rome's rigid hierarchy. Some had it easy, and others had it unimaginably hard. This is true for us as well—we all come to philosophy from different backgrounds, and even within our own lives we experience bouts of good fortune and bad fortune. But in all circumstances—adversity or advantage—we really have just one thing we need to do: focus on what is in our control as opposed to what is not. Right now we might be laid low with struggles, whereas just a few years ago we might have lived high on the hog, and in just a few days we might be doing so well that success is actually a burden. One thing will stay constant: our freedom of choice—both in the big picture and small picture. Ultimately, this is clarity. Whoever we are, wherever we are—what matters is our choices. What are they? How will we evaluate them? How will we make the most of them? Those are the questions life asks us, regardless of our station. How will you answer?" - 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 20 - REIGNITE YOUR THOUGHTSGet your own copy of The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman**“Your principles can't be extinguished unless you snuff out the thoughts that feed them, for it's continually in your power to reignite new ones. . . . It's possible to start living again! See things anew as you once did—that is how to restart life!” —MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 7.2 "Have you had a bad couple of weeks? Have you been drifting away from the principles and beliefs that you hold dear? It's perfectly fine. It happens to all of us. In fact, it probably happened to Marcus—that may be why he scribbled this note to himself. Perhaps he'd been dealing with difficult senators or having difficulties with his troubled son. Perhaps in these scenarios he'd lost his temper, became depressed, or stopped checking in with himself. Who wouldn't? But the reminder here is that no matter what happens, no matter how disappointing our behavior has been in the past, the principles themselves remain unchanged. We can return and embrace them at any moment. What happened yesterday—what happened five minutes ago—is the past. We can reignite and restart whenever we like. Why not do it right now?" - 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

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 sharing our loss story --- and even greater, the story of our loved one and their life and impact on the world left behind. It matters, but why you ask? How do we gracefully navigate, deal with the unimaginable when it becomes reality? Come with me today and let's explore why we share our story with all of its intricacies and nuances ...and many things in between.AND there is still a week left to the January ONLY deals.... if you are a Survivor Mom .... reach out in January (2025) for a special discount on the Legacy Project and / or an Empowered Healing Retreat in the Caribbean.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

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 21 - A MORNING RITUALGet your own copy of The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman**“Ask yourself the following first thing in the morning: What am I lacking in attaining freedom from passion? What for tranquility? What am I? A mere body, estate-holder, or reputation? None of these things. What, then? A rational being. What then is demanded of me? Meditate on your actions. How did I steer away from serenity? What did I do that was unfriendly, unsocial, or uncaring? What did I fail to do in all these things?” —EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 4.6.34–35 "Many successful people have a morning ritual. For some, it's meditation. For others, it's exercise. For many, it's journaling—just a few pages where they write down their thoughts, fears, hopes. In these cases, the point is not so much the activity itself as it is the ritualized reflection. The idea is to take some time to look inward and examine. Taking that time is what Stoics advocated more than almost anything else. We don't know whether Marcus Aurelius wrote his Meditations in the morning or at night, but we know he carved out moments of quiet alone time—and that he wrote for himself, not for anyone else. If you're looking for a place to start your own ritual, you could do worse than Marcus's example and Epictetus's checklist. Every day, starting today, ask yourself these same tough questions. Let philosophy and hard work guide you to better answers, one morning at a time, over the course of a life." - 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 22 - THE DAY IN REVIEWGet 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

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

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 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 - 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 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 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 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 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

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 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 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

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 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 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, 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 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

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:

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

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.

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.

On day one of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we explore how postvention becomes prevention—through families who consent to share a loved one's device so the Black Box Project can detect real-world patterns that help save lives.Kim Burditt Bartlett, MSW —   She is a suicide loss sibling and Senior Manager of Family Engagement for Stop Soldier Suicide's Black Box Project. She creates trauma-informed resources and co-founded Sibling Strong Retreats. What is the Black Box Project is (plainly):A research and care initiative at Stop Soldier Suicide that, with family consent, analyzes data from devices of people who died by suicide to identify behavioral patterns and risk signals. Those insights are used to build models and interventions that reach others sooner. The project recently released its first findings (“The White Letter" - just released Aug 2025)Want to consider sending your loved one's device? REACH KIM DIRECTLY HERE kim.burditt@stopsoldiersuicide.org or at Direct phone: 919-275-0045Why this matters today:Postvention isn't just legacy; done right, it directly informs intervention and prevention.Families are not just “donors of data”—they're co-authors of new pathways to care.September is noisy; this is signal.In this episode we cover:Kim's brother Jon, and the path from personal loss to system-level change.How families are engaged, consent is handled, and what “dignity-first” looks like in practice.What the first findings suggest about detectable shifts before a death—and the limits of what data can and can't say.The core thesis: postvention → pattern → earlier intervention → prevention.Practical ways civilians (not just military families) can learn, share, or contribute to this work.Resources & links mentioned (or omitted):Stop Soldier Suicide — Black Box Project overview (learn, participate, or donate a device): [stopsoldiersuicide.org/blackboxproject]Stop Soldier Suicide/Black Box ProjectSibling grief: unique burdens, overlooked needs, and why peer connection matters --Sibling Strong Retreats (Kim's work for bereaved siblings). Sibling Support the show__________________________________________________________________________

Check out the BECAUSE THEY ARE LOVED Poetry & Letter Anthology HERE& Get 10% OFF either (or both) with Code: PODCAST10Now, for our episode-- Today, I'm joined by Reshma Kearney — a trauma-informed mindfulness and healing guide who helps people navigate grief and the life transitions after suicide loss with compassion and resilience. After losing her husband, Sean to suicide in 2022, Reshma has chosen to dedicated her life to creating spaces where grief can be honored, healing can be nurtured, and hope can be rediscovered. She works with adults, teens, and children, blending grief education, mental health awareness, mindful parenting, and trauma-informed support to help others live meaningful lives after loss.Our conversation weaves through resilience, parenting, and the power of mindfulness, including:Age-appropriate ways to talk with kids about difficult topics, including lossHow having mindfulness tools in place before her husband's death — including with her children — shaped their healing journeyParenting through grief and why a child's outcome is so connected to the resilience of their momHer husband's military service, including three deployments, and how that affected his mental healthHow children's yoga became a powerful practice during the pandemic and continues to be a foundation in her family's lifeWhy skills for mourning and grief are different than skills for living and thriving — and how she supports others through one-on-one coachingThis is a heartfelt, real, and hopeful conversation about meeting grief with presence, nurturing resilience, and finding ways to live fully while carrying what we cannot change.FIND HER HERE: hello@reshmakearney.comHer Instagram --- give her a follow! Check out the BECAUSE THEY ARE LOVED Poetry & Letter Anthology HERE& Get 10% OFF either (or both) with Code: PODCAST10Support the show__________________________________________________________________________

