The journey through grief is a deeply personal and challenging one, marked by feelings of isolation, pain, and hopelessness. In times of grief and loss, it can often feel like the walls are closing in, and the darkness is overwhelming. However, amidst the despair, there is always a glimmer of hope, a guiding light that leads us out of the darkness. I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Quintrilla Ard, a grief and loss coach, to have a heart-to-heart conversation about navigating grief, finding hope, and the power of community in the midst of sorrow. Dr. Ard shared her personal experiences, insights, and words of encouragement that resonate deeply with anyone walking through the valley of grief on how to find hope, joy, and community in grief.
LISTEN HERE
It is an exponentially more painful experience when you try to suffocate the joy. And so that’s one of the biggest things is giving people permission, letting them know that it is okay to experience joy. It is okay to smile, to laugh, to lean in…we’re not saying the grief doesn’t exist. We know it exists, but we can’t say the joy doesn’t exist either.
Dr. Quantrilla Ard
It’s All Grief To Me, is a faith-based community led by Dr. Ard of fellow travelers making their way and finding joy alongside grief and loss. All are welcome.
In this episode of the Can You Just Sit With Me? podcast, Dr. Ard shares her personal experience with the loss of her mother, highlighting the challenges of dealing with both primary and secondary losses and the isolation that often accompanies grief. The episode emphasizes the significance of allowing oneself to feel joy alongside grief, reframing grief as a companion rather than an intruder. And the crucial role of community in healing. Dr. Ard also touches on her work in the ‘It’s All Grief to Me’ community and offers encouragement to those navigating their own journey of grief, stressing that grief is a shared experience and no one has to face it alone.
Main Points:
- You Are Not Alone: The Power of Community
- Embracing Hope: Knowing Grief Has an Expiration Date
- Finding Strength in Vulnerability: Sharing Stories of Loss and Resilience
- Recognizing and Acknowledging the Possibility of Joy Amid Grief
Episode Talking Points:
- 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
- 01:29 Dr. Quintrilla Ard’s Personal Grief Journey
- 02:40 The Capacity to Sit with Grief
- 06:19 Navigating Multiple Losses and Their Impact
- 10:13 Creating a Community for Grievers: It’s All Grief to Me
- 12:38 Reframing Grief as a Companion and Teacher
- 17:00 Navigating Joy and Grief Simultaneously
- 24:55 The Expiration Date of Grief and Finding Hope
- 33:51 Encouragement for Those Navigating Grief
- 40:28 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Support
About the Guest:
Quantrilla Ard, PhD, lives in the Atlanta area along with her husband and three littles. A passionate behavioral scientist and lived experiences expert, Dr. Ard holds a doctoral degree in Health Psychology. She is an advocate and champion for social and reproductive justice. With a focus on Black maternal and infant health and mortality. She uses her social media platforms to engage, educate, and inform others about her doctoral research and lived experience with preeclampsia. In addition, she provides subject matter expertise on the same in various print and online media outlets. Quantrilla also humbly stewards a grief and loss community and podcast, both entitled It’s All Grief to Me. As a coach and liaison for individuals navigating their loss journeys. You can find her sharing stories of triumph as well as follow her and the work she is involved in at www.thephdmamma.com.