Overview In the latest episode of the Rise Up and Work podcast, host Carrie Hurley interviews Tanya Bryant, a retired assistant principal with over 20 years in education and a certified grief coach. Tanya shares her personal journey of grief following the unexpected death of her husband Jay in January 2021. She discusses the complexities of her first year of loss, the significance of grief support groups, and how her faith has been a cornerstone in her healing process. Tanya introduces the Jaybird Project, which provides "comfort hands"—filled gloves that simulate hand-holding—and offers grief support through individual coaching and group sessions. The conversation emphasizes the ongoing nature of grief, the evolving ways it can be managed, and Tanya's newfound purpose in helping others, particularly children, navigate their grief journeys. Listeners are encouraged to visit thejaybirdproject.org for resources and to reach out for support if needed. Introduction and Background (00:02 - 05:44) Carrie Hurley introduces guest Tanya Bryant on the Rise up and Roar podcast Tanya's background: 20+ years in education, retired as assistant principal in 2017 Tanya is a certified grief coach and founder of the Jaybird Project Tanya retired early in 2017, following God's guidance Tanya's husband Jay passed away unexpectedly in January 2021 Grief Journey (05:44 - 11:17) Tanya describes the shock of losing Jay and the first year of grief Discusses the 'business of death' and the fog of the first year Year two was focused on studying grief and seeking purpose Year three was the hardest, contrary to expectations Importance of grief support groups and talking about dark thoughts Tanya emphasizes the role of faith, grief share, and her dog in her survival The Jaybird Project (11:17 - 21:23) Origin of the Jaybird Project name and comfort hands Comfort hands: filled gloves to simulate hand-holding Bible verse Isaiah 41:13 connection to comfort hands Tanya ships comfort hands to those in need Website: thejaybirdproject.org for ordering and donations Tanya became a certified grief coach Offers grief support groups and individual coaching, including for children Virtual and in-person options available for grief support Moving Forward and Purpose (21:23 - 29:53) Discussion on the ongoing nature of grief and its changing intensity Analogy of grief as luggage: from three-piece set to purse Importance of understanding that working through grief is not dishonoring the lost loved one Tanya's realization of her ongoing purpose in helping children Carrie shares her experience of forgiving God as part of the grief process Encouragement for listeners to seek help and resources for grief Action items Unassigned Listeners to check out thejaybirdproject.org for grief resources and comfort hands (17:18) Listeners to consider reaching out for grief support if needed (28:30) thejaybirdproject.org Private Soul Care Sessions with Carrie CarrieHurley.com TheVerseThing.com - to get ALL the benefits and learn Scripture together. Join the Rise Up Community FREE NOW, but not for long!

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