Rise Like A Phoenix PART 1

In this deeply personal and reflective episode, Patricia shares the first part of a two-part series on rising after loss, with an emphasis on grief, suicide, and emotional healing. Through a vulnerable recounting of her own experience losing a close friend to suicide, Patricia explores how emotional pain, when faced and processed, can lead to profound personal transformation.

This episode is a gentle yet powerful reminder that from our darkest moments, we can rise—stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.

💬 "Our darkest times can be our greatest teachers and motivators."

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Trigger Warning

This episode discusses grief, trauma, and suicide. Please listen only if you feel emotionally safe to do so. Resources for support are included below.

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Key Takeaways

1. We Can Rise From Pain

• Healing is a conscious process, not a passive one.
• Pain avoided becomes pain prolonged; pain processed becomes transformation.

"We may fall or fail, but these experiences define a life—they do not define us."

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2. Grief and Loss Are Unique Journeys

• Based on the Kübler-Ross 5 Stages of Grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance.
• These are not linear, nor the same for everyone. They are an emotional guide, not a rule.

“The brain tries to protect us, but sometimes it traps us in past pain.”

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3. The Power of Meditation and Reconnection

• Healing began through meditation at the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University.
• Introduced the concept of a “diamond within”—our inner light muddied by life’s burdens.

Brahma Kumaris UK https://www.brahmakumaris.com/

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4. Positive Intelligence & Mental Fitness

• Positive Intelligence (PQ) teaches us to recognize Saboteur voices vs. the inner Sage (the diamond).
• The Saboteurs see everything as bad and it will never be good.
• The Sage sees challenges and even our darkest moments with a gift or opportunity within.

“The question: Which is true? The answer: Whatever you believe is true—for you.”

Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine https://www.positiveintelligence.com/

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5. Suicide Prevention & Awareness

Honouring Patricia’s friend’s memory, she shares some charities she supports for suicide prevention:

Charities Mentioned:

• 🇮🇪 HUGG Ireland – Support after suicide loss

🔗 https://hugg.ie/about-us/

• 🇮🇪 Pieta House – Suicide and self-harm prevention

🔗 https://www.pieta.ie/about/

• 🇬🇧 Silence of Suicide (SOS) – Breaking stigma around suicide

🔗 https://sossilenceofsuicide.org/about-us/

• 🌻 The OLLIE Foundation – Youth suicide prevention

🔗 https://theolliefoundation.org/

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Mental Health Insight: Post-Traumatic Growth

• 2023 Collective Trauma Conference Patricia first heard the phrase Post Traumatic Growth
• The concept that growth can follow trauma—emotionally, spiritually, even socially.

"Not just healing—but rising. That’s what post-traumatic growth means."

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Quote Spotlight

“Trauma is not what happens to us, but what happens inside us as a result of what happens to us.” – Dr. Gabor Maté

“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” – Robin Williams

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Support Resources

• BACP Therapist Directory https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-us/home/
• UKCP Register https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/about-ukcp/our-register/
• Counselling Directory UK https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/
• Mental Health Ireland https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/
• MIND https://www.mind.org.uk/

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Closing Reflection

This episode is a tribute to