Welcome to Transformation Talk. Every Thursday for a year, I’ll post an interview with someone who is a force for good in the world. These men and women have either deepened their passion or found their calling after experiencing a loss, trauma or diagnosis.
I want to broaden the conversation around grief and it’s transformative power. My hope is that in their words you’ll find echoes of your story. In their inspired actions, you’ll see yourself and your immense possibility.
Today’s interview is with author and coach Erica Staab, who has been a personal touchstone for me in my healing journey. Her kindness, compassion and complete acceptance of others radiate off the screen. I hope you enjoy her words as much as I do.
Leave a comment below to be entered into the drawing for a copy of Erica’s beautiful book, The In-Between. Winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday October 17 and announced on this page so be sure to check back!
Erica is an author, massage therapist, director of a local domestic violence and sexual assault organization, speaker, healer and cheerleader/catalyst to help you live your best life. In her words:
My day is not complete unless it has lots of words in it – either that I am writing or reading. If I am not doing those things I am probably trying to capture beauty in a photograph, laughing with my niece and nephew or spending time with friends and family. Each day is an effort to live out my prayer to be love made visible.
You can find her at ericastaab.com, or on Facebook. Her book is available by clicking here.
I would for sure like to participate in your give away! I know how much you appreciate her work (sooo good you are doing this series and share this with all of us!) and I would love to read her words myself.
P.s. good to ‘see’ you again 😉
-x-
What a total idiot I am 😉 I instantly recognized the cover of the book that is already on my desk! In this case, I still would like to win a copy to give to a friend. Because it’s such a gem!
Loved this interview. It’s another reminder of what “picking up the pieces” is all about. “It takes as long as it takes” validates what I’m feeling, also makes me a little crazy not knowing how long it’s going to be. Right now I am in the place Erica spoke of where, “she didn’t know what the beginnings would look like.” Grrrrr. Where are the magic mirrors on the wall?
I’d love to add Erica’s book to my library.
What a gift to be able to see one of my favorite bloggers, writers, healers (a healer in this way: “Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.” ~Pema Chödrön) “in person.” Erica is such a gift.
I find it so interesting how no matter the source of grief, it is the same in so many ways. For Alana, it was her son, for Erica her brother, for me two of my dogs and a dear friend lost to cancer–but we can all recognize each other’s pain so clearly, hold space for it, provide comfort. Thank you for this interview, for the willingness you both have to show up with an open heart, even after it’s been so broken.
Ah yes Jill, it doesn’t matter the source of grief does it? It only matters that we feel it, deeply.
Thank you for landing here for a moment and sharing a piece of yourself.
Thank you for your heartfelt sharing, Erica and to Alana, for creating this healing space, this community. I look forward to meeting more people you’ve met in your journey whose lives have been poswerfully and positively transformed by grief.
thank you.
Love it! Transformation talks. I’ll keep tuning in!
I loved watching this, thanks to both of you! – and hope these talks find a very wide audience. What a gift, to hear your story, Erica.
The winner of the book giveaway, as chosen by random.org, is “s”. Thanks to all of you for your lovely comments.