Today I speak with a father who lost his son Heston to suicide June 7, 2020"Andy Campbell's new book, Overcoming Life's Toughest Setbacks, distills his 15 core beliefs that helped him keep going when life didn't let up. His lens is earned: childhood sexual abuse and bullying, losing his mother young, estrangement from his father, a diagnosis of stage-4 pancreatic cancer with multiple surgeries and chemo, and the death of his youngest son by suicide. The result is a practical, no-nonsense approach—favoring humility, clear thinking, focused work, relentless curiosity, perseverance, and finishing what you start. Andy writes and speaks for people who are exhausted, hurting, and still trying, offering a framework you can reach for when you need steadiness. He lives with his wife and stays closely connected to his three adult children."More at askandycampbell.com.His Book:  Overcoming Life's Toughest SetbacksIn this episode: we walk through key ideas from the book and talk about Andy's son, Heston (age 18) how he and his family has been processing their loss since his passing. We get a peek at Andy's father's-eye view of resilience and what surviving—and continuing to live with meaning—looks like now. He discusses his 15 core beliefs and how they are the guideposts he's documented (first for himself and now in his book) that have provided a path to continue forward. He shares his "why" is to share these beliefs with real life examples as a possibility they will encourage someone that they too can continue in spite of the grief -- feel it completely but still move through it.Support the show__________________________________________________________________________

In this September 2025 episode, in the midst of Suicide Awareness Month, I'm widening the lens from life after loss to awareness and advocacy. (BUT...We are NOT taking the preachy "prevention" angle that comes at us non-stop in Sept., I promise!) Writer/storyteller Jamie Brickhouse—a self-described SAS (suicide attempt survivor)—joins me to unpack the alcohol–depression loop, the suicidal mind, and the “why” questions so many of us carry after suicide loss. What to ExpectJamie's candid story and what shifted in the aftermath. He is an SAS & had lost 4 close friends to suicide.The alcohol ↔ depression cycle: how it feeds on itself & how he interrupted it.Why feature an attempt survivor on a show about life after suicide loss—& how awareness supports advocacy and lived legacy.Understanding the suicidal mind: distorted thinking, ambivalence, & signs we often miss.How & why, Jamie uses his platform now as a survivor and advocate.Clear takeaways & closing messages worth sticking around for.Links below to connect with Jamie & keep learning.About Jamie:"Called “a natural raconteur” by the Washington Post, Jamie Brickhouse is a writer, comedic storyteller, and TEDx speaker. He is the author of Dangerous When Wet: A Memoir of Booze, Sex, and My Mother, has written for the New York Times, Washington Post, Daily Beast, Salon, and Huffington Post. A six-time StorySLAM champion of The Moth, he has appeared on PBS's Stories from the Stage, The Moth Podcast, recorded voices on Beavis and Butthead, and tours the country with four award-winning solo shows. A two-time suicide attempt survivor and alcoholic in recovery for 16+ years, Jamie's TEDx talk about his lived experience and the intersection of alcoholism, depression, and suicidality that is part personal narrative and part calls to action has nearly 100k views. Jamie also tells a true story in high heels every day on TikTok where he has over six million views, one million likes, and 75,000 followers." Connect with Jamie:(If you only pick one --- PICK HIS TEDX TALK hands down --- but it's all fabulous!) TEDx Jamie Brickhouse TikTok Jamie_BrickhouseJamie Instagramhttp://www.jamiebrickhouse.com/Red Brick AgencySupport the show__________________________________________________________________________

Today I share a recent conversation I had with a two-time suicide loss survivor, including her beloved son Zack in Sept. 2024.Meet Zack's MomPatty Born is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, licensed massage therapist, and nurse coach-in-training who integrates mind-body care. A two-time suicide loss survivor—her ex-husband (2012) Cahrlie, and her 19-year-old son, Zachary (Sept 2024)—Patty speaks openly about grief, stigma, and what truly supports healing. Her mission: normalize mental health conversations in healthcare and everyday life, and honor Charlie and Zack through the work she does.What we discuss:Awareness as education: why information isn't enough without honest, ongoing (hard) conversations.Reaching in vs. waiting for a reach-out: how to show up—practically, consistently, without tiptoeing.Disconnection as a health issue: the social and communal fractures driving distress—and what rebuilds belonging.Mental health is health: integrating mind-body care and making support an ordinary part of life, not a crisis add-on.Broadening risk: suicide can touch any family; dismantling stereotypes and widening our “who might need help” lens.Inner-circle codes: creating a shared signal for “I need to talk” vs. “I really need to talk”—and how to respond.Trauma aftercare: recognizing trauma (acute and cumulative) and the long-tail support people actually need.Parenting and loss: honoring Charlie and Zack while navigating meaning, purpose, and the day-to-day.Healthcare culture shifts: what clinicians can do differently tomorrow to reduce shame and increase safety.At the core, this episode insists that connection is protective—and that we can't wait for people to reach out; we have to reach in. Make help easy with clear signals and simple plans, and treat trauma care like rehab: structured, paced, and long-term. Ditch stereotypes about “who's at risk,” widen the lens, and talk about mental health the way we talk about any health—openly, without shame. That's how we honor the people we've lost and keep showing up for the ones still here.

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

“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 --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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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

"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 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 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 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 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 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 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

"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 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 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 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 Fellow Griever— and Welcome Back.If you've been wondering where I've been… you're not wrong. July was quieter than usual here on the podcast (totally quiet!) — but it wasn't in vain.Behind the scenes, I've been pouring myself into some powerful new offerings: two brand-new grief coaching programs — each with their own beautiful workbook now published and available — and the long-awaited launch of The Lighthouse Community.--- >LINK HEREThe Lighthouse is a sacred space just for grieving moms — a soft landing place full of connection, support, and deep healing. There's so much available inside for just $9/month… and your first month is on me. Use code TRIAL2025 to get started. I'd love to have you join us.And now, we begin a new month together.This is the start of the August Daily Nugget series — a month of Grief Truths.Every day, I'll meet you here with a short reflection — something honest, real, and hopefully helpful — a small truth to anchor you in the middle of this big, unrelenting thing we call grief.I've done this before — and I'll be doing it again. There will be new daily series in October and December too, each with its own theme and rhythm. But for now, we're in August. And this month, we sit with the truths. The ones that might not fix anything, but help you feel a little more seen, a little less alone.Thank you for listening. Thank you for showing up.Let's begin.NOW.... Our AUGUST 1 DAILY NUGGET“Healing doesn't mean forgetting.”We live in a world obsessed with closure. It urges us to “move on,” as if grief is a task with a tidy ending. But those of us living it — we know better.Healing doesn't mean forgetting.Healing means learning how to carry the weight. How to breathe around it. How to let love lead, even when your heart still aches.Forgetting was never the goal.Our love for them deserves a lifetime. And healing? It's simply the process of building a life where that love can still live.You're not doing it wrong. You're remembering — and healing — all at onceTake a breath. Let the truth settle where it needs to. Take what serves you — and leave the rest. And come back tomorrow, because…You're not broken — you're grieving. And you are never alone in this.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 showSupport the show

