Productivity Smarts 058 - The Son I Knew Too Late with Sally Raymond

Productivity Smarts

What if I told you that behind every smile, every success, lies a hidden battle – a struggle against the relentless tide of trauma, grief, and loss? How do we reconcile the paradox of achieving great feats while battling the demons of our own minds? And amidst the chaos, how do we find the courage to prioritize our emotional well-being and embrace the transformative power of self-care?

In a compelling conversation, host Gerald J. Leonard delves into the profound impact of trauma and grief on emotional well-being with author Sally Raymond, who shares her personal journey following her son's tragic death. Together, they emphasize the importance of self-care and integrating traumatic experiences to maintain mental and emotional health.

Tune in to this powerful episode to gain invaluable insights on navigating through grief and trauma, and learn practical strategies for maintaining your mental and emotional well-being.

What We Discuss

• [02:01] Sally Raymond's story

• [05:13] Misunderstandings in psychotherapy

• [07:49] The brain's response to trauma

• [16:18] Strategies for coping with grief and loss

• [22:33] The importance of self-care

• [24:01] The impact of trauma on mental health and productivity

• [25:29] Maintaining balance during difficult times

• [34:27] Tips for setting realistic goals during challenging periods

• [40:42] Finding new purpose after loss and advice for discovering a new direction

Notable Quotes

• [04:06] “There is a place for no. The place for no is to say yes to something better.” - Sally

• [14:06] “If you focus on the worst case, you're going to overreact. You're going to be filled with fear and you're going to do something silly that isn't going to be appropriate for the situation.”- Sally

• [16:19] “Grief and loss take an enormous amount of energy, but it's a natural process. Don't fight it; allow yourself to feel because it's essential that you allow it full expression.” - Sally

• [24:39] “Your well-being is absolutely integral to the functioning, consistency, and competence of every other member of your galaxy.” - Sally

• [43:19] “Everything is not to take us out; it is the same thing—learn from it, don't demonize it, don't authorize it, look at what's the gift.” - Sally

Resources

Sally Raymond

• Website - https://sallyaraymond.com/

• Book: The Son I Knew Too Late: A Guide to Help You Survive and Thrive

Productivity Smarts Podcast

• Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

Gerald J. Leonard

• Website - https://productivitysmarts.com/

• Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com

• Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard

Mentioned

• Book: Whole Brain Living by Jill Bolte Taylor

Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds