RHG Magazine & TV Guide Fall into Balance 2019 | Page 6

have not. When the two sides collide it can bring incredible discomfort. We will talk about the door we pass through when something terrible happens in our lives, like a death. We are thrust into our new reality, losing our self in the transition

~Describe something our readers today can look forward to discovering in your book, Your Wings were ready but my Heart Was Not:

The stories will bless you. Some of these women I have known my entire life they open up and tell their story freely. The authors are from all walks of life we came together on one accord and opened up to the world about our losses and tragedies that changed our lives forever. It was cathartic to write it. There is a lot of healing power in sharing. It didn’t take long before I recognized the healing power wasn’t just for me, but for many other folks out there just like me.

~What are 1-3 tips you can give our reader today to help them step forward in their life powerfully?

Loss is a fact of life, but it's never easy to cope with in the aftermath. Grief can occur after a number of painful life events - death, divorce, or other major life losses. When someone we care about is grieving, we may struggle to find the right words to say. You can be a supportive and helpful friend during this time of grief by simply being present and offering a listening ear. Learn how to help someone you care about travel the difficult road of recovering after a loss. Here are a few tangible ways to do that:

1. Show Concern. Express your sorrow or concern. As soon as you learn about the loss, reach out to your friend and let her know you are aware of the situation and that you care. Your friend will be thankful that you acknowledged her pain. Use your level of closeness with the person to determine how you reach out. For example, if your best friend just loss a family member it may be appropriate to immediately go over. However,

if your coworker lost a spouse, it may be proper form to send an email or call the following day.

2. Be a shoulder to lean or cry on. Offer to come over and just sit with your friend. Many people find it hard to say the right things after a death or important loss. However, to your friend, the most important thing is that you are present with her during this difficult time. If your friend cries, encourage her to express her emotions. Rub her back or pull her in close so that she can cry on your shoulder.

3. Avoid clichés. There are many optimistic platitudes often shared with grievers to make them feel better. Sadly, most of these statements do nothing to help with mourning and may only enrage or upset mourners. Such statements include the following: It was meant to be. He/she is in a better place. It could have been worse. I know how you feel. It was God's plan.

4. Listen actively before you go to see your grieving friend, clear off the rest of your day's calendar so that you can be fully present with her. Let your friend express their feelings in whatever helps. Try to understand and acknowledge what she is feeling.

~Will you share a client success story?

Twenty Women are #1 Best Selling Authors because of our most recent book collaboration. They were thrilled and excited to be a part of the journey and several are already signing up for the Volume II in the Series.

~What tip or piece of advice can you share with our reader today to empower them

to SHINE?

Share your story! Listen to other’s share their story. Grief can be a lonely experience. Journal, Reach out. Approach it with childlike questions and curiosity. You can change the world by doing this.

~Any final thought, share, or idea that you would like to share with our readers

today?

There is strength and comfort in finding connection with others. Rebecca Hall Gruyter has created a beautiful community of kind, like-minded people. If you are feeling isolated or lonely, please reach out. If you see someone else feeling disenfranchised, please consider reaching out to them. We all need human connection and community.