 Here's today's grief truth.  “It's okay to laugh and cry in the same hour.” Grief is full of contradictions — and also full of truth.One moment, you're sobbing in the car because their favorite song came on. The next, you're belly-laughing at the memory of something wild they once did.That swing? That unpredictability? It doesn't mean you're unstable — it means you're human.We are wired to hold both heartbreak and humor, joy and sorrow, love and longing.You are allowed to laugh, even in your sadness. You are allowed to cry, even in your joy.Grief contains multitudes — and so do you.Take a breath. Let the truth settle where it needs to. You don't have to carry everything — just what feels true today.You're not lost — you're walking with your truth. I'll be here again tomorrow. 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 showSupport the show

Today's Grief Truth -" Grief is Not Linear". There's no finish line here. No checklist. Grief is wild and unpredictable. You might feel “okay” one day — and the next, the wind knocks you flat. But that doesn't mean you're back at the beginning. It means you're walking through it honestly. Progress in grief doesn't move forward like an arrow — it spirals. It folds back on itself. It teaches you again and again what it means to hold love and pain in the same palm. If today feels hard, it doesn't erase how far you've come. You're still healing — even here, even now. Take a breath. Let the truth settle where it needs to. You don't have to carry everything — just what feels true today. You're not lost — you're walking with your truth. I'll be here again tomorrow. Talk soon.[P.S... Like this podcast? Support the show by clicking...thank you]SEE YOU TOMORROW!!! Support the show__________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central. FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!! 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 & Canada

Today's Grief Truth - “Some days are lighter. Some days are heavy — and that's okay.” Welcome, fellow griever. This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces. Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder. Take a breath. Let yourself arrive. Sometimes we don't need answers — just something true to hold. Here's today's grief truth.Yes, some days are lighter. Some days are heavy — and that's okay.There are days when your chest feels less tight. When the world feels a little brighter. And then there are days where breathing feels like work. Both are part of the journey.Grief doesn't move by calendar or clock. It doesn't care about what you should feel today. It arrives on its own terms. Your job isn't to chase the light or escape the dark — your job is to honor what is. Whether you're standing in sunshine or shadow today, you are still walking forward. And that is enough. Take a breath. Let the truth settle where it needs to. You don't have to carry everything — just what feels true today. You're not lost — you're walking with your truth. I'll be here again tomorrow. Talk soon.Support the show__________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central. NEW July 30, 2025 ---> FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!! Resources for ALL --> Find Here One-on-One Grief Coaching for Moms after suicide loss ---> Find 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 & Canada

“Guilt and love often feel the same.” August 5 Daily NuggetTake a breath. Let yourself arrive. Sometimes we don't need answers — just something true to hold. Here's today's grief truth.Guilt and love often feel the same.Guilt is one of grief's heaviest companions. It creeps in through the cracks of “what if” and “why didn't I.” But here's something I've come to learn: guilt often masquerades as love. It's not always about wrongdoing — it's about a love so deep, so fierce, that you would have done anything to change the ending. Guilt says: “I failed.” Love says: “I would've done anything for you.” When guilt shows up, try to ask it what it's trying to protect. Sometimes, it just wants to be seen. And sometimes, love just needs a place to rest. Take a breath. Let the truth settle where it needs to. You don't have to carry everything — just what feels true today. You're not lost — you're walking with your truth. I'll be here again tomorrow. Talk soon.Support the show__________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central. NEW July 30, 2025 ---> FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!! Resources for ALL --> Find Here One-on-One Grief Coaching for Moms after suicide loss ---> Find 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 & Canada

“Memories hurt — and they can also heal.” Welcome, fellow griever. This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces. Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder. Let's begin. I invite you to take a breath -- or two. Let yourself arrive. Sometimes we don't need answers — just something true to hold. Here's today's grief truth.Memories hurt — and they can also heal.There was a time I couldn't say his name without crying. A time when memories cut sharper than glass.But slowly — almost imperceptibly — some of those memories softened. I started to smile when I said his name. I started to need those stories, those flashes of him, like medicine. Memories hurt because they hold what we've lost. But they also heal — because they keep that love alive. Let yourself remember. Even when it stings. Let it crack you open. That's where the light gets in. Take another breath. Let the truth settle where it needs to. You don't have to carry everything — just what feels true today. You're not lost — you're walking with your truth. I'll be here again tomorrow. Talk soon. - MelissaSupport the show__________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central. NEW July 30, 2025 ---> FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!! Resources for ALL --> Find Here One-on-One Grief Coaching for Moms after suicide loss ---> Find 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 & Canada

Nine years ago tomorrow, my son Alex died & every August 6th became the eternal last day. I hadn't found those words until now. The day before everything changed. The last day of “before.”This is a poem I wrote when I woke today—rising from the weight—where memory meets survival.Most days, I carry grief with grace. My soul is expanded. Alex is always with me. I now do work I never would've chosen—but know is the deepest calling of my life: walking with other grievers thru the wilderness of loss.But this day—& the one that follows—is different. The duality sharper. The air heavier. So I write. I speak. I survive—how I need. I hope that for you.The Eternal Last Daythe eve that always remembersI awoke this morning heavy— Heavy like an unrelenting fog, where nothing beyond the fade is seen. Heavy like the sadness that lives in my soul, a constant very best worst companion—never-ever leaving my side. Familiar is this painful comfort.I awoke this morning with the wish to end all wishing— to erase tomorrow from ever entering, oh those years ago. A wish flung—hurled—into the blackness of a bottomless well.I awoke with tears at the ready— ready to carry the unimaginable back down my face, on a well-carved path to my heart. One more day in this year—before another year is marked. One more day in the rest of mine.To be permanently heavy. To over-wish an impossible wish. To forever exist in the unimaginable. To wander with certainty through the wilderness of an enlightened soul.A harsh reality no one sees. The impossible undoing of today. To survive again today— & in the changeless worse, the unnamed tomorrow. To just survive.Lighter… hopeful… bearable— I know they must still live on the other side of this dripping fog— thick as sorrow, damp with memory, and yet just as deafeningly silent.A breath. An echo? Relief? Promise? Dreams? No. Yet—perhaps. And somehow still—impossibly believable they'll return. Just not this morning. Just not on this eternal last day.________________________________________________________________________________________Grief isn't all I am, but it will always be part of me. On days like this, it takes the lead. If you're on your own eternal last day, please know: there's no one way to survive. Say no. Be still. Binge TV. Garden. Cry. Create. You're not alone. I'm here. Alex is here. And this podcast, this community—it exists because connection always matters. Just survive. We'll carry the rest, together. —Melissa

