Redefining Grief with Herdyne Mercier, LCSW

Episode Introduction:

 

What does it look like to pause long enough to realize that you are actually living the life you once prayed for?

 

In this solo episode of Redefining Grief, I come back with a full heart, reflecting on a powerful season of stillness, celebration, and answered prayers. After taking time to reset, reconnect, and truly be present, I share what it means to receive what flows through your heart and how gratitude can shift your entire perspective.

 

This episode is deeply personal. I open up about the journey of self-publishing my children’s book "Mommy, What’s That Feeling?" and the overwhelming support that followed.

 

I also reflect on celebrating 19 years of marriage and what it truly takes to build, grow, and sustain love over time. Love is not perfect. It requires communication, patience, and the willingness to evolve. I share what it has meant to grow into a new version of myself and how healing, therapy, and intentional growth have shaped the woman I am today.

 

This conversation expands beyond celebration. It becomes an invitation to examine your own life. Are you living, or are you just working? Are you creating space to rest, reset, and reconnect with yourself?

 

From the importance of nervous system regulation to the healing power of water, travel, and stillness, I walk you through why intentional rest is not a luxury but a necessity.

 

This episode is a reminder that nothing in your life is wasted. Every experience, every relationship, every challenge is preparing you for purpose. Even the pain becomes part of your credential.

 

If you have been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from yourself, this episode will gently call you back to what matters most. You are worthy of rest. You are worthy of healing. You are worthy of living fully.

 

Episode Quotes:

 

“What flows through your heart is what you receive in life.”

 

“When you enjoy what you are called to do, it does not feel like work.”

 

“You are worthy of the pause. You are worthy of healing. You are worthy of living.”

 

“Life is not perfect, but there is a requirement to live.”

 

Episode Time-Stamps:

 

[02:00] Herdyne returns and reflects on a weekend of clarity and gratitude

 

[04:00] The importance of rekindling relationships and honoring connections

 

[09:00] Growth, healing, and becoming a new version of yourself

 

[11:00] Why living intentionally matters beyond just working

 

[16:00] The healing power of water, rest, and travel

 

[18:00] Nervous system reset and emotional healing practices

 

[22:00] Childhood struggles with reading and healing past experiences

 

[24:00] Turning pain into purpose and honoring your journey

 

[26:30] Family reflections and upcoming celebrations

 

Reference Links:

 

Get Your Copy Of “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?”: https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/

 

Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: creoleadventures@gmail.com

 

Hope is Not a Plan with Dr. Jameson Mercier: https://open.spotify.com/episode/445TXzrvEFYYIEBmzD18Kx?si=3a5e03f9e1a547b8

 

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

 

Connect with Herdyne:

 

Website: www.herdyne.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier

Email: connect@herdyne.com

Episode Introduction:

 

What happens when grief, purpose, faith, and creativity come together to birth something bigger than both pain and legacy? Sometimes, the very thing we carry in our hearts is meant to become a healing tool for others.

 

In this episode of Redefining Grief, I sit down with my dear sister and childhood friend, Belina Buisson Wright, a Florida-based artist, illustrator, teacher, and creative visionary of Haitian-American descent. Together, we share the powerful story behind our new children’s book, “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” and how this project became a meaningful expression of grief, healing, culture, and purpose.

 

Belina and I go way back, all the way to childhood, and this conversation is deeply personal. What makes this episode so special is that it is not simply about launching a book. It is about honoring history, family, faith, community, and the God-given gifts that have been inside of us since we were children. While I found my voice through talking, Belina discovered her purpose through drawing, and now years later, those very gifts have come together to create something that will help children and families talk about grief in a gentle, honest, and healing way.

 

Belina opens up about what illustrating this book taught her about grief in her own life. She shares how the story helped her understand that grief is not only connected to death. Grief can also come from dreams deferred, disappointment, change, and the things in life that do not happen the way we hoped they would. She explains why leaning into difficult emotions matters and how healing begins when we stop avoiding what we feel.

 

We also talk about the deeper intention behind “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” This book was created not only for children, but also for adults, educators, parents, caregivers, and professionals who support young people through life’s many losses. It gives language to emotions, creates space for honest conversations, and reminds us that children’s feelings deserve to be seen, heard, validated, and processed in safe spaces.

 

This conversation is rich with legacy. We reflect on the people who poured into us growing up, the power of honoring our ancestors, and the beauty of creating work that will outlive us. This episode is a reminder that sometimes grief can be transformed into something meaningful, educational, and life-giving. Join us as we talk about art, healing, Haitian heritage, faith, and what it means to use your gift to serve others.

 

About Our Guest:

 

Belina Buisson Wright is a Florida-based artist, illustrator, and teacher of Haitian-American descent who loves creating colorful art inspired by different cultures and everyday life. A self-taught artist, Belina believes her artistic talent is a God-given gift. She enjoys telling stories through paintings and books that help children learn, imagine, feel connected, and express themselves in their own unique way.

 

Over the years, Belina has grown into a creative force whose work is rooted in culture, heart, and purpose. Through illustration, visual storytelling, and community-centered artistic expression, she uses her gift to inspire others and make meaningful impact. Belina is also passionate about helping young creators honor their individuality and embrace the talents placed inside of them.

 

In this episode, Belina shares her journey into art, how she discovered illustration as part of her purpose, and what it meant to collaborate on Mommy, What’s That Feeling? a children’s book created to help children and adults better understand grief and emotions.

 

Episode Quotes:

 

“I was really surprised that grief is not only death.” - Belina W.

 

“I learned that I will be okay.” - Belina W.

 

“Healing is not about forgetting. It's about learning how to carry love, loss, and hope together.” - Herdyne M.

 

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom (P.O.W.) Questions:

 

Q. If today was your last day on Earth, what would be three words you would like people to remember you by?

A. She was genuine.

 

Q. When life gets to lifing, and as you know grief comes in many forms, what song carries you through?

A. A worship song about how if God watches over the lilies of the field and the sparrows, how much more will He care for you.

 

Q. What have you learned about yourself since redefining the grief in your life?

A. I learned that I will be okay. I can still make it. I can still endure, and it’s okay to let things go. I’ll be okay because God’s got me.

 

Episode Time-Stamps:

 

[03:16] Introduction to Belina Wright and her creative background

[05:19] The story behind Mommy, What’s That Feeling?

[07:49] What the book taught Belina about grief

[08:47] Realizing that grief is more than death

[10:27] Herdyne reflects on childhood struggles, reading, and legacy

[11:49] Belina shares how she discovered her gift for art

[14:10] The beauty of collaborating with people you love and trust

[20:32] Why the book is also a teaching guide for adults and educators

[22:09] What families can expect inside the book

[23:16] Honoring ancestors, literacy, and generational legacy

[25:17] Why the launch date holds deep personal meaning

[26:25] Belina reflects on the responsibility of using her God-given gift

[28:19] Belina answers the Pearls of Wisdom questions

[31:12] How to connect with Belina and support her work

[34:03] Herdyne’s closing message on healing, hope, and purpose

 

Reference Links:

 

Book Mentioned:

Mommy, What’s That Feeling? - https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/

 

Event Mentioned:

Cultures Around Us

May 3

Leesburg, Florida

3:30 PM – 6:30 PM

 

Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: creoleadventures@gmail.com

 

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

 

Connect with Belina:

 

Website: www.bwrightart.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/bwrightart

Email: belina@bwrightart.com

Connect with Herdyne:

 

Website: www.herdyne.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier

Email: connect@herdyne.com

Welcome to a heartfelt episode of the Redefining Grief Podcast with Herdyne Mercier, LCSW. Join us as Herdyne, your favorite grief advocate, shares her enlightening journey and discusses the profound impact of funerals and the life lessons they provided her. 

In this episode, Herdyne welcomes her first podcast guest, funeral director, Patricia Gumbs Oscar, who brings over a decade of compassionate service within the funeral industry.

Discover the personal story behind Herdyne's respect with funerals and the life lessons she learned from attending them since childhood. Herdyne and Patricia share their experiences and explore the emotional complexities surrounding funerals, family dynamics, and the unexpected drama that often unfolds.

Learn about Patricia's journey into the profession, her dedication to helping families with dignity and respect, and her personal grieving process over the loss of her father. This episode offers an intimate conversation about embracing emotions, the importance of community support, and the role of faith in navigating grief.

Join us for this insightful episode as we redefine the understanding of grief and the significance of compassion in the funeral profession. Don't miss this powerful and enlightening discussion.

Mr. Gumbs was truly honored by his beautiful daughter, Patrica. 

Welcome to the Redefining Grief podcast with your host, Herdyne Mercier, as she embarks on a transformative journey back to her roots. In this heartfelt episode, Herdyne discusses the significance of names, heritage, and identity with her special guest, Nkem Ekwukoma, a renowned UK business lawyer and founder of The Legal Storyteller. Together, they explore the power of names, the stories they carry, and their impact on our life's purpose.

Dive into the rich conversation to discover the personal stories behind their names, how their meanings shape their paths, and the importance of embracing one's heritage. This episode not only delves into the historical and cultural significance of names but also empowers listeners to honor their histories.

Join Herdyne and Ekwukoma as they redefine grief through candid discussions, laughter, and an undeniable sense of pride in their identities. This episode invites you to reflect on your own name's legacy and how it influences your life's journey.

 

 

Join Herdyne Mercier, LCSW, your dedicated grief counselor and advocator, as she returns refreshed and invigorated after navigating life's challenges.

 

In this episode, she shares her heartfelt journey of restoration, the empowering communities she built, and the strength found in faith.

Discover how she transformed her trials into triumphs and learn about her exciting new ventures, including her upcoming LIVE conference and book releases. Embrace the power of wisdom and resilience, and be inspired to find your own path to healing and growth.

Welcome back to the Grief Crusaders community!

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

 

Recommended Resources

• To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
• To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
• For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
• To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/  
• To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

 

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief #TheChiefGriefCrusader #HerdyneMercier   #MercierWellness #Grief 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

 

 

 

 

Rho Thomas: The Power Of Self Love

Episode Introduction

When was the last time you thought to yourself that you were more important than anybody else, that it was only when you took care of yourself that you could take care of others and be fully functional? If you've been missing out on prioritizing yourself, this episode is for you.

Today, I speak with Rho Thomas, an attorney and financial coach who believes that true wealth is having control of your time. I describe Rho as a woman who is not only self-anchored but truly loves herself.

Rho talks about her naïve shift to motherhood and how she lost herself to parenting and responsibilities. By the time she had her second child, she had understood that she needed to go to therapy. One question from her therapist changed her way of thinking completely- "What do you want to be?". While she was explaining how she was failing as a mother, a wife, and a lawyer, her therapist made her realize that she couldn't be any of the above without making time for herself. Rho started to spend time in the morning by reading the Bible, praying, and just being herself, which made all the difference, especially during the pandemic.

Rho talks about her truth in life. She did not value herself the way that she valued everyone else in her life. It was when things were falling that she realized she had to put herself first.

Rho says that her therapist and her husband were the two most essential connections she had in life. She also discusses the importance of being financially independent. Rho explains that financial freedom to her is in control, staying flexible with her finances and having time in life. Towards the end, she tells how our mindset is everything. She also talks about the financial bondage we put ourselves into due to our entitlement mentality and comparing tendencies with others' lives.

Tune in to the episode to learn Rho's incredible transformative journey in life.

 

About Our Guest 

Rho Thomas is a trademark lawyer and financial coach who helps lawyers regain control of their time, build wealth, and live the lives of freedom and choice they deserve. She is also the host of the Wealthyesque podcast.

 

Episode Quotes

• “Telling the truth truly liberates the soul.”- Herdyne [00:58]

•  “Our mindset is everything. “- Rho [33:11]

• “The story that you tell yourself is optional.” - Rho [33:47]

• “Trying to like comparison just never leads to good things.” -  Rho [33:47]

• “Your life is unique to you.” - Herdyne [37:50]

• “Being able to have that control to take back control of your life is so important.” - Rho [39:20]

 

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

• What have you learned about yourself? [40:24]

I've learned that I am the most important person in my life, like if I'm not okay, I can't show up for other people to make sure that they're okay. And then the second thing is, I've learned that I can do hard things, like, going through and really facing that debt.

• If today was your last day on earth, and you had five words or less, what would they be? [41:17]

Don't forget to live.

