In this episode, my guest is Alexa Bigwarfe, an author, publishing consultant, and advocate for grieving mothers. Our conversation highlights the universality of grief and its profound impact on us. Alexa has experienced grief in many forms, including the loss of a child, loss of close friends, and divorce. She shares her lived experience with grief, both the pain and the healing. Her healing journey has been grounded in writing, beginning with a grief blog and evolving to her work today where she helps other people to share their stories in books they write, publish and sell.   Grief is universal. Alexa’s experiences with the grieving process are the same experiences that I have had throughout my healing journey. Whether we’re grieving the loss of our inner child or the loss of a baby, the pain we feel and the fear-based emotions that we carry are similar. And it can keep us in a dark place if we don’t HEAL.     Highlights of this episode 💛Writing to HEAL: Writing is such a great place to expel the fear-based emotions that we carry inside of us. It’s just you and the paper. No one gets hurt by what’s coming out of you, no matter how painful or ugly it may be. Sharing our stories helps us realize that we are not alone. 💙Grief Isolates: One way to move past isolation is through community. Women tend to talk more than men do, so there is power in finding (or creating) support groups to connect with. But, talking isn’t just for women… 💛Expert Tip: When someone is grieving, please don’t say “Everything happens for a reason.” Instead, say “I’m sorry that you’re in pain.” It’s okay if you don’t identify with the experience, but as humans, we can all relate to pain and suffering.   Resources related to this episode ✨Permission to Thrive, A Six-Month Guided Journal for Grieving Mothers. This journal is applicable to anyone on a healing journey, not just recovering from the loss of a child. It includes sections on gratitude, breathwork, self-care, journaling prompts, and affirmations. ✨Sunshine After the Storm: A Survival Guide for the Grieving Mother, a compilation of stories from parents, offering emotional support and guidance for grieving mothers. ✨Find Alexa and her work on the web at: Sunshine After the Storm WRITE| PUBLISH | SELL Womenin Publishing Summit   Connect with Alexa ✨Facebook ✨Instagram ✨LinkedIn Connect with Write.Publish.Sell on ✨Instagram   Connect with the HEALing Mentor on social media @bethjoneshealingmentor on FB, IG, LI, TT & YT #healingjourney #grief #grievingmother #writetoheal