“Some days are sacred, no matter how much time has passed.”Welcome, fellow griever. This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces. Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder. Let's begin.Take a breath. Or Two - or three. Let yourself arrive. Sometimes we don't need answers — just something true to hold. Here's today's grief truth.Some days are sacred, no matter how much time has passed. For me- today is one of those days. Nine years ago today, my son Alex died. And no matter how much time passes… this day still stops me. The air feels different. The grief shifts — not heavier, but deeper. Like an underground river I've learned to navigate. This isn't just a date on a calendar. It's a sacred marker. A heart-shaped scar that reminds me he was here. That he is here. Some days are like that. For all of us. Days where time folds in on itself, and we're right back in the moment when the world changed. Today, I miss Alex. AND today I honor Alex. His laughter. His spunk. His love. The way he changed me, and the way he still guides me. His life & legacy. If today is sacred for you too — for any reason — know that you're allowed to feel it fully. And if today isn't one of those days, all of this applies to your days... remember, You don't have to explain your grief to anyone. You just have to keep loving. Keep remembering. Keep breathing. Some days are sacred. And so is your story. Let's a take another breath together. Let the truth settle where it needs to. You don't have to carry everything — just what feels true today. You're not lost — you're walking with your truth. I'll be here again tomorrow. Talk soon.Support the show__________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central. NEW July 30, 2025 ---> FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!! Resources for ALL --> Find Here One-on-One Grief Coaching for Moms after suicide loss ---> Find 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 & Canada

“Grief teaches you who you are beneath the pain.” Welcome, fellow griever. This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces. Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder. Let's begin. Take a breath. Let yourself arrive. Sometimes we don't need answers — just something true to hold. Here's today's grief truth.Grief teaches you who you are beneath the painBefore this loss, I thought I knew who I was. But grief came in and unraveled everything I thought I understood. It stripped me down — not to destroy me, but to show me who I am without the mask. Grief doesn't just change us — it reveals us. It shows us the raw, resilient, cracked-open soul beneath the surface. You're not who you were — but that doesn't mean you're lost. It means you're becoming. So, let's take a breath. Let this moment be enough. Carry the piece that speaks to you. You're not alone in this remembering. I'll be here again tomorrow. Talk soon.Support the show__________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central. NEW July 30, 2025 ---> FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!! Resources for ALL --> Find Here One-on-One Grief Coaching for Moms after suicide loss ---> Find 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 & Canada

“This loss rewrites your story.”Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces. Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder. Let's begin.Let's take a breath together. Let yourself arrive. Sometimes we don't need answers — just something true to hold. Here's today's grief truth.This loss rewrites your story.You had a story — a vision for how things would go.Then loss ripped the page in half.But the story didn't end there.You're still writing it, even now — breath by breath, memory by memory.It's okay to mourn the old version. That version mattered.But so does the version that's here now, holding the pen with trembling hands and a heart that still beats with love.Every loss doesn't erase your life; it reshapes it.The new chapters may be harder… but they can still hold meaning, love, and even beauty.This part of your story is still yours to tell — and you're doing it bravely. Now, take another breath. Let this moment be enough. Carry the piece that speaks to you. You're not alone in this remembering. I'll be here again tomorrow. Talk soon. Support the show__________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central. NEW July 30, 2025 ---> FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!! Resources for ALL --> Find Here One-on-One Grief Coaching for Moms after suicide loss ---> Find 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 & Canada

 “Silence can be a sacred companion.” Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Let's begin. Before we start, plant your feet and notice how the ground holds you. Even now, you are supported.Silence can be a sacred companion.One of grief's quiet tricks is convincing us we're fragile — like one more loss, one more memory, might make us shatter. But look at you. You've been walking this uneven, unmarked path for longer than you thought possible. Your steps may be wobbly, your pace uncertain, but you have learned how to keep moving through landscapes you never wanted to see. And maybe that's the truth worth holding today: you are already doing what once felt impossible. That is not just survival — that's strength, even if it doesn't feel like it. Now, take another breath. Let this moment be enough. Carry the piece that speaks to you. You're not alone in this remembering. I'll be here again tomorrow. Talk soon. Support the show__________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central. NEW July 30, 2025 ---> FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!! Resources for ALL --> Find Here One-on-One Grief Coaching for Moms after suicide loss ---> Find 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 & Canada

"Grief does not follow a straight line."Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Let's lean inIf you've ever felt like you're “doing grief wrong,” you're not."Grief does not follow a straight line."The path is messy. It loops back on itself. It sends you down side roads you didn't even know existed. Just when you think you're “moving forward,” something takes you right back to day one. But here's the truth — that's not failure. That's grief doing what grief does.This isn't a race, and it isn't something you graduate from. It's a living, breathing part of you now, one that changes shape as you do. Some days you'll feel strong and certain. Others will knock you flat. And that's okay. You're not meant to follow a straight line — you're meant to follow your heart through the twists and turns, and trust that it knows the way, even when you can't see the map. Now, take another breath. Let this moment be enough. Carry the piece that speaks to you. You're not alone in this remembering. I'll be here again tomorrow. Talk soon. Support the show__________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central. NEW July 30, 2025 ---> FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!! Resources for ALL --> Find Here One-on-One Grief Coaching for Moms after suicide loss ---> Find 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 & Canada

"Healing is not the same as forgetting."Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Let's lean inSome people think moving forward means leaving the past behind.But grief teaches us otherwise.Healing is not the same as forgetting.Healing isn't about erasing the person we lost or softening their memory until it no longer stings. It's about carrying them with us in a way that lets us breathe without breaking apart every time. I've learned that forgetting was never the goal — love doesn't ask that of us. Instead, healing asks us to weave the person into who we are now, so their presence is threaded into every chapter that follows. They're not gone from the story — they've simply changed chapters with us. Now, take another breath. Let this moment be enough. Carry the piece that speaks to you. You're not alone in this remembering. I'll be here again tomorrow. Talk soon. Support the show__________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central. NEW July 30, 2025 ---> FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!! Resources for ALL --> Find Here One-on-One Grief Coaching for Moms after suicide loss ---> Find 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 & Canada

 "Grief is love finding new ways to flow." Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Let's lean in At first, it might feel like the love you carry has nowhere to go. But over time, you realize—it's not gone. It's simply seeking a new path.  "Grief is love finding new ways to flow." Grief can feel like a dam—holding back the flood of love you still carry for them. But love is persistent. It finds cracks, trickles, streams, and eventually, whole rivers through which it can move again.Sometimes it pours into the stories you tell, the causes you support, or the way you show up for others. Sometimes it flows quietly into the small rituals you keep—lighting a candle, wearing their favorite color, whispering their name when no one else is around.This love is not lost. It's transforming, adapting, and weaving itself into the life you are still living.You don't have to force it to find a direction. Just notice where it's asking to go—and trust yourself to follow. Now, take another breath. Let this moment be enough. Carry the piece that speaks to you. You're not alone in this remembering. I'll be here again tomorrow. Talk soon. Support the show__________________________________________________________________________My WEBSITE "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is support central. NEW July 30, 2025 ---> FIND the $9 Lighthouse Community for Moms Here!! Resources for ALL --> Find Here One-on-One Grief Coaching for Moms after suicide loss ---> Find 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 & Canada