• During your hard times what song gets you through? [42:59]

Hezekiah walker - Grateful

 

Episode Time-Stamps

• [07:58] – Herdyne describes Rho Thomas
• [08:13] – Rho’s shift to motherhood 
• [12:02] – Herdyne’s wifeidence 
• [20:02] – Rho shares her truth
• [26: 30] – Rho’s drive 
• [33:11] – Our mindset is everything
• [34:06] – Financial freedom

 

Reference Links

• YouTube link to Rho’s favorite song: 

Hezekiah Walker – Grateful 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE0W-kQyz6A

 

Connect with Rho

• Website: https://www.rhothomas.com/
• LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamrhothomas/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamrhothomas/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamrhothomas/

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

 

Recommended Resources

• To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
• To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
• For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com 
• To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/   
• To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast 

 

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief    #TheChiefGriefCrusader    #HerdyneMercier   #MercierWellness    #Grief  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

Brandi Harvey: Beyond Her

Episode Introduction

Many of us hover over unworthy relationships and habits only because saying a healthy goodbye is hard. We end up going back to places that don't serve us, being around people who don't love us, and spending money on things that deplete us. Today, we learn that there's a lot more to us than we can visualize.

In this episode, Herdyne speaks with Brandi Harvey, Founder of Beyond Her, a network for women at the start of their careers who want to feel less like imposters and more like instigators. Brandi and Herdyne speak their hearts out on topics of life, fitness, and goals. Herdyne also talks about how she was searching for wisdom three years ago and how her life changed when she ultimately found it and enabled her to air her first podcast episode; gave her purpose.

Brandi narrates her life journey to us. She recalls that her first podcast made her life upside down; she got fired, had to commit to going to therapy every year, and expanded her podcast theme to mental and physical health from physical health alone. Her journey with silent meditation taught her to be still. We learn that people find it hard to heal because they confront situations not knowing how to be still. Brandi also discloses her freedom class which mainly focuses on healing your life from the inside out and not on money and fame.

Attaining stillness isn't an easy journey. Brandi shares that she had to confront the silence band after being still, feeling irritated and angry. But she continued to practice the same because she wanted to elevate herself.

Herdyne talks about healthy goodbyes. Brandi remembers how she had to talk about the first chapter – Lose to Win, of her book in a conference and describes how we have a scarcity and poverty mentality that causes us to refrain from healthy goodbyes to things that we might not receive any more than that. Herdyne talks about her struggle with the concept of Lose to Win when she had to manage the household when her husband had to go for a Ph.D. It led her to commit to a strict diet to get fit. Here, Brandi also talks about how commitment is not a feeling but an agreement you make to become better.

Brandi's advice to anyone grieving is to ditch their story and old beliefs. She believes there's power in having somebody else hold you accountable – a physical fitness trainer takes you out of the comfort zone that restrains you from getting fit.

We are destined from the time of Adam, a gardener, to cultivate spirits just like a gardener grows plants. Towards the close of the episode, Brandi reminds us that our word is our wand and that we need to master our emotions to become mentally and physically healthy. Listen in, for there's a lot of wisdom in their words!

 

About Our Guest

Brandi Harvey is the founder of Beyond Her, an active wellness brand for women of color. She believes women should eat well, give a damn and move their bodies daily. Committed to teaching women how to care for their mind, body and spirit, Brandi is recognized as both a national and international speaker. 

 

Episode Quotes

• “Life is not perfect, but the requirement of living it is.” - Herdyne [00:43]
• “People can't heal because they are afraid to be still and deal with the emotion.” - Herdyne [15:49]
• “Commitment is not a feeling. It's an agreement. “- Brandi [35:07]
• “Every time the muscle breaks down, when you're working out it is building it back up so that you can see more growth and development in your body. It's the same thing about your own life.” - Brandi [36:46]
• “When you have a desire for more, you're willing to get pushed out of your comfort zone.” - Brandi [47:13]
• “Be consistent and don't allow the weeds in your life to suffocate you like they do in the garden.” - Herdyne [52:15]

 

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

• What have you learned about yourself since redefining the grief in your life? [57:33]

I've learned that I'm worthy and that I'm deserving of this big life. I spent so much time trying to downplay myself and fit into a box that other people thought, the expectations that they have for me, and I think I'm redefining the grief of my own life of losing the wind of shedding the old beliefs of leaving some things, some people behind, and know that I am deserving of this big life that God has promised me.

 

• If today was your last day on earth, what would be your five words or less? [58:21]

I lived it all the way.

 

• What's that song that gets you through? [59:33]

 Sounds of blackness - I believe.

