grief

From Misplaced iPhones to Heartfelt Healing: Overcoming Grief ~ Episode 102

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In episode 102 of “Journey from Grief to Healing,” we explore a relatable anecdote about misplacing an iPhone to illustrate a deeper message about loss and healing. The narrator recounts the frustrating search for their phone, only to find it hidden in plain sight. This experience is likened to the way we often overlook sources of happiness and healing while grieving. Through poignant reflections and literary excerpts, including works by Edna St. Vincent Millay and William Shakespeare, the episode delves into the depths of sorrow and the potential for rediscovery of joy. It emphasizes that while no one can replace a lost loved one, we can choose to open new doors to happiness. Insights from Helen Keller and Marcel Proust further underscore the theme of seeing the world with new eyes. By the end of the episode, listeners are encouraged to embrace gratitude for the presence of their loved ones and to recognize that happiness, much like a misplaced phone, is often hidden in plain sight.


You can listen to Episode 102 on your favorite podcasting app or click here for Episode 102  

Conquering the Blues: A Path to Finding Joy Again

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In Episode 101 of “Journey from Grief to Healing,” we delve into the common experience of the blues, those sudden, unanticipated feelings of sadness. Triggered by small things like shadows, songs, or specific dates, the blues can affect anyone. Through the lens of songs by Merle Haggard and Neil Diamond, we explore how these feelings, though universal, can be particularly poignant for those grieving. The episode highlights personal strategies for managing the blues, such as changing one’s environment, engaging in physical activity, and practicing gratitude. Whether it’s a walk in nature or singing away sadness, the message is clear: we have the power to overcome the blues and find joy in life again. Through sharing personal anecdotes and musical wisdom, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration to those navigating their journey from grief to healing.


You can listen to Episode 101 on your favorite podcasting app or click here for Episode 101  

Episode 100: Boxes of the Past: How Memories Can Heal a Grieving Heart

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Welcome to Episode 100 of “Journey from Grief to Healing” with Dr. Ray Calabrese. In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Ray shares a deeply personal story about a day that began with routine and ended with a poignant discovery. As he navigates through a typical morning, an insistent thought leads him to a box of memories that had been untouched for years.

Join Dr. Ray as he uncovers cherished items from his past, including a touching love note from his late wife, Barb. This episode explores how unexpected moments can bring back powerful memories, renewing connections with loved ones we’ve lost. Dr. Ray’s experience reminds us that grief can be intertwined with beautiful surprises that warm the heart and bring a smile to our faces.

Listen in for a message of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of love. If you find solace in these stories, don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes and visit Dr. Ray’s blog at www.dancingalone530.com for positive and uplifting content. Feel free to share your own experiences or ask questions by emailing Dr. Ray at ray.brese@gmail.com. Stay strong and never give up.


You can listen to Episode 100 on your favorite podcasting app or click here for Episode 100  

Episode 99 – From Cornfields to Clarity: Lessons in Grief and Healing

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In Episode 99 of “Journey from Grief to Healing,” I recount my experience of living in central Illinois as a professor. Having only known Illinois through its cities and airports, I was unprepared for the endless stretches of cornfields that greeted us. A memorable drive with Babe through these vast fields highlighted my struggle to navigate the flat, featureless landscape. Eventually, Babe took over the driving and effortlessly found our way home, turning a frustrating situation into a cherished memory.

Reflecting on this experience, I draw parallels with the grieving process. Cecelia Ahern’s words from “Thanks for the Memories” resonate deeply, suggesting that sometimes we get lost, only to find our path later. Good memories, like my drive with Babe, emerge as grief recedes, reminding us of the gifts we’ve had.

The story of the two wolves, one representing negative emotions and the other positive, underscores the importance of nurturing the right mindset during grief. Like Kris Kristofferson’s song “A Moment of Forever,” treasuring our precious moments can lead to healing, strength, and joy.

You can listen to Episode 99 on your favorite podcasting app or click here for Episode 99  

Climbing the Mountain of Grief: Insights from a Solo Journey | Episode 95

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In Episode 95 of “Journey from Grief to Healing,” Dr. Ray Calabrese explores the solitary nature of grieving through a powerful metaphor of climbing a mountain. The episode opens with reflections on how grieving, though often shared in groups or with friends, remains a profoundly personal journey. It also touches on the frustration with political actions, like a bill being sidetracked, which brings personal grief back into sharp focus, especially regarding lost loved ones like “Babe,” who battled glioblastoma.

