Turning Grief into Strength: Susan Denee's Guide to Navigating Loss
Treat your crazy and turn it into your own superpower.
Grief is one of those experiences that can leave you feeling utterly lost and overwhelmed. In this heartfelt episode of 'Know Your Crazy', Susan Denee takes on the raw and often chaotic nature of grief. Whether you're dealing with the loss of a loved one or facing the daunting responsibility of caretaking for an elderly parent, Susan's insights are both relatable and enlightening.
She talks about how grief isn't just about tears; it can show up as boredom, self-pity, or even a sudden awareness of our own mortality. If you've ever felt like you're drowning in a sea of emotions, this episode is for you. Susan doesn't shy away from the hard truths. She starts by acknowledging that not knowing what to do is a natural part of grieving.
It's a scary and surreal experience, but it's also an opportunity to shed old identities and embrace new ones. Drawing from George Bonanno's book 'The Other Side of Sadness', she explains the concept of the oscillation of grief – the back-and-forth between intense sadness and moments of relief. This oscillation is a normal part of the grieving process and understanding it can help you navigate your own journey.
The episode also dives into the famous five stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. But Susan makes it clear that these stages aren't a strict linear path. Everyone's experience is unique, and your beliefs play a significant role in how you process loss. Whether it's religious faith or personal philosophies, what you believe can either shorten or prolong your grieving period. Towards the end, Susan offers a powerful perspective: grief can be transformed into a superpower.
It's about how you choose to deal with it. By embracing positivity and treating your 'crazy', you can turn one of life's toughest challenges into a source of strength. This episode is a must-listen for anyone grappling with loss and looking for ways to find light in the darkness.