Скачать или смотреть EPISODE 47 ~ How Gratitude Changes Grief: Coping, Cortisol & Cardiac Problems

“Can you really be thankful when your heart is breaking?”


In this powerful Thanksgiving episode of Female Voices: Life & Loss, Teresa and LaWayna open up about navigating grief during the holidays and how gratitude can coexist with pain. From personal stories of loss to a helicopter ride filled with fear and prayer, they share authentic perspectives on reframing, community, and starting small gratitude practices that help bring calm to an overwhelmed mind.


Whether you're grieving someone you love, struggling financially, or just feeling disconnected heading into the holidays—this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone, and you can hold grief and grace at the same time.






Quotes worth remembering


● “You can absolutely have gratitude and be grieving at the same time—we are complicated human beings.” – LaWayna 


● “Sometimes instead of asking ‘What am I grateful for?’ ask ‘What do I have?’” – Teresa


● “When we slow down and breathe, even for two minutes, the body begins to restore.” – Teresa


● “I told the Lord, help your little sad child today.” – LaWayna 


● “Maybe start with the ungrateful list before the grateful one.” – LaWayna 






Topics Covered


● Navigating grief during the holiday season


● How gratitude affects our brain chemistry and cortisol levels


● Different gratitude practices (journaling, prayer, spoken word, connection)


● The power of community in healing (AA, friendships, families)


● Reframing and slowing down to be present


● Adventuring outside comfort zones as an act of living






Key Takeaways


● You can hold both grief and gratitude at the same time. Healing doesn’t require pretending you’re okay.


● Starting small helps: Even a 2-minute breathing or gratitude moment can help reduce stress.


● There is no one right way to practice gratitude. Journaling, prayer, speaking, community—find what works for you.


● Reframing can shift mental state. Sometimes “What do I have?” is easier than “What am I grateful for?”


● Getting emotions out (even the negative ones) may help. Try writing an “ungrateful list” before moving into gratitude.






 Suggested Timestamps


00:00 – Welcome & Thanksgiving intro


02:13 – Acknowledging current struggles (financial, loss, food scarcity)


05:04 – Josh’s gratitude practice through AA community


07:02 – Holding grief and gratitude together


11:19 – Scientific impact of gratitude (dopamine, serotonin)


14:25 – How grief floods the body with cortisol


17:07 – Breathing practice and beginning with 2 minutes


22:49 – Helicopter moment: prayer, fear, and reframing


27:30 – “What do I have?” as a gratitude entry point


28:00 – Ungrateful list exercise


29:18 – Tool announcement for listeners


30:21 – Thanksgiving photos & family traditions


32:21 – Closing remarks & listener engagement






Mentions & Shoutouts


● AA Support Group – demonstrating accountability and morning gratitude list.






Episode Extras


● 🎁 Free Gratitude Tool Coming! Available through Instagram or Facebook – watch for the post and follow instructions to receive it.


● 📸 “Send us your Thanksgiving food pics!”


● 💬 DM us if you’re struggling over the holidays—we’re here professionally and personally.






Join the conversation


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