2: Leyden's tree

Struggling with the overwhelm and pain of losing my daughter, I had a less than rational response to learning a meaningful tree had been cut down from the Boston Public Garden. In my quest to know how this could happen (to me) I was humbled and stunned by the compassion and connection shared from a stranger.

Mary had every opportunity to turn me away or hang up the phone but instead, she listened. And that choice is one that continues to teach me the power we all must lead with open minds and open hearts. When we do, we might just change someone’s world.

Highlights of this episode:

2:08 - The story of Leyden's tree
4:54 - The story takes a shocking turn
7:45 - The story takes an awe-inspiring turn
9:05 - Essential lessons from Leyden and a compassionate and curious stranger

About this podcast:

Grief, Guts & Smoothies. These three things changed my life – they might change yours too. Each episode we abandon our comfort zones to get a little gutsy and hold space to grow into stronger versions of ourselves.

In 2014, the birth of my daughter Leyden changed my entire world. Four months later, grief shattered it. I was broken, scared, lost, angry and hopeless. I didn’t want to live and wasn’t really sure how to.

I sought every mean to “fight” grief: researching, joining parent groups, and I even traveled outside of the country twice, to hear world-renowned grief speaker Dr. Raymond Moody.

Disappointed, I discovered like all adversities in life, there is no way to “beat” grief. But, thankfully, there were effective strategies I could employ when navigating such choppy waters. Whether it was understanding the gut-brain connection, or getting gutsy in my ability to face discomfort, the tools I learned, truly saved my life.

There are not nearly enough resources to support each other through uncomfortable challenges – be it loss of a job, a relationship, a sense of self… or life. Talking about uncomfortable things, well that takes guts. And we are going to get really gutsy here.

Connect with me:

Meet me - http://www.thrivewithmelissad.com/meet-melissa
Join the conversation - https://www.instagram.com/gutsngrief/

Credits:

Podcast edited and mixed by Andrew Geary - https://twitter.com/spelledgeary

Catch up with me on socials!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugolecki

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki