#284 – Rebuilding After Loss

If you’ve lived long enough, you know that life can change in an instant - without warning and with no consideration for the plans you’ve made. Kayla Stoecklein’s life changed forever when her husband, Andrew, died by suicide in August of 2018 following a difficult struggle with depression, panic attacks, and mental illness. [...]

If you’ve lived long enough, you know that life can change in an instant – without warning and with no consideration for the plans you’ve made. Kayla Stoecklein’s life changed forever when her husband, Andrew, died by suicide in August of 2018 following a difficult struggle with depression, panic attacks, and mental illness. Andrew’s death threw Kayla into overwhelming confusion, shock, terror, and pain. While still walking through her journey of grief, Kayla has shared her authentic process of healing with others through her social media. She has also shared her family’s story to explore the realities of mental illness, loss, and grief in her book Fear Gone Wild.

Kayla and I talk about the death of her husband and how his passing resulted in the death of a beautiful life that she and her three boys desired and loved. What do you do when you feel like life as you know it–and every dream you’ve ever known– dies? Letting go of a life that she once had unexpectedly propelled Kayla into a season of freedom and gave her the power to pivot and separate herself from all things comfortable.

Kayla and her boys are “rebuilding beautiful.” They are rebuilding a life they love, relearning who they are and where their identity is found. They are creating space to rediscover passions and dreams, and for the first time in a while, Kayla can look around and confidently say she has chosen the life she is living now, with her three boys in tow.

I’m sure there are people or circumstances you expected to be a part of your life that simply are not. It’s okay to grieve. It’s okay to be upset, disappointed, and even confused. But as you listen to my conversation with Kayla, I hope you give yourself permission to rebuild and create a life you love. 

Dealing with unexpected crisis
Processing the loss of a loved one
Discovering a new identity
Modeling bravery for your kids

Resources from today’s show 

Connect with Kayla on Instagram or on her website.
Grab a copy of Kayla’s book, Fear Gone Wild.

Click to Tweet

“You are not a product of what’s happened to you.” – Kayla Stoecklein
“You get to decide. You get to choose how you want to rebuild your life.” – Kayla Stoecklein
“I still don’t know what I’m doing, but I’m here, and I’m showing up, and I’m trying.” – Kayla Stoecklein
“The freedom to choose is a monumental gift. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. No matter what life brings, your ability to choose is your power.” – Chrystal Hurst
“You can’t expect your children to grieve well, heal well, and move forward if you’re not.” – Kayla Stoecklein
“Model to your children what it looks like to show up, get help, move forward, chase your dreams, and dare to dream beyond the destruction of your reality. Show them what it means to face your fears.” – Kayla Stoecklein

Other Stuff to Check Out

Check out my new book! The 28-Day Prayer Journey

Need to encourage your soul? Try listening to the playlist I put together for my mom, Lady Lois’ Worship

Interested in supporting the content I create and enjoying bonus content? Learn about joining my Inner Circle!

My book, Be sure and also check out my other books She’s Still There, Show Up For Your Life, Kingdom Woman!

Where are you placing your identity?
What God-sized dream have you let stay in your head? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit if you need to act on it.
What can you do to model bravery and dependence on God this week?

Connect with me…

How to Listen to The Podcast

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