 "Grief changes, but it never disappears." Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Lean in with me ---In the early days, grief can feel like it's everywhere—heavy in your chest, clouding your mind, weighing down every breath. But as time passes, it shifts. The edges soften, the waves become less constant… yet it's still there."Grief changes, but it never disappears." I've learned that this change isn't about grief leaving—it's about us changing in relationship to it. At first, it knocks us flat without warning. Over time, we find our footing. We still feel the pull of the tide, but we know where the rocks are, where the shallows give us a break, and how to keep our head above water when it rises suddenly. Grief becomes part of the terrain we live in—not the only feature, but one that shapes our days. It may surprise us sometimes with its depth or strength, but it also teaches us resilience. And the truth is, I wouldn't want it to disappear completely. Because if it did, so would the reminder of just how deeply I loved.If your grief looks different now than it did before, it's not a sign you're “over it.” It's a sign you've been learning to live alongside it—and that's its own kind of strength.Now, take another breath.Let this moment be enough.Keep what serves you, leave the rest I'll be here again tomorrow. Talk soon. Support the show__________________________________________________________________________

 "You are not weak for grieving." Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Lean in with me ---Some people mistake tears for fragility, or heartbreak for collapse. But grief has a way of showing us that real strength often looks nothing like what we thought it would. "You are not weak for grieving."  It takes unimaginable strength to get out of bed when the weight of loss is pressing you into the mattress. It takes courage to speak your loved one's name when it catches in your throat. It takes grit to face birthdays, holidays, and ordinary Tuesdays without them.Strength isn't about smiling when you want to cry, or staying “positive” when the ache is overwhelming. True strength is continuing to live when a part of your heart is gone.If anyone has told you to “be strong,” I want you to know this—you already are. Every breath you take in the shadow of your loss is proof of that.Don't measure your strength by how well you hide your pain. Measure it by how you keep going in spite of it.Now, take another breath.Let this moment be enough.Keep what serves you, leave the rest I'll be here again tomorrow. Talk soon. Support the show__________________________________________________________________________

 "Joy and grief can live in the same heart." Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Lean in with me ---For a long time, I thought joy would be a betrayal—that if I laughed or felt lightness, it meant I'd somehow let go of the person I lost.  "Joy and grief can live in the same heart." What I've learned is that grief and joy are not enemies—they're companions. Joy is not the absence of grief; it's the reminder that love still lives here.When we give ourselves permission to feel joy again, we're not moving on—we're moving with. We're letting our love for them expand into the moments they can no longer experience. Sometimes joy is a big, loud burst of laughter. Sometimes it's quiet—a sunrise, a song, the warmth of someone's hand in yours. And sometimes it's bittersweet, joy and sorrow woven so tightly you can't tell them apart. Both are welcome. Both are human. Both are part of love. When joy shows up, let it in. It's not replacing your grief—it's reminding you that your heart is still capable of holding beauty alongside the pain.Let's take another breath.Let this moment be enough.Keep what serves you, leave the rest I'll be here again tomorrow. Talk soon. Support the show__________________________________________________________________________

"Your pace is the right pace."Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Lean in with me ---We live in a world that measures progress in milestones, deadlines, and “shoulds.” But grief doesn't fit neatly into any of those boxes. "Your pace is the right pace."Some people will think you're “moving too slow.” Others will think you're “doing too well” too soon. The truth? None of them live in your body or carry your loss.Your grief moves at the pace it needs. Sometimes that's two steps forward and one step back. Sometimes it's sitting in place for weeks until you can catch your breath.There is no finish line, no expiration date, no universal speed limit for healing. You are allowed to take as much time as you need—and to pick up the pace only when you decide it's right. You don't need anyone else's permission to take your time. The pace that lets you breathe is the right pace for you.Let's take another breath.Let this moment be enough.Keep what serves you, leave the rest I'll be here again tomorrow. Talk soon. Support the show__________________________________________________________________________

 "It's okay to not be okay." Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Lean in with me ---There's a strange pressure after loss to present yourself as “fine,” as though grief is something that should be quickly packaged and hidden away.  "It's okay to not be okay." But pretending you're okay doesn't make the pain disappear—it just pushes it deeper, where it festers.Sometimes the most courageous thing you can do is admit, “I'm not okay right now.” It's not weakness. It's honesty. And honesty is what opens the door to real support.When we give ourselves permission to not be okay, we give others a chance to meet us where we are. We also give ourselves the compassion we need to heal in our own time.Grief is not a problem to be fixed—it's a wound to be tended. And tending takes truth.If today isn't okay, let that be enough. You're still allowed to rest, breathe, and hope that tomorrow will feel even a little lighter.This moment is yours, and you are allowed to rest in it.You carry truths that no one can take from you.You are walking a path only you can know.I'll be here again tomorrow. Talk soon. Support the show__________________________________________________________________________

 "Memories are a form of connection." Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Lean in with me ---We sometimes fear that talking about them will hurt too much—or that others will grow tired of hearing their name. But memories are not just reminders of what we've lost. They're threads that keep the connection alive. "Memories are a form of connection." Every story you tell, every mental picture you replay, every detail you hold close—it's all a way of keeping them with you. Memories can bring tears, yes. But they can also bring comfort, laughter, even a deep sense of gratitude for the moments you were given. They remind us that the relationship didn't end when their life did. Love doesn't vanish; it just shifts into new forms—and memory is one of the most powerful of those forms.So speak their name. Share their stories. Every time you do, you keep the bond alive. Pause here. This moment belongs to you, and you don't have to rush it. The truths you carry are yours to keep. The steps you take are yours alone. I'll be back with you tomorrow. Until then, rest easy. Support the show__________________________________________________________________________

 "There is no 'getting over' grief." Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Lean in with me --- We've all heard it: “You'll get over it.” As if loss is something we recover from, like a cold. "There is no 'getting over' grief." But grief is not an obstacle you climb and leave behind. It's not a wound that disappears without a scar.It becomes part of you—woven into the way you see the world, the way you love, the way you move through your days.Over time, you might laugh more, cry less, feel a little lighter. But you're not “over it.” You're carrying it differently. You're integrating it into a life that's been permanently changed.The truth is, we don't get over grief—we grow around it.Don't let anyone convince you that healing means forgetting. It means learning to live fully with your love and your loss side by side. Take this breath. It's yours to soften into. The love you hold is real, and the path you walk is honored. No one else can live this story the way you do. I'll return tomorrow to walk with you again. Support the show__________________________________________________________________________

