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Local Writer Launches First Book: ‘2Grieve 2Gether’
- August 12, 2011
- on 8/12/2011
- MoJo: Liza Hawkins
Over 50,000,000 people in the US are struggling with heartbreak and would benefit from coaching. According to a study reported in Time magazine, people typically suffer five to eight years after a devastating emotional blow, such as a death of a spouse or a child, or the loss of a career. Local author, Denise Hall Brown, recently launched