Kindness is Embracing Authenticity, Overcoming Grief, and Finding Self-Acceptance with Danielle Kean-Grassi

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the "Kindness Is" Podcast, host Kaitlin is joined by Danielle Kean-Grassi, author of "Hugging Olivia" and "Grief Is Only Suppressed Gratitude." Together, they embark on a profound conversation that touches upon themes of grief, self-acceptance, and the struggle of overcoming people pleasing.Danielle opens up about her personal journey of dealing with grief after losing her beloved mother to cancer. She shares her struggles and how she managed to find strength and love within herself even amidst such immense loss.The discussion delves into the societal pressures surrounding people pleasing, particularly for women, and how it can hinder self-acceptance and personal growth. Both Kaitlin and Danielle share their experiences of putting others' needs before their own and how they learned to set healthy boundaries and prioritize their mental well-being.Danielle's newly released children's book, "Hugging Olivia," becomes the centerpiece of the conversation, as it beautifully illustrates the significance of self-care before caring for others and the journey of overcoming people pleasing. The book serves not only as a meaningful lesson for children but also as a profound reflection for parents, prompting introspection on their own patterns and behaviors.Join us in this transformative episode as we explore the power of kindness, the courage to confront grief, and the beauty of embracing self-acceptance, even in the face of life's most challenging moments. Get inspired to live a life rooted in love, compassion, and growth with Danielle Kean-Grassi's incredible insights.TranscriptQUOTES"Women are the givers we are designed for that. And we were always programmed as young children... to put a smile on someone's face, it lights up our heart and we enjoy that selflessness. And I think a lot of people think, 'Okay, if I give to myself, I'm now selfish' because this is new. Generations before me did not participate in that.""I think that is the purest form of love... when you see someone loving themselves and setting healthy boundaries""I still repeat to myself, I'm okay if you're not okay,""I still love you, But I'm gonna love myself first""Anytime I blamed or shamed I knew that blame our shame was really a reflection of what I needed to work on""It would tear me up inside to the point where it was no longer bearable...and then in its place was love.""If we feel every little emotion that's coming up, not push it away, or push it down, it can be felt through. And through that feeling it transforms into something so, miraculous, so benevolent.""There's fear and stigma around every single aspect of that concept (death) that it comes paralyzing to think about.""I know that love is in existence now and it will be in existence when I'm not here on this earth anymore. It's just love at the end of the day.""What would happen if I actually followed my heart into this aspect of who I really am?""Kindness looks like the aspect of knowing that if I can be a sovereign being, someone else can be a sovereign being. We each have our own sense of love for ourselves. Even if we're in conflict at that time, we know that we're both capable and strong to get through anything.""One person doesn't have to suffer in order for the other one to gain, ever"Connect with us on social media:Kind Cotton InstagramKind Cotton TikTok