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