Surthrival Podcast with Stacia

Stacia Gaines

Welcome to Surthrival, a place to befriend grief for healthy healing. This podcast is for those experiencing grief and for those who know someone who is experiencing loss. My goal is to provide principles to help you navigate through the complicated and painful world of grief.

  1. Columbus Widows' Club: Finding Purpose in Being Single Again

    May 15

    Columbus Widows' Club: Finding Purpose in Being Single Again

    Susan Hoskins (my long-time friend) and Carolyn Weaver of Columbus, GA became friends through small groups at church. When Carolyn couldn’t put one foot in front of the other, her granddaughter took her to church. Susan, however, ran like a horse out of the gate, eager to re-enter a spiritual community she’d been missing while caring for her ailing husband. They found each other on the A-Team (Admin Team), a small group of servants who stock the shelves at the Columbus campus of Church of the Highlands. They found comfort and friendship through this team and two other groups that consisted of widows. They renamed the one where they play games, “The Fun Group for Widows”. Susan also found joy in frequent trips to art events and walks with her intentional friend, Carol, who at their first lunch handed her a single-spaced sheet full of events to which she was invited. While Carol admitted she didn’t know how to help Susan, she invited her along to what she was already doing. Turns out she did know how to help! Carolyn makes sure she leaves her house every day even if it’s just for a carwash or to get gas. Twice a week she eats by herself at her favorite chicken restaurant where she’s even met some other regulars. Routine helps her in her grieving, and she knows without a plan she could be too much of a loner. SURTHRIVAL tips for widows include: · Find purpose. They found theirs through service. · Find community. You may have to do the inviting or put yourself out there. · Establish routines. Having a reason to get out of bed and something to do helps. · Do things you enjoy even if you have to force yourself initially. · Find ways to reclaim spaces that may be triggers. Ask a friend to help. · Explore new things (this one’s mine). You’ll never know ‘til you try.

    32 min
  2. Do I really like Marvel movies? Single Again with Deidre O. Clark

    May 1

    Do I really like Marvel movies? Single Again with Deidre O. Clark

    Single Again - Who am I? After losing a spouse, we can find ourselves wondering who we are outside of that relationship? Deidre Clark shares her story of loss and how she became reacquainted with herself after losing Brian “Voice Porter” Hawkins. One of the questions she asked herself was if she really liked Marvel movies or watched them because Brian liked them. She does like them! When grief brings the loss of a significant relationship, it is an opportunity for the surthrivor to get to know themselves again – from our entertainment choices to what we like to eat. It can be difficult, but it is also an opportunity to be curious and explore new things. As with all healthy grief journeys, we must travel through the darkness to find the light. If you have lost your life partner (or experienced any type of significant loss), consider reframing your deep loss as an opportunity to become reacquainted with yourself. Though it can be disorienting at first, it is a gift to explore your preferences and find freedom and flexibility in your singleness. Remember: loss and hope can and does co-exist, sadness and joy can both be true at the same time. Deidre was asking these questions about who she was without Brian and journaling what she discovered (express the feels). She searched for a vehicle that contained the deep questions she wanted to answer. Finding none, she created one - a card deck called Becoming You, 52 thoughtfully designed cards for women who are moving through transition, change or quiet reckoning. Becommingyoudeck.com to order! Example card: WHAT DO YOU NEED TO THRIVE IN THIS MOMENT? What’s one step you can take towards that? 4 pieces of wisdom from Deidre Clark: 1. Be exceedingly kind to yourself. 2. Be curious. 3. Only go as deep as your nervous system can handle. 4. Find a therapist to help guide you through this journey. https://onbeing.org/programs/krista-tippett-hope-portal-episode-1/

    34 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Welcome to Surthrival, a place to befriend grief for healthy healing. This podcast is for those experiencing grief and for those who know someone who is experiencing loss. My goal is to provide principles to help you navigate through the complicated and painful world of grief.

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