Welcome to Rock Your Shine: After you’ve been cracked wide open. On this show, I sit down with people from all over the world to hear their transformational stories on their deep grief and loss journeys. 

Prepare to be captivated by the remarkable life story of Daniel, a man who navigated the darkest of tunnels to emerge into the light of redemption. This is his compelling narrative:

In the early chapters of Daniel's life, he was born into a family of hatred and abuse. As a young adult, Daniel didn’t know how to be in the world without his anger and fear, which laid the foundation for his tumultuous, violent, and heartbreaking journey.

A defining moment unfolded when Daniel made the life-altering choice to drop out of school, setting the stage for a turbulent path ahead. Soon, he engaged in criminal activities, entangling him in a web of consequences he couldn't escape.

Yet, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged when Daniel met Tracy, the love of his life. Their journey was fraught with complexities, reflecting the inner turmoil that plagued him.

The narrative takes a stark turn as Daniel becomes consumed by a life of drugs, anger and violence, not only within his marriage but also in previous relationships. 

A chilling chapter reveals the unfathomable reasons behind a tragic choice Daniel made, forever altering the course of his life when (while on drugs), he killed his wife, Tracy in a violent rage. Daniel was given a sentence of life in prison. 

The story then shifts to Daniel's early years behind bars, as he navigated the harsh realities of prison life and faced the haunting consequences of his actions. His pivotal moment arrived when he chose to confront his past and fully accept responsibility for his actions. This courageous decision set him on a path toward redemption. 

An unexpected encounter with an organization called Homestretch would play a central role in Daniel's journey of self-discovery and healing as he ventured deeper into his past. The poignant journey of self-forgiveness unfolds as Daniel grapples with the question of whether he can ever truly forgive himself. A glimmer of hope emerges as Daniel enters a domestic violence program, embarking on a path of self-improvement and healing.

The climax arrives when Daniel's relentless determination leads to parole after serving 30 years in prison, offering a glimpse of a new beginning.

In a moment of reflection, Daniel imparts wisdom gained from a lifetime of experiences, sharing what he would tell his 12-year-old self.

Finally, Daniel unveils his profound understanding of self-love and how it has become the cornerstone of his newfound life. The narrative culminates with Daniel's unique perspective on the essence of hope.

Join us on this awe-inspiring journey as we witness Daniel's incredible transformation, reminding us that even in the depths of despair, redemption and renewal are attainable.

**TRIGGER WARNING** This episode covers sensitive subject matter and is not suitable for all listeners. If this topic could be a trigger for you, listen to this episode with a friend, a sibling, a loved one or a parent so you can talk about any emotions that come up for you. The contents of this episode are not intended to replace therapy and should not be taken as such. If you need immediate help, please call the crisis hotline listed below in our resources.


Listen in as we talk about:

[3:50] The Oracle Card picked for Daniel 

[5:45] Accepting responsibility for his actions 

[9:50] Learning about Homestretch

[11:15] About his childhood and his emotionally unavailable upbringing

[15:55] Dropping out of school in the 10th grade

[20:40] His start to criminal activity

[29:55] How he met his wife 

[34:25] Being violent with his wife, as well as in past relationships

[39:05] Why he took his wife’s life

[43:30] His first years in prison

[48:05] Has he been able to forgive himself?

[52:10] Going to a domestic violence program

[1:01:45] How he got parole

[1:07:30] What he would say to his 12 year old self

[1:08:40] What self love means to him now

[1:09:50] Hope is…

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Rock-Mining-River-Sibling-Grief/dp/1732888892/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Rock+On%3A+Mining+for+joy&qid=1570199126&sr=8-1 

L.E.A.P 6 week virtual course: https://rockyourshine.com/l-e-a-p-into-light-and-healing-6-week-virtual-course/

 

BetterHelp

Go to https://betterhelp.com/rockyourshine for 10% off your first month of therapy with
BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help. #sponsored

 

Grief Hotline: 

https://www.griefresourcenetwork

Connect with Daniel

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-adams-119b70210/

https://www.thecaf.org/meet-the-caf


Connect with Susan

http://instagram.com/susan.casey/ 

https://www.facebook.com/Susan-E-Casey-101187148084982 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDcl58l8qUwO3dDYk83wOFA 

https://rockyourshine.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@leapwithsusan