#229 Living Beyond Loss: Navigating Profound Grief | Addressing Guilt and Self-Blame with Compassion, Healing After Loss & The Power of Open Grief Conversations with Colin Campbell

My guest today is author and performer Colin Campbell. In 2019, Colin and his family were driving near Joshua Tree when their vehicle was T-boned by a drunk and high driver. Colin and his wife were in the front seat, and their two teenage children were in the backseat. His 17-year-old daughter, Ruby, and 14-year-old son, Hart, were killed in the crash.

From the excruciating grief and suffering, Colin wrote his latest book, "Finding The Words," and his one-man shitshow. He looks directly in the face of rage, grief, denial, and trying to live when living does not make sense. This book shines a bright light on all corners of what people may experience through deep grief. It is not only a way for people to feel understood or seen but for supporting friends and family to know how better to support the people grieving.

Each situation is personal, and there is no perfect science, but Colin does a beautiful and thorough job addressing many of the scenarios people may encounter. He shares some of the things they did, like keeping a “hate us” journal and writing an email before you head back to work on some ground rules. Colin addresses dealing with “firsts” and holidays. He shares that you are never out of the woods but can find ways to keep living and maintaining relationships while still honoring those that you have lost.

Colin speaks of his and Gail's journey of fostering and adopting children. His courage and humor are both inspiring and shocking. His work is stunning. The dedication and love he and Gail have for Ruby and Hart shine eternal.

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Connect with Colin:

Instagram: @colincampbellwriter

Website: www.colincampbellauthor.com

Book:

Finding The Words

Ruby and Hart Foundation: www.calfund.org

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For the full show notes visit gabriellereece.com/podcast

The Gabby Reece Show talks to top experts with the goal of extracting the best information you will need to navigate the universe of health, fitness, relationships, parenting, and business. Gabby keeps it simple but gets to the heart of the conversation with the hopes of providing you with realistic takeaways.

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