Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff with Kristine Carlson

Loss of any kind in one’s life is tragic and soul-altering. The grieving process that follows, while painful and difficult, is necessary in order to return to a place where you can live life to the fullest. Someone who knows a lot about this process is Kristine Carlson, the co-author of the book Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff. 

Richard Carlson, her late husband, wrote the book and was considered the foremost expert on happiness and stress reduction. Then one day in 2006, he left to go on a trip, and due to a pulmonary embolism, never made it home. 

This harrowing experience has forever altered Kristine’s life and her work. It was through the process of her own grieving that she realized how prepared she was despite the sudden nature of her loss. She had the tools to be able to find her way back to a life worth living. 

Much of that was due to her late husband’s work and the way they lived their lives together. 

What she realized is that most people do not have the same tools and practices to help them through loss of any kind. Now she’s using her experiences to help women all over the world find their way through grief to continue living their lives. 

Listen as she shares her story, her work, and most importantly her advice for anyone who is going through any kind of loss. Grief is not limited to loss through death. Any kind of loss can trigger grief. She’s here to help others grieve in a healthy way and find their way past it. 

Show Notes:

• [02:29] Welcome Kristine Carlson.
• [03:15] Is she best known for Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff? 
• [04:12] Was the loss of her husband the beginning of her desire to help other women? 
• [10:12] What would prevent someone from being able to move past their grief? 
• [13:15] Her recommendations for practicing living in the present moment. 
• [15:55] Breathwork and yoga, when done every day, can help you become more present. 
• [18:37] It’s important to pay attention to how you’re feeling. 
• [19:21] However, don’t isolate yourself in grief.
• [22:06] Were there any AHA moments as she’s gone through life? 
• [24:33] It’s important to find your way and figure out how to heal and what you need to heal. 
• [28:04] A couple of things Richard said to her before he died have stuck with her.
• [30:17] Her last piece of parting advice. 

Links and Resources:

Kristine’s Website

Kristine’s Books

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Podcast

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