Dr. Ray draws parallels between his physical journey climbing in the Rocky Mountain National Park and his emotional journey through grief. The narrative weaves together themes of isolation, the unending nature of grief, and the unexpected camaraderie found with fellow travelers—both on the hiking trail and in life. The episode concludes with a philosophical reflection inspired by Bear Grylls and Sir Edmund Hillary on drawing strength from the mountain, emphasizing resilience and the transformative power of enduring life’s toughest climbs.

You can listen to Episode 95 on your favorite podcasting app or click here for Episode 95

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Beyond the Visible: Understanding Grieving’s Unspoken Realities in Our Latest Episode

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Welcome to Episode 86 of Dr. Ray Calabrese’s Journey from Grief to Healing Podcast. In this installment, Dr. Ray explores the concept of “undiscussables” in the grieving process, and emphasizes the importance of opening up about these difficult topics to aid healing.

In “Journey from Grief to Healing: Episode 86,” we explore the partial perspective we often have during grief. Like diners in a restaurant observing different slices of life, those grieving see only a fraction of their emotional landscape. Grief introduces ‘undiscussables,’ topics too painful or taboo to speak of, hindering a deeper understanding of our experience. Chris Argyris’ theories on action—espoused and in use—highlight the gap between what we say and do, especially in offering support. Discussing the undiscussable is crucial for healing, emphasizing the power of being heard without being fixed. Fred Rogers and Henri Nouwen remind us that sharing our pain without seeking solutions can forge a path through grief, as vulnerability turns undiscussables into discussables and fosters true companionship in sorrow.

Enjoy this insightful episode, and continue the journey from grief to healing with Dr. Ray Calabrese. Subscribe for future episodes and join in the conversation of grief and healing.

You can listen to Episode 86 on your favorite podcasting app or click here for Episode 86

Don’t forget to hit the subscribe button to receive notifications of future episodes

Episode 34: Grieving: Making a Decision to Choose to Live and Rediscover Life’s Joys

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In Episode 34 of my podcast, Journey from Grief to Healing M challenges me to choose to live and begin looking for all the good things life has to offer. I am choosing to live. It’s a big step and I’m ready to take it.

You can listen to Episode 34 on your favorite podcasting app or click here for Episode 34https://shorturl.at/ctDQW

Don’t forget to hit the subscribe button to receive notifications of future episodes.

Episode 14: Journey from Grief to Healing, The Feeling Of Emptiness Overwhelmed Me

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In Episode 14 of my podcast, Journey from Grief to Healing, M asks me what I am feeling. She makes the distinction between how I feel and what I feel. It took me a while to process my grieving feelings. I described Babe’s death as an emptiness that could never be filled. M helps me to understand why the feeling emptiness accompanies grieving.
You can listen to the podcast on any podcast venue or you can click the following link.
https://raycalabrese.podbean.com/e/episode-15-the-feeling-of-emptiness-overwhelmed-me/

Episode 13: How Do You Heal A Broken Heart?

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In Episode 13 of my Podcast, Journey from Grief to Healing I share my second grieving group experience. M wants to talk about what it feels like to have a broken heart. I told M Babe’s death shattered my heart into a 1000 pieces.
Comments, questions, or personal insights, email me at ray.brese@gmail.com.
You can listen to Episode 13 on all podcast applications or you can click the following link:
https://raycalabrese.podbean.com/e/episode-13-how-do-you-heal-a-broken-heart/

Episode 12: My Prayers Went Unanswered and My Grieving Went on Unabated

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Episode 12 from my Podcast: Journey from Grief to Healing M wants me to journal about unanswered prayers. I knew I was angry with God for letting Babe die. I didn’t realize how angry I felt. This journal was difficult for me to write. I knew it had to be done. I couldn’t continue to stuff my anger.

This poscast is available on all podcast venues or you can listen to it here:

https://raycalabrese.podbean.com/e/episode-12-my-prayers-went-unanswered-and-my-grieving-went-on-unabated/

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