Through loss, heartbreak, and unexpected signs, this mother’s journey reveals the power of hope in the most unexpected places.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Bernadette Payne, a writer, speaker, and advocate for grief support, who has transformed personal tragedy into a mission of healing. A psychology graduate and devoted mother, Bernadette has experienced profound loss—the deaths of her brother, mother, several close friends, and most heartbreakingly, her 17-year-old son. Her journey through grief led her to explore spirituality and near-death experiences, offering her comfort and a deeper understanding of the afterlife. Through writing and speaking, she now helps others navigate loss, emphasizing the power of love, connection, and personal growth.

Throughout this episode, Bernadette shares how each loss shaped her path, from the death of her brother at 18, which first sparked her interest in near-death experiences, to the devastating loss of her teenage son, which brought unimaginable grief. Yet, in the depths of sorrow, she found solace—through dreams in which her son appeared, offering strength, and through writing, which became a crucial outlet for healing. Now, as she works on a book and a podcast, Bernadette is committed to guiding others through loss with wisdom, compassion, and the belief that while grief is painful, healing is possible through faith, connection, and personal growth.

Tune in to episode 318 of Grief and Happiness as Bernadette Payne shares how exploring spirituality, embracing writing, and finding strength through connection can help navigate profound loss, foster healing, and discover hope in the midst of grief.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Bernadette’s first encounter with loss (0:57)
• Seeking answers through near-death experiences (4:01)
• Different grief journeys – losing friends, a parent, and a child (8:28)
• A life-changing dream – a message from her son (16:00)
• Writing as a healing tool (17:12)
• Embracing spirituality and finding peace (18:37)
• Final reflections and message of hope (22:03)

Let's Connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• The Grief and Happiness Alliance
• Book: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

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I see how much richer my life is as I remember the stories of my past with my loved ones, while I live now happily in the moment.

Let's Connect:

• You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking here
• You can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.
• You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:
• You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking here
• Request your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

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You’re already dealing with the emotional weight of loss—but what happens when legal battles, financial surprises, and unexpected triggers make it even harder to move forward?

In today's episode, I'm joined by Ellen Craine, a licensed clinical social worker, grief specialist, and the founder of Craine Counseling. With decades of experience, she helps individuals navigate grief, loss, and major life transitions through a holistic and compassionate approach. Ellen combines professional expertise with personal experience, having faced the loss of her husband, supported her son through pediatric cancer, and battled breast cancer herself. She is passionate about challenging societal misconceptions about grief and guiding people through their unique journeys of healing. Ellen also leads grief support groups, including her Compassionate Grief Circles, creating safe spaces for individuals to share and grow.

Throughout this episode, Ellen Craine provides a deep and personal perspective on grief, drawing from both her professional expertise and personal experiences. She introduces the concept of being a "grief doula," helping individuals navigate loss beyond just bereavement. Ellen discusses societal misconceptions about grief and the pressure to “move on” quickly, stressing that grief is an evolving, lifelong process. She shares stories about losing her husband, supporting her son through cancer, and dealing with her own breast cancer diagnosis, highlighting the emotional and logistical struggles that come with these experiences. Ellen also speaks about the importance of planning for the unexpected, such as estate documents and medical directives, and the healing power of community support. She encourages finding personal tools—such as nature, creative outlets, and connection—to balance grief with moments of joy.

Tune in to episode 316 as Ellen Craine shares how embracing both the emotional and practical aspects of grief—through self-discovery, community support, and preparedness—can help navigate loss, build resilience, and find moments of joy along the way.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

What is a grief doula? (0:54)

Why does society struggle with grief? (3:18)

The often overlooked practical aspects of grief (5:08)

Personal story: Losing a husband and navigating legal complexities (10:30)

Grief’s lingering triggers—from mails to memories (11:46)

Lessons from hospice work: When the dying hold on (14:18)

Grief beyond death: Illness, parenting, and self-care (20:18)

Finding support and tools for healing (24:43)

Connect with Ellen Craine:

Website

Facebook

LinkedIn

Get Ellen’s books!

Let's Connect:

Website

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

The Grief and Happiness Alliance

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.