 

Episode Time-Stamps

• [05:56] –Herdyne introduces Brandi
• [08:21] –Herdyne talks about her first podcast
• [13:05] –Brandi’s shift in life
• [18:26] –Brandi shares her truth
• [22:57] –Healthy goodbyes
• [25:36] – Lose to win
• [34:10] –Commitment is an agreement to become better
• [39:36] –Ditching old beliefs
• [42:35] –Talks about comfort food and lifestyle
• [50:16] – Adam a gardener
• [52:58] –Brandi’s freedom class

Reference Links

• YouTube link to Brandi’s favorite song:

Sounds of blackness - I believe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEY7vxjuuBA

• Book:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/breakthrough-sold-separately-brandi-harvey/1133935795

 

Connect with Brandi

• Website: https://beyondher.co/about/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandi-harvey-4784b819/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambrandiharvey/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAmBrandiHarvey

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

 

Recommended Resources

• To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
• To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
• For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
• To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/
• To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

 

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief    #TheChiefGriefCrusader    #HerdyneMercier   #MercierWellness    #Grief 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

Jameson Mercier: Hope Is Not A Plan

Episode Introduction

According to Jameson Mercier, "Hope is not a plan". We need to understand that possessing a practical plan for our goals and then working sincerely to make it work is the starting point of liberation. In this episode, my husband Jameson Mercier sits with me and talks about honesty, sincerity, hope and plans, and how these elements are vital for keeping your relationships content and happy.

Jameson describes his thoughts on why hoping could not amount to planning. "If hope is your plan, then you have a problem." He narrates how he drew inspiration from Obama's mantra about hoping and possessing an effective plan. "And so he did not just have hope, but he also had a plan." To heal, one requires to set a goal and come up with a plan. He considers reverse engineering as the finest possible way to achieve that. "And so that way you figure out what your steps were all along the way."

Jameson's ideas on sincerity and truthfulness in a relationship are unique and unparalleled. He says that being sincere with yourself is key to achieving liberation. Jameson and Herdyne talk about the reason why some individuals prefer to remain in their comfortable world, even if it means living in despair.

Jameson and Herdyne talk about how truthfulness in communication is the most authentic form of intimacy. Jameson understands the seriousness of getting to the root of one's degree of legitimacy. If you speak the truth today only to lie tomorrow, there's nothing you can accomplish in that relationship.

Herdyne narrates an episode when she was handling some issues and did not have the strength to deal with the world. She felt hypocritical even though she was able to move on with the day. She claims she felt content and satisfied and that she decided to face the day no matter what she was dealing with.

We also discuss why acknowledging your sentiments is necessary and why society needs to stop believing that men alone have to save their significant other. Assumptions and expectations out of a relationship could be deceived and would be like setting unrealistic hopes on your significant other.

Listen to the episode today as Jameson also gives expert advice on nurturing relationships and facing challenges together!

 

About Our Guest

Dr. Jameson Mercier specializes in Marriage/ Family Therapy, parenthood and Relationship Systems Consulting. He is a professional relationship counselor who realizes that in order to make a relationship function, you have to put the effort. He believes that hopelessness is usually felt when disputing about money, infidelity, poor communication, or lack of intimacy.

 

Episode Quotes

• “If hope is your plan, then you have a problem.”- Jameson[08:00]
• “Because we're all blessed, and we are all highly favored. But what are you doing with that favor?”- Jameson[11:22]
• “You can be happy, full of joy and heal, even while you're struggling, even in the midst of loss and difficulties.”-Jameson[19:12]
• “Simply because you can't operate on emotions alone doesn't mean that you should be totally dismissive of them.” –Jameson [26:10]
• “Nobody's really taught to look in the mirror. People are taught to point the finger.”-Herdyne[43:15]

 

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

• What have you learned from the fourteen years of your life journey? [49:24]

Any two people, if they want to have a successful marriage, and they are committed to achieving that, they will have it. There's nothing that says that it is reserved for soulmates. And so after 14 years of being married, I've essentially learned that if we are going to be together, I have to get out of the fantasy so that we grow to love each other authentically, for who the person is. It's not about being my soulmate; it’s about being my teammate.

 

Episode Time-Stamps

• [06:55] - Jameson explains how hope is not a plan.
• [14:46] - Jameson explains why some people continue to live in despair.
• [17:41] - We can only heal if we fully reveal ourselves.
• [25:50] – Jameson explains how we shouldn’t be dismissive of our emotions.
• [37:43] – Expectations in a relationship.