 "Grief is the price of love." Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Lean in with me ---If we never loved deeply, we'd never hurt this much. "Grief is the price of love." Grief is not a punishment. It's the echo of the love that filled your life—and the love that still lives inside you.The ache you feel is proof that what you had was real, beautiful, and worth every moment.If the price of that love is this grief, it's a price we pay willingly—because to have lived without it would have been an even greater loss.We can't separate love and grief. They are two sides of the same coin, and both are sacred. Let your grief remind you: you loved deeply, and that love will always be yours. Breathe deeply. You are allowed to set down the weight, even for just a moment. What you know in your bones is unshakable. The journey you're on is sacred, even when it feels lonely. I'll meet you here again tomorrow. Until then, keep going. Support the show__________________________________________________________________________

"Grief can change your definition of strength."Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Lean in with me ---Before loss, strength might have looked like pushing through, holding it all together, or never letting anyone see you cry. After loss, strength often has a different face. "Grief can change your definition of strength."Grief strips away the illusions we once had about what it means to be “strong.”It teaches us that real strength is showing up when our heart feels heavy, letting the tears fall instead of swallowing them down, and asking for help when we can't carry the weight alone.Strength is choosing to keep living—not because it's easy, but because love calls us to.It's not about appearing unshaken; it's about moving through the shaking and still finding a way to take the next breath.You may not see your strength in the mirror, but it's in the quiet choices you make every day to keep going.Your strength is not measured by how little you hurt. It's measured by how deeply you love, even when it hurts the most.This moment is yours, and you are allowed to rest in it.You carry truths that no one can take from you.You are walking a path only you can know.I'll be here again tomorrow. Talk soon. Support the show__________________________________________________________________________

"You don't have to explain your grief."Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Lean in with me ---Not everyone will understand. And honestly? Not everyone needs to."You don't have to explain your grief."Grief is intimate. It lives in the small moments, the private memories, the quiet aches only you can fully feel.You don't owe anyone a map of that landscape. You don't have to justify why today feels harder than yesterday, or why a certain song brings you to your knees.Some people will get it without words. Others won't—and that's okay.Your grief is not a debate to be won or a performance to be evaluated. It is yours to honor, in the way that feels right to you, without explanation.You are allowed to carry your grief quietly. It's not your job to make it legible to the world—it's your job to tend to your own heart. Pause here. This moment belongs to you, and you don't have to rush it. The truths you carry are yours to keep. The steps you take are yours alone. I'll be back with you tomorrow. Until then, rest easy. Support the show__________________________________________________________________________

 "It's normal to miss who you were before." Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Lean in with me ---Loss doesn't just take the person you love—it reshapes you. "It's normal to miss who you were before." You may look back at the version of yourself who laughed more easily, dreamed more freely, or moved through the world without the shadow of grief.It's okay to mourn that version of you.Grief changes the architecture of your life and your identity. That doesn't mean the person you are now is “less.” It means you have been carved out and remade by something profound. In time, you may find new strength, deeper compassion, or a different kind of joy—but it's still okay to long for the innocence and lightness you once carried.Both grief and gratitude can exist for who you were and who you are becoming.Missing your old self is part of missing them. Both are threads in the same tapestry of love and loss. Take this breath. It's yours to soften into. The love you hold is real, and the path you walk is honored. No one else can live this story the way you do. I'll return tomorrow to walk with you again. Support the show__________________________________________________________________________

"Healing doesn't mean forgetting."Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Lean in with me ---Some fear that moving forward will erase the person they love. But healing and forgetting are not the same thing."Healing doesn't mean forgetting."Healing is about learning how to carry their absence without it crushing you. It's about weaving them into your days in ways that feel gentle instead of jagged. You will still have moments where the ache is sharp—but over time, you'll also have more moments where love leads instead of pain.Your memories don't fade because you heal. In fact, healing often makes space for more of them to surface—because you have the capacity to hold them without breaking.They are not slipping away from you. Healing is simply building a life where you can meet them in memory without being destroyed by the missing.Your love remains. Your bond remains. Healing is the proof—not the erasure—of their place in your life.Breathe deeply. You are allowed to set down the weight, even for just a moment. What you know in your bones is unshakable. The journey you're on is sacred, even when it feels lonely. I'll meet you here again tomorrow. Until then, keep going.Support the show__________________________________________________________________________

"Grief will teach you who your people are."Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Lean in with me --- Loss has a way of clarifying relationships in ways nothing else can. "Grief will teach you who your people are."Some people will step closer, willing to sit with you in the silence, hold space for your tears, and ask nothing in return. Others will drift away, uncomfortable with your pain or unable to face their own fears. This can be painful—sometimes more than you expect. But it also clears a path for deeper, truer connections to grow. The people who stay, who don't flinch when your grief shows its rawest edges—those are the ones you can trust with your heart. And sometimes, grief introduces you to people you've never met before, but who understand you in ways that feel like coming home. In grief, your circle may grow smaller—but it will also grow stronger. Those who remain are the ones who truly see youThis moment is yours, and you are allowed to rest in it.You carry truths that no one can take from you.You are walking a path only you can know.I'll be here again tomorrow. Talk soon. Support the show__________________________________________________________________________

 "There will be days you feel closer to them." Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Lean in with me ---Grief is not a decline in connection to our loved one. Some days, they feel so near you could almost reach out and touch them.  "There will be days you feel closer to them." It might happen on a walk, when the wind shifts just right. Or in the middle of a song, when the lyrics brush against a memory. These moments can be both beautiful and bittersweet—reminding you of what's gone while also assuring you that love hasn't vanished. Some days, the veil between your worlds feels thinner, and their presence wraps around you like a warm blanket. Don't rush through those moments. Let them linger. Let yourself feel them, without needing to explain or diminish their magic. These flashes of closeness are reminders: love is not bound by time, distance, or even death. Pause here. This moment belongs to you, and you don't have to rush it. The truths you carry are yours to keep. The steps you take are yours alone. I'll be back with you tomorrow. Until then, Talk SoonSupport the show__________________________________________________________________________

 "You can love them and love your life." Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Lean in with me --- At first, it may feel impossible—like joy would be a betrayal. But love is not a limited resource.  "You can love them and love your life." Loving your life now doesn't mean loving them any less. In fact, it can be a way of honoring them—by living fully in the time you have, just as they would have wanted for you. Your love for them will always be part of you. Nothing in this world can dilute it. You can laugh, plan, dream, and still hold space for your grief. They can coexist. Sometimes joy will feel strange in grief's shadow—but in time, it will feel more like sunlight breaking through. You're not choosing between them and a future you can embrace. You're carrying both, in the same heart, as part of the same love.Take this breath. It's yours to soften into. The love you hold is real, and the path you walk is honored. No one else can live this story the way you do. I'll return tomorrow to walk with you again. Talk SoonSupport the show__________________________________________________________________________

 "Some days, survival is enough." Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Lean in with me ---Not every day will be a day of breakthroughs or big steps forward. Some days, breathing is the accomplishment. "Some days, survival is enough." Grief takes energy—more than most people realize. There will be days when your body and mind have nothing left for anything beyond the basics. And that's okay. You don't have to live every day as a monument to progress. Some days are for simply existing. For staying hydrated, for making it to the end of the day, for resting your head on the pillow knowing you did what you could. These days are not failures. They are part of the rhythm of healing—a rhythm that allows space for stillness as much as for movement. You are still here. You are still loving them. And on the hardest days, that is more than enough. Breathe deeply. You are allowed to set down the weight, even for just a moment. What you know in your bones is unshakable. The journey you're on is sacred, even when it feels lonely. I'll meet you here again tomorrow. Until then, keep going. Talk SoonSupport the show__________________________________________________________________________

 "Grief will always be part of your story." Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Lean in with me --- It will not always be the main chapter—but it will always be written into the pages.  "Grief will always be part of your story." Grief is not something you “finish” and leave behind. It becomes part of your life's landscape—woven into the way you see, feel, and love. With time, it may take up less space in your daily thoughts, but it will remain in the undercurrent, shaping who you are and how you move through the world. This isn't a curse. It's a reflection of the love you carry. You may find, over the years, that grief's presence becomes gentler, less sharp—but it will still speak to you in quiet moments, reminding you of the bond that cannot be broken. Your story is not only about loss—but loss is one of its threads. And that thread is woven from love. Breathe deeply. You are allowed to set down the weight, even for just a moment. What you know in your bones is unshakable. The journey you're on is sacred, even when it feels lonely. I'll meet you here again in OCTOBER for another go around of Daily Nuggets-- Until then, keep going. And remember, you are not alone--Talk SoonSupport the show__________________________________________________________________________

"Grief truth: We keep going, together."Welcome, fellow griever.This is your Daily Nugget from me, Melissa, your host of The Leftover Pieces.Today we will share a moment of presence, a breath of truth, and a reminder.Lean in with me ---This month, we've walked through thirty-one days of truths about grief — the ones that don't fit on sympathy cards or in quick conversations, but live in the marrow of our lives.We've talked about love and loss, about how grief changes but never disappears, about how we carry them forward even as we learn to carry ourselves. If you've listened each day, you've done more than hear my words — you've shown up for your grief, for your heart, and for the love that still lives inside you. That matters. "Grief truth: We keep going, together."

Journal prompt: Today's flicker of hope was…This week..."Hope in the Hollow" Now, October. After the volume of Suicide Awareness Month, we drop into the quieter work. This DAILY NUGGET Series is called Hope, Healing, Becoming. It's here to carry us—and embolden us—through a tough stretch of the year. We didn't choose this road, but we can choose how we respond to it.  This month, we practice the response—the inch we can actually take.Here's how the daily rhythm will go. Each episode is 5–7 minutes and touches three beats:Flicker (Hope): what's true right now—a small light you can actually hold.Rebuild (Healing): one concrete practice that steadies your body, heart, or world.Step (Becoming): a gentle move toward who you're becoming, without abandoning who you've been.You'll also get a short journal prompt and a three‑option “choose your energy” menu so you can pick the action that fits today. No gold stars. No toxic positivity. Just honest company and workable steps. Flicker (Hope) — The hollow isn't empty  After the casseroles and check-ins fade, the hollow remains—the space grief carved. Not nothingness. Space. Quiet enough to hear your own breath. Hope belongs here because you're still here. It's not a floodlight; it's a cupped match. Let one warm thing count today. That's enough.Rebuild (Healing) — 90 seconds to lower activation You don't need to be “triggered” to deserve care. When the body spikes, go small:Name & notice (30s): “Right now I feel… [tight chest / foggy / restless].”4-count breath (45s): In 4 • hold 4 • out 6–8. Repeat 5–6 times.One brick (15s): Tiny action—sip water, crack a window, text “I'm here.” Bricks, not blueprints.Step (Becoming) — A micro-act that includes you Becoming isn't betrayal. Carry them—and you. Pick one identity word (listener, maker, advocate, steady, seeker). Do a ≤10-minute act that fits: lay out your journal, message a meetup lead, chop one ingredient, confirm a therapy slot, stand in a patch of sun. Put it on the calendar. Small on purpose; momentum over spectacle.Choose‑your‑energy menu:If you're in the hollow (low capacity): Put both feet on the floor and breathe out longer than you breathe in, five times. That's the whole assignment.If you're in healing mode (medium capacity): Send this text to one safe person: “Could you witness me for five minutes today—no fixing, just ears?”If you're ready to become (higher capacity): Do your ten‑minute identity micro‑act. When you're done, say their name and yours. Both belong.Take a breath. Notice what softened. Keep only what helps. I'll be here again tomorrow. Talk soon.

Being Seen on PurposeJournal prompt: "What healing looks like—even when I can't feel it—is…"Witnessing redistributes weight. Not gone—carried together. Today we practice asking to be seen, cleanly and without apology.A Flicker (Hope) — You're allowed to be heard Five quiet minutes. A nod. A text that lands. Hope isn't a speech; it's an accurate reflection without fixing.To Rebuild (Healing) — The five-minute witnessing ask Text: “Could you hold five minutes for me today? No fixing—just listening.” Live/Call: “I don't need solutions—just five minutes to be heard. Is now okay?” If no one's free: 3–5 min voice memo, a not-sent letter, or a 60-second mirror check (one feeling, one need, one next inch).Take a Step (Becoming) — A boundary you'll actually use Draft one sentence for this week: “I'm heading out now; I've met my limit.” “I'm skipping this year, but I hope it's meaningful for you.” “Listening is all I need right now.”Choose-your-energy menu: Hollow (low): 5-4-3-2-1 grounding (see, touch, hear, smell, taste). Stop there. Healing (medium): Send the five-minute ask—or schedule it. If no person, record a 3-minute memo. Becoming (higher): Use your boundary once in a low-stakes moment.Food for Thought Today: Your story isn't a public utility. Curate who gets access. Clarity is care. You don't owe anyone a perfect explanation to deserve compassion; a simple “this is what I need” is enough. It's also okay if the right listener isn't available today—self-witnessing still counts, and choosing silence can be a boundary, not a failure. Keep practicing these small, clear asks until your body believes you're safe to be heard.Exhale. Keep what serves you; leave the rest. I'll be here again tomorrow.

Rebuilding from Ruins (Bricks, Not Blueprints)Journal prompt: "A way to honor them by honoring me is…"There's no master plan—just weather and small bricks. Today is about doable over dazzling so the house you're rebuilding can actually stand.A Flicker (Hope) — Small done beats big imagined Finish one tiny thing: rinse the mug, move bills to one stack, crack a window, light a candle. Finished equals a warmer room. Warmth counts.To Rebuild (Healing) — Brick-of-the-Day (≤10 minutes)Pick a lane: Body · Home · Admin · Connection. Choose one tiny task.When/Then: “When it's 10:30, then I'll start the dishwasher.”Remove friction: set a 7–10 min timer, put items within reach, begin. If activation > 6/10, pause, long exhale, pick a lighter brick. Finishing small is the win.Take a Step (Becoming) — Value → micro-move Choose a value (steady, truthful, kind, creative, brave, present). Translate to today's micro-move: Steady: add a daily 10-minute “Brick” block to your calendar. Kind: schedule-send a two-sentence check-in to a fellow griever. Creative: lay out one tool you'll use tonight. Brave: message to join/host a small grief-friendly meetup this month.Choose-your-energy menu: Hollow (low): Drink a full glass of water and change your socks. Done. Healing (medium): Do one Brick-of-the-Day task with a timer. Stop when it dings. Name it out loud. Becoming (higher): Write one sentence for the week (e.g., “Fewer yeses, earlier exits”). Put it where you'll see it.Just for Today: Rebuilding isn't moving on—it's creating enough structure to carry love and loss at the same time. Ten honest minutes today beats another day of waiting for perfect conditions. The house you're making is lived-in, not staged; every small brick is proof you're still here, still building.One gentle breath. Keep what serves; leave the rest. I'll see you tomorrow.

Light as Companion, Not CureJournal prompt: “Today's flicker of hope was…”Witnessing light without forcing it to fix anything. Today we let light walk beside us and do only what light can do—show the next few feet.A Flicker (Hope) — Light you can actually hold Morning sun through a window. Moonlight on the driveway. A soft lamp instead of overhead glare. Not profound—present. Let one bit of light keep you company.To Rebuild (Healing) — One-minute light practice Step outside or to a window. Look at the light source (not directly at the sun). Inhale 4, hold 2, exhale 6—three times. Name one color you can see more clearly now. That's it.Take a Step (Becoming) — Schedule a light ritual Pick a daily 2–5 minute light moment (sun patch, lamp + tea, porch twilight). Put it on your calendar for the same time each day this week.Choose-your-energy menu: Hollow (low): Sit by a window for 60 seconds. Breathe out longer than you breathe in. Healing (medium): Take a 5-minute light walk (to mailbox, around the block). Becoming (higher): Set a recurring “light ritual” alarm for the week.Food for Thought: Light is a companion, not a cure. You don't have to wring meaning from it—notice and allow. When the day feels heavy, a single, honest moment of brightness can anchor you long enough to choose your next inch. Reaching for light isn't denying grief; it's giving your nervous system something steady to lean on while you carry it all.Exhale. Keep what serves you; leave the rest. I'll be here again tomorrow.

Carrying Them Forward (Without Disappearing You)Journal prompt: “A way to honor them by honoring me is…”“Carrying forward” includes you. Today we make room for their memory and your life—together.A Flicker (Hope) — Connection counts Their song in a store aisle. A phrase they loved. A photo you pass without bracing. These are ties, not traps. Let one connection feel like company.To Rebuild (Healing) — A 3-step carry-forward ritualName: Say their name out loud.Touchstone: Light a candle, play 30 seconds of “their” song, or hold an item.Include: Name one thing you need today (water, rest, fresh air). Do it next.Take a Step (Becoming) — The “and” sentence Write one sentence that holds both: “I miss you and I'm making soup,” “I'm aching and I'm paying this bill,” “I'm tearful and I'm taking a walk.” Put it somewhere visible.Choose-your-energy menu: Hollow (low): Whisper their name and yours. Place a hand on your chest. Healing (medium): Do the 3-step ritual once today. Becoming (higher): Share your “and” sentence with a safe person or in a notes app check-in.Food for Thought Today: Love doesn't demand your disappearance to prove itself. Carrying them forward means building a life sturdy enough to hold their memory without collapsing—and that requires including your needs. Each small “and” you live is a quiet refusal to choose between love and survival. Both belong.Exhale. Keep what serves you; leave the rest. I'll be here again tomorrow.

Boundaries as Warmth (Not Walls)Journal prompt: “Today, permission looks like…”Boundaries aren't punishments—they're blankets. Today we practice limits that keep you warm enough to heal.A Flicker (Hope) — Relief after a clear no Notice what loosens when you cancel, leave early, or choose quiet. Relief is data. Keep the data.To Rebuild (Healing) — Scale it, don't explain it Use one of these today: • Time-box: “I can stay 30 minutes.” • Scale-down: “I'm joining by phone.” • Opt-out: “I'm skipping this one—catch you next time.” No five-paragraph essay required.Take a Step (Becoming) — Pre-write the line Choose one event this week. Pre-write your boundary and put it in your notes app. Read it once before you go. Use it as needed—early exits count.Choose-your-energy menu: Hollow (low): Silence your phone for 20 minutes. Do nothing on purpose. Healing (medium): Send one boundary text using a time-box or opt-out.Becoming (higher): Remove one non-essential thing from your calendar this week.Just for Today: Clarity is a kindness to your future self. Every boundary you practice now becomes a bridge you can cross later when the season gets louder. You're not withdrawing from love—you're preserving the conditions under which love (and you) can breathe.Exhale. Keep what serves you; leave the rest. I'll be here again tomorrow.

A Gentle Reset (Your 24-Hour Plan)Journal prompt: “What I'm keeping from this week is…”End of first 7 days of October, not an end of you, just of the 1st 7 days of a new month...in a tough season. Today we keep what helped, release what didn't, and set a small plan for the next 24 hours.A Flicker (Hope) — Notice what worked once Which tiny thing warmed the room—witnessing, one brick, a boundary, a bit of light? Keep that. Repeats are allowed.To Rebuild (Healing) — 24-hour reset On paper or notes app, write three lines: • Flicker: one thing you'll notice (window light, song, candle). • Brick: one 7–10 minute task (body/home/admin/connection). • Care: one non-negotiable (water, food, meds, rest).Take a Step (Becoming) — Tomorrow's micro-intent One sentence, present-tense: “Tomorrow I move slowly and finish one thing.” Put it on your lock screen.Choose-your-energy menu: Hollow (low): Do only the “Care” item. Done. Healing (medium): Do the Brick with a timer; stop when it dings. Becoming (higher): Share your micro-intent with a safe person or post it where you'll see it.To Consider Today: Integration is repetition, not heroics. The way through this season is often the next honest inch, practiced again tomorrow. When you choose a flicker, place a brick, and take one care step, you're not starting over—you're continuing. That counts.Exhale. Keep what serves you; leave the rest. I'll be here again tomorrow.