Beauty from Ashes: Healing, Grief & Finding Purpose with Jeff Johnston - Ep. 41

How do we find hope after loss? Can grief, addiction, and pain lead to personal growth and transformation?In this episode of Encountering, I sit down with Jeff Johnston, who shares his deeply personal journey through grief, healing, and sobriety after the loss of his son and wife. Through his story, he explores the concept of beauty from ashes—how life's darkest moments can lead to resilience, self-discovery, and purpose.🎧 You will learn: ● How grief can be a catalyst for growth and transformation ● The truth about addiction, sobriety, and finding clarity ● Why self-compassion and mindfulness are key to healing ● How to find meaning, gratitude, and connection after loss ● The power of leading by example and shaping the next generationJeff’s story is a testament to the human spirit, resilience, and the power of finding purpose in pain. If you're navigating loss, addiction, or searching for healing, this conversation is for you.00:00 - Introduction: Jeff Johnston’s Story of Loss, Healing & Resilience01:35 - Turning Pain into Purpose: The Beauty from Ashes Mindset07:42 - Grief & Loss: How to Navigate Heartbreak & Find Strength12:00 - The Healing Journey: Overcoming Trauma & Finding Hope18:21 - Lessons from Sorrow: Growth, Mindfulness & Moving Forward28:14 - Finding Meaning in Pain: Gratitude, Acceptance & Resilience30:10 - Alcohol & Addiction: How Sobriety Transforms Your Life32:38 - Self-Compassion: Healing Starts with Forgiving Yourself36:22 - Mindfulness & Mental Health: How to Find Inner Peace39:21 - Living Undeterred: Turning Grief Into a Life of Purpose42:48 - Connection & Healing: Why Relationships Matter in Recovery47:25 - Leading by Example: Teaching Future Generations About Strength51:15 - Beauty from Ashes: How to Transform Pain into Personal GrowthYou can find Jeff at:Living Undeterred: https://www.livingundeterred.orgBrightn App: brightnapp.comBrightn Merchandise: www.brightn.shop Find my interview playlist on YouTube Dr Suzanne Simpson, at Get On Their Turf:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8JprFdrPA&list=PLi7xFsX7h7tdxBsVx38UIRVrvnCc_9IBWNew releases every second Monday 8:00 am PST.👉 Get the free guide "8 Ways to Get on Your Kids' Turf" at www.drsuzannesimpson.comConnect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsuzannesimpson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuzannesimpson/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drsuzannesimpson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566148964209Please note that the contents of this website are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. My scope of practice is as an educator, and this work is intended to provide information for educational purposes only. Testimonials of lived experiences are opinion only and have not been scientifically evaluated.