It's Actually Okay to Be Okay

As I Live and Grieve®

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Grief doesn't have to be an endless journey through darkness. What if there's another way to look at loss—one that acknowledges pain while making space for joy? Marie Alessi, bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and Memorial Manager, joins us to shatter the most persistent myths about grief. Having lost both her father at age 20 and her beloved husband Rob after 12 years of marriage, Marie speaks with the authority of lived experience rather than just academic understanding.
"Everything around grief right now was heavy and dark," Marie explains, challenging the common narrative that grief is something from which you never heal. Instead, she offers a refreshing perspective: grief and joy can coexist. The journey isn't about avoiding grief or pretending it doesn't hurt—it's about giving yourself permission to experience happiness again without guilt.
Marie introduces powerful concepts like reframing our language (saying "there's a space in my heart" rather than "a hole"). Kathy feels that grief is a transformational opportunity similar to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, and understanding that grief is "merely love with no place to go." This last insight provides a practical focal point—finding new places to direct that love.
Marie illuminates the opportunity within the pain. Through her books—"Loving Life After Loss," "Happy Healing," and her prompted journal "Sparks of Joy"—she provides practical guidance for moving from grief to relief.
Take the first step toward healing by changing your position both physically and mentally when negativity overwhelms you. Remember that your loved one would want you to embrace the precious life you still have, and give yourself permission to be okay again.

Contact:
www.asiliveandgrieve.com
[email protected]
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To Reach Marie:
Website: www.mariealessi.com
Facebook
YouTube
Podcast: Unsilence Grief

Credits:
Music by Kevin MacLeod

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Copyright 2020, by As I Live and Grieve
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Chapters

1. Welcome to As I Live and Grieve (00:00:00)

2. Meet Maria: Author and Memorial Manager (00:01:47)

3. Myths of Grief Debunked (00:05:33)

4. Grief and Joy Can Live Together (00:12:14)

5. Redefining Yourself After Loss (00:18:41)

6. The Power of Positive Mindset (00:27:41)

7. Maria's Books and Resources (00:32:42)