Journey from Grief to Hope

By Estrella Alvarez Tinch

The loss of her son, to suicide, moves this mom into finding answers and in the process, she finds her authentic self. This a brief narrative of a story of loss in a self-help book that includes ways in which families who have experienced loss can begin the healing process.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: Sep 19, 2019
• ISBN: 9781982233518

Estrella Alvarez Tinch

Estrella is a bereaved mom, who found her voice after the untimely death of her son in 2013. Since then, she has made it her mission to help families who grieve the loss of a loved one. Estrella is an Ordained Interfaith Minister, Certified Grief Coach, Reiki Master, Certified Therapeutic Arts and Shamanic Life Coach. She is the founder of "From Grief to Hope, Inc". A 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting bereaved families with support and resources to aid in the healing process.

Book preview

Copyright © 2019 ESTRELLA TINCH.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

The information, ideas, and suggestions in this book are not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before following any suggestions contained in this book, you should consult your personal physician or mental health professional. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage allegedly arising as a consequence of your use or application of any information or suggestions in this book.

Balboa Press

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-9822-3350-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9822-3351-8 (e)

Balboa Press rev. date:   09/18/2019

CONTENTS

How To Use This Book

Dedication …

Introduction…

A Broken Heart …

The Story …

Our Last Goodbye …

Healing Exercise …

Your Feelings…

The Road Trip …

The Stages Of Grief …

What’s Your Grief?

Stigma … When Society Judges

What You Are Feeling Is Normal!

Three Grieving Types…

10 Practical Things You Can Do Right Now To Help You Process Your Grief

Things That May Sabotage The Healing Process

Grief And Depression

It Is Important That You Know…

When Expectations And Reality Collide

Living Again, A Step At A Time

Men And Grief…

Danger Signs…

Gratitude… The Antidote To Depression

Worst Things To Say To Someone Grieving

Best Things To Say To Someone Grieving

Coping During The Holidays

Honoring Your Loved One…

Grief As A Journey…

Moving Into Action…

The Rest Of My Story…

Creating Affirmations

Messages Of Encouragement And Healing

Embrace The Moment …

Tender Connections …

Releasing The Past …

I Don’t Know …

Heavenly Signs …

There Is Always Hope …

Knowing Your True Power …

Ground Yourself …

Worry …

Believe …

Guilt …

Trusting Heaven …

Peaceful Presence …

A Strong Foundation …

The Journey Within …

What It Means To Surrender …

Second Chances …

Exploring The Past …

The Dreamer …

The Holy Spirit …

The Real Truth …

Perseverance …

Facing Fear …

Journey Of Hearts …

Denial …

There Is Only One You …

Gifts Of The Soul …

Clarity Of Thought …

A Father’s Love …

The Pathway …

Offer A Helping Hand …

Happiness Is Your Purpose …

Healing And Happiness …

Your Divine Purpose …

Life Cycle …

Rediscovering You! …

Be With Your Soul …

Shine Your Light …

Trust Your Inner Voice …

Permission To Play! …

The Cycle Of Life …

My Mother In Heaven …

Your Path Is Unfolding As It Should …

Make Room For Good Energy …

Unwavering Faith …

The Teacher Within …

See The Light In The World …

Major Changes Are Unfolding …

New Beginnings …

The Prayer Of Gratitude

Seeing The Light In Everyone

Healing Grief

Loving Fully

Depression

Clearing Old Energy

Anxiety

Believing In Myself

Protecting My Peace

Fear Of Being Alone

Gratitude For The Small Things

Finding Self-Love

Restoration Of Good Health

Ending Unhealthy Relationships

Gratitude For Friends

Gratitude For Abundance

Compassion For Those I Dislike

Feeling Alone And Hopeless

Forgiving Others

Discernment

Serving Others

Saying No

Being My Authentic Self

Daily Affirmations

Daily Joy Practice

Activities To Help You In Your Journey

Recommended Reading

National Grief Support Groups

Facebook Private And Public Groups

A Message Of Hope

From Grief to Hope

Join us on Facebook

Suggestions For Group Facilitators

Sample Mission Statement & Disclaimer

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

This book is written as a self-help guide to help you understand and manage the myriad of emotions following the loss of a loved one. It is not intended to replace the advice or care of a medical professional.

It is appropriate for bereaved individuals, families and grief group facilitators looking for a format to follow during meetings.

As you go through the exercises provided in this guide, write your responses in a journal and, if possible, share with a trusted friend or family member. Sharing your story of loss begins the healing process.

The days and months following the death of a loved one are very difficult. Be patient with yourself and follow at your own pace.

Surrounding you with Peace, Love and Light,

Estrella Alvarez-Tinch

DEDICATION …

Never in a million years, did I ever consider writing a book, and much less one inspired by grief. But, as life would have it, in 2013 I lost one of my children to suicide. I soon discovered that the journey of a bereaved parent is a rather difficult one, and one that often goes misunderstood, even by the people who are closest to us.

I dedicate this book, first to my son, Bert. Who was and continues to be a bright shining light in my life; who left this world in despair, not realizing the amazing legacy of hope he would leave for those of us who knew him.

This is also dedicated to everyone whose life has been changed by the loss of a loved one. You were guided to this book for a reason, and I commend you for your courage and determination to find healing for your broken heart.

To my beloved family, thank you for your unconditional love and patience throughout this winding and often confusing path that led to a new discovery and journey from grief to hope.

Bert1300.jpg

In Loving Memory of

Humberto (Bert) Moya, Jr.

Forever in Our Hearts

INTRODUCTION…

If you are reading this handbook, you may be grieving the loss of a loved one. My deepest condolences to you and your family. It is my sincerest desire that this handbook becomes a tool for healing and hope.

I am a mom whose child died by suicide in 2013. My journey though grief has taken me to many places in search of answers to questions for which I found no concrete or satisfactory response. The whys and what ifs that often keep bereaved parents awake at night were taking their toll.

I felt helpless and hopeless, as my feelings of abandonment and guilt surmounted. I literally felt I was not going to survive.

In