102: Pain into Purpose with Brad Barnes

This episode provides a glimpse into Melissa’s life and one of the major factors that led to Melissa reinventing herself and finding the clarity to take action. Brad Barnes has changed Melissa’s life and will change yours. Brad and Melissa discuss their grief journeys and offer mindset tips and support no matter what stage of the grief or life journey you find yourself. Brad shares how he had to discover that he had something to grieve and the role that gender had in his grief experience. He highlights why you might want to check in on the strong people in your life and why mindset is the most powerful place to put your energy. He also puts forth these prompts.Can I only compare myself to who I was yesterday and not to who anyone else is today?Can I give a level 10 for today, not my level 10 for yesterday?How can I collapse my timeline as fast as possible?Highlights1:15 - The most beautiful stage of the grief journey4:15 - The launching point of Brad’s life8:37 - Grief isn’t about gender or circumstances but human beings13:19 - Giving permission to grieve17:10 - It’s you vs. you20:29 - The different manifestations of grief26:38 - Advice if you are currently experiencing loss29:48 - Commit to what is possible34:02 - Serving as mirrors for each other36:10 - Connect with BradFind Brad on Instagram @bradjbarnes. And if you want more Melissa and Brad, join them for their upcoming event in Tulum!!!Grief and Guts is for anyone navigating:Bereaved parentsAging parentsDivorceEmpty nestFertility journeyJob lossRelationship endingMovingThe loss of sense of selfThe loss of life envisionedMeet the hostWhen Melissa Dlugolecki lost her daughter Leyden, in a case termed a catastrophe, she didn't want to live... never mind love life, again.As a bereaved mother, when Melissa lost my daughter Leyden, she never thought she would be happy again. Melissa felt guilty when she started to smile.​As a former educator, Melissa felt trapped by the politics, paperwork, and constricting schedule of the education system.Yet after building a 7-figure business, traveling the world, launching a podcast, writing a book (more to come), and coaching thousands of individuals, she has found one thing to be true for all of us…We have the power to create our own happiness, regardless of circumstances. And there are certain processes and strategies effective in doing so.It’s not just a “think positive” method or a “go harder” approach. I intertwine a dance of intangibles around our energy management with tangibles such as action steps, communication strategies, and ways to feel our best.Growth isn't always forward progress. It's messy. It's hard. But it is worth it. And while you work your way to whatever goal you are pursuing, just keep showing up. Life is too short to feel stuck.Connect with MelissaLearn more at Melissa’s websiteJoin the conversation on InstagramCredits Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com. Catch up with me on socials!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugoleckiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dlugolecki-b24988141/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissadlugoleckiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki