Planning to Heal: Why Grief Needs a Place on Your Calendar with Heather O’Brien

In this episode of Priorities on Purpose, Melissa Batt sits down with prophetic healing coach and author Heather O’Brien for a deeply insightful conversation about why grief isn't just something we experience—it's something we should plan for.

Heather, host of the Heal With God podcast, shares how intentional grieving with God leads to breakthrough healing. Together, they discuss the dangers of avoiding pain, the spiritual roots of physical symptoms, and how to finally stop numbing and start living. If you're stuck in survival mode, busying yourself to avoid the hard stuff, or constantly triggered without knowing why—this episode will challenge and encourage you to take action, sit with God, and experience real comfort and transformation.

Whether you're grieving a loss, feeling triggered in your daily life, or wondering why healing hasn’t come yet—this conversation offers truth, tools, and hope for the journey.

📝 Key Takeaways:

• [00:00] – Meet Heather O’Brien Melissa introduces Heather, a healing coach and prophetic minister, and shares how their Holy Spirit-aligned missions connected.

• [04:00] – The Power of Grieving on Purpose Heather explains the concept of “planning to grieve” and why busyness or emotional overwhelm can block the healing process.

• [10:00] – Comparing Grief Seasons Melissa reflects on how grieving her stepdad versus her grandmother was drastically different due to boundaries and spiritual growth.

• [19:00] – Understanding Triggers as Opportunities Heather explains how physical symptoms and emotional triggers are signs that healing is needed—and how to respond instead of react.

• [30:00] – Planning Your Grief Practically Heather shares actionable steps like short prayers and journaling to bring your pain to God intentionally, even if it's just 10 minutes a day.

• [38:00] – Disappointment and Avoidance in Our Relationship with God Melissa opens up about subconsciously avoiding God when disappointed and how journaling revealed the root.

• [53:00] – When Obedience Leads to Healing Melissa shares a powerful testimony about how unforgiveness led to joint pain—and how obeying God brought emotional and physical freedom.

• [57:00] – Final Encouragement + Free Gift Heather reminds listeners that grief isn’t something to fear—it’s a pathway to comfort and healing. She also shares a free 7-day challenge to help you hear God’s voice.

🎁 Free Resource Mentioned:

7-Day Mental Makeover Challenge Start healing with simple daily spiritual disciplines and begin hearing God’s voice clearly. 👉 https://heatherobrien.net/mentalmakeoverchallenge

Connect with Heather O’Brien:

• Website: heatherobrien.net

• Podcast: Heal With God (Available on all platforms)

🌟 Ready to go from stuck to surrendered? Join Operation Reset: If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t even know how to take the first step, Operation Reset is for you. This free 5-day workshop will help you reclaim your time, set aligned priorities, and reset your life with God at the center. 👉 melissabatt.com/operation-reset

✨ Want to work with Melissa 1-on-1? Learn more about Breakthrough Coaching and book your free 30-minute Life Assessment here: 👉 melissabatt.com/breakthrough-coaching

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissabatt.com

• Instagram: @melissabattofficial

• Book Free 30-Minute Call: bit.ly/3RbfwJf