Finding Strength in Shared Pain: The Journey of Healing Through Grief

Grief is a silent companion for many, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and avoided topics in our conversations. When Denise Cunningham was asked about the hardest part of dealing with grief, she answered simply, "Nobody wants to talk about it." This truth reveals a deep challenge: grief often isolates us because society does not provide enough space to express it openly. The journey toward healing begins when we break this silence and give voice to what hurts.

This post explores the inspiration behind Let’s Talk Grief™, a book born from the stories of those who have faced profound loss. It highlights how sharing grief can foster empathy, connection, and ultimately, healing.

A softly glowing candle symbolizes hope and healing in grief

The Power of Speaking Grief Out Loud

Grief thrives in silence. When pain is hidden, it can grow heavier and more isolating. Lori Gottlieb, Maya Angelou, and Brianna West have all emphasized that acknowledging pain is the first step toward recovery. Gottlieb points out that silence feeds shame, while words bring pain into the light where healing can begin.

Talking about grief is not just about recounting loss; it is about inviting empathy and understanding from others. Unfortunately, many people avoid these conversations because they feel uncomfortable or unsure how to respond. This leaves grieving individuals feeling alone and misunderstood.

Let’s Talk Grief™ aims to change this by encouraging open dialogue about grief in everyday settings, not just in therapy or support groups. The goal is to create a community where grief is recognized and shared with grace, peace, and harmony.

Real Stories That Sparked a Movement

The inspiration for Let’s Talk Grief™ comes from four remarkable individuals who faced loss and found ways to cope and connect:

• Denise Cunningham lost her husband, Jeffery. Her honest admission about the silence surrounding grief sparked the book’s title and mission.

• Bridget Bagley lost her son, Preston Bailey Hancock, in a tragic accident. She transformed her grief into a meaningful tribute by creating Preston’s Charm, a piece of jewelry that keeps her son’s memory alive.

• EJ Hanhart lost his wife, Wendy, and has shared his journey of grief and healing.

• Joe Kennedy, a retired NCIS agent and cold case expert, brings a unique perspective on loss and closure.

  
  

Each story shows a different way grief touches lives and how sharing these experiences can help others feel less alone.

How Sharing Grief Encourages Healing

When grief is spoken about openly, it creates opportunities for connection. Here are some ways sharing grief supports healing:

• Reduces isolation

Talking about loss helps people realize they are not alone. Hearing others’ stories can provide comfort and reduce feelings of loneliness.

• Builds empathy

When people understand grief better, they respond with kindness and support rather than avoidance or discomfort.

• Encourages emotional release

Expressing grief through words, art, or rituals allows emotions to flow instead of being bottled up.

• Creates lasting memories

Sharing stories about loved ones keeps their memory alive and honors their impact.

Bridget Bagley’s creation of Preston’s Charm is a powerful example. By turning grief into a tangible symbol, she found a way to cope and invite others into her story. The charm includes a photo, a poem, and her contact information, making it a personal and meaningful tribute.

Practical Ways to Start Talking About Grief

If you want to support someone who is grieving or are grieving yourself, here are some practical steps to open the conversation:

• Ask open-ended questions

Instead of avoiding the topic, gently ask how they are feeling or if they want to share memories.

• Listen without judgment

Allow space for emotions without trying to fix or minimize the pain.

• Share your own experiences

If appropriate, sharing your own grief can create a safe space for others.

• Use creative outlets

Encourage writing, art, or creating memorial items like Preston’s Charm to express feelings.

• Join or create support groups

Regular meetings with others who understand grief can provide ongoing comfort.

The Role of Grace, Peace, and Harmony in Healing

Healing from grief is not about forgetting or moving on quickly. It is about finding a way to live with loss while honoring the pain and memories. The subtitle of Let’s Talk Grief™—Breaking the Silence and Healing Together With Grace Peace and Harmony—captures this approach.

• Grace means treating yourself and others with kindness during difficult times.

• Peace involves finding moments of calm and acceptance amid the storm of emotions.

• Harmony reflects the balance between remembering and living fully.

  
  

These principles guide the journey of healing and help build a supportive community where grief is acknowledged and shared.

Grief is a deeply personal experience, but it does not have to be faced alone. By breaking the silence and sharing our stories, we create space for healing and connection. Let’s Talk Grief™ invites everyone to join this conversation, offering hope that through shared pain, we find strength.