Hi, I’m Anna!
The emotional pain of grief and the journey of self-discovery and healing
Emotional pain is complex to navigate and can often go unrecognized as grief. At least, this was the case for me, as I struggled with the emotions of a lifetime of loss and grief. However, in my grief, I have found courage, inspiration, and the power of choice to disrupt the emotional patterns of grief.
My mother's death, followed by my father's three years later, triggered a journey of self-discovery. I learned much about myself, my cultural and spiritual beliefs, and the world around me. In my journey, I’ve experienced two near-death encounters: miscarriage, divorce, empty nest syndrome, pet loss, aging, retirement, and spiritual distress. I did not recognize these losses or associate them with grief. However, I was stuck in emotional pain until I gained knowledge from the Grief Recovery Method® educational and evidence-based program. As a result, I became unstuck to live life with joy.
Here's what I’ve learned:
Grief education and my spiritual belief were the keys that unlocked the emotional door, allowing me to move from stuck to unstuck.
Armed with personal truths, I learned to approach loss and grief as a natural part of life.
I can choose when, who, how, and what will occupy the emotional space in my heart and head.
The balance of faith, family, friendship, and meaningful work increased my capacity for joy.
Here's what I did and still do:
I took responsibility for my recovery to live differently.
I began living with greater expectations of what life offered.
I claimed my voice and its power without blaming others or making excuses.
I shared the journey with others, and as others heal, my healing continues.
Here's what else I discovered:
Giving my time, talent, and resources brings deep joy.
Most challenges we face in leadership, business, faith, and life connect to emotional changes of loss and grief.
I could no longer sit quietly on the sidelines while countless others silently suffered.
My Tool Box:
After retiring from over 35 years of corporate leadership, I found my passion in coaching others. As a certified trauma-informed Grief Recovery Specialist and a Life Coach, I offer individual coaching and passionate speaking engagements and facilitate engaging workshops utilizing an educational, evidence-based Grief Recovery Method® program.
What I Believe:
I firmly believe that grief education benefits every leader, organization, faith community, and individual by creating a healthier environment, improved mental wellness, and the ability to rediscover and reclaim a deep sense of joy.
Thank you for meeting me here!
-Anna Laura 💙
Anna L. Woods, MMIN
Certified Trauma-informed, Grief Specialist and Life Coach
ALW Coaching Services