 

Connect with Jameson

• Website: https://mercierwellness.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jamesonmercier/
• Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwNs4gy3jW-t6hCX58De_w
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJamesonMercier
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesonmercier

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

 

Recommended Resources

• To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
• To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
• For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
• To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/  
• To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast

 

Social Media

Podcast Hashtag: #RedefiningGrief    #TheChiefGriefCrusader    #HerdyneMercier   #MercierWellness    #Grief 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdynemercier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HERDYNEMERCIER

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herdynemercierlcsw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/herdyne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herdyne-mercier-lcsw-chief-grief-crusader-6050aa72/

Sinika Calloway

Episode Introduction

Do you know that at times of grief, knowing that there are others who have been where you are can greatly help you heal? There is inexplicable power in human connection.  

In this episode of Redefining Grief, I speak with Sinika Calloway about her journey through grief and where it took her in life. Sinika’s life draws a parallel to my life personally and there’s a lot of good things to imbibe from this healing conversation.

Sinika narrates those incidents that led her to a phase of profound grief. She lost her mother to multiple sclerosis when she was eight years old. Two months after her death, her maternal grandfather passed away too. It was when she was getting over this compounded loss that her father passed away due to prostate cancer two years later. Though the death of her mother was anticipated, her grandfather’s was a sudden demise. And her father died in a hospice in another state. 

Losing a loved one brings in pain that’s hard to get over, and when it is sudden and unanticipated, you don’t even have a fair chance to say goodbye. As Sinika shares the painful backstory, she also throws light on something more important. She learned that there are others like her with either the same story as she does, or have experienced the loss and grief that she has in life.

Learn today some healing superpowers that Sinika shares with us. She suggests 4 keys to getting over grief, the number one factor being connection. When you're grieving, you have to connect. The next one is to educate yourself on how to cope and get through the pain. Equally important are self-care and faith. You need a source to get through.

Today, we also talk about Sinika’s professional life and why she started Grief Tees and Things. Listen in to learn the transformational journey of this incredible female entrepreneur!

 

About Our Guest 

Sinika is an author, life coach, and entrepreneur who has fought different battles to reach where she is today. Her success did not come without hard work, faith in God, a support system, and adversity. After both her parents died, she was taken in and raised by her aunt who treated her as her own child. Overcoming poverty, a single-family home, low socioeconomic status, the death of both parents at the age of 8 & 10, and low performing schools, Sinika is an example that faith in God, and determination, along with a strong support system is vital to success. Sinika hopes to be a beacon of hope for others and to inspire people to achieve success in life despite a lack of resources.

Episode Quotes

• “How I beat death, is by allowing myself to be present at the moment with them. And being very aware that this can be our last time together.”- Herdyne [07:21]

• “I feel like just connecting with other people, knowing that you're not alone has been the biggest lesson for me, like, having dealt with the things I've dealt with as an adult with grief.” - Sinika [09:27]

• “We all grieve, but everyone's journey is different. Everyone is unique, and therefore everyone's journey is going to be different.”- Sinika [19:24]

• “If you want to be at a place in your life where you can sip tea with joy, you have to be committed to doing the work that's actually actively, actively, actively healing.” - Herdyne [25:55]

• “If you do not process or come to a place of completion, with the unresolved grief around moving, it would take you into your new season and flip you upside down and spit you out if you don't deal with it. “- Herdyne [29:27]

 

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

• What have you learned about yourself since redefining your grief journey? [26:33]

I am not alone. I'm not alone, that there are others who do have a story like mine. And if their story is not like mine, they also know grief, and they also know loss. 

• If today was your last day on earth, and you were granted five words or less? What would it be? [27:18]

For those who are still alive- to never give up; never give up on your dreams or your goals.

• During your hard times, what's that one song that just gets you through? [27:53]

I Am Not Alone by Kari Jobe

 

Episode Time-Stamps

• [12:06] Sinika’s advice for parents or caretakers taking care of God’s children
• [15:56] When did Sinika finally come to a place where she had to look in the mirror and tell the truth about her grief journey?
• [18:12] Sinika explains her full circle grief
• [20:24] Active healing tips from Sinika
• [24:16] Her journey from grief to purpose

 

Reference Links

• YouTube link to Sinika’s favorite song: 

I Am Not Alone by Kari Jobe

 

Connect with Sinika

• Website: https://sinikacalloway.com/
• LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sinika-calloway-lmsw-7b633492
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sinika_calloway/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/sinikac/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

 

Recommended Resources

• To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
• To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com
• For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com
• To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/ 
• To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast 

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