Today on the podcast I’m joined by the wonderful Susan Hannifin-MacNab. Susan is an author, social worker, and educator. 5 years ago Susan’s incredible husband was killed suddenly in a car accident.
In an instant, she became a widow, single mother, and a person living with profound loss and trauma. She shares with us in this conversation how she struggled to find her way after his death but eventually found her way.
She not only found a new way for herself and her son but also wrote a book called A to Z Healing Toolbox: A Practical Guide for Navigating Grief and Trauma with Intention which has won many awards and helped countless people move through their grief and their trauma.
Our conversation spans from the early days of grief and loss to the first time she started to see her way out of the darkness. Then later in the conversation we talk about what it’s like to be years after loss and dating, self-care and even how our relationship with food changes.
We also talk about the theory of “post-traumatic growth” and how miracles can come out of some of our darkest and hardest moments.
“We are all born to be amazing and do amazing things.” ~ Susan Hannifin-MacNab
If you have lost a spouse or even gone through a divorce there are many moments of wisdom and tools for your life after loss. I hope you take notes and choose an action step to move forward with.
I hope that this helps to remind you that grief is a long term experience. One that teaches us how to survive life after loss and how to redefine our identity.
I’d love to hear what you think of this conversation. Be sure to comment below or connect with me on Instagram to tell me all about it.
More About Susan Hannifin-MacNab
Susan Hannifin-MacNab, MSW, PPSC is a social worker, educator, and author who holds a Masters in Social Work, a Bachelor’s in Education and credentials as a teacher and school social worker. Susan is the Programs and Education Manager for Soaring Spirits International and the Founder of A2Z Healing Toolbox®, an organization that assists the bereaved in integrating powerful, practical, action-based tools into their lives for optimal wellness and healing. She facilitates conference workshops, professional development training, and keynote presentations internationally. Susan’s five-time award-winning book, "A to Z Healing Toolbox: A Practical Guide for Navigating Grief and Trauma with Intention", is used by mental health practitioners and bereaved communities nation-wide.
You can connect with Susan via her website and Facebook and Instagram.
Things We Mention In This Episode
Website: A2Z Healing Toolbox Website: Camp Widow Book: A to Z Healing Toolbox: A Practical Guide for Navigating Grief and Trauma with Intention by Susan Hannifin-MacNab Book: The Grief Recovery Handbook by John James Book: Invisible Heroes: Survivals of Trauma and How They Heal by Belleruth Naparstek Temple Journey Weekend with Christina Rasmussen Book: Where Did You Go? by Christina Rasmussen Book: Second Firsts by Christina Rasmussen Newsletter - Message In a Bottle: Sign up for Christina’s weekly letterApple podcast reviews and ratings are really important to help get the podcast in front of more people to uplift and inspire them too, which is the ultimate goal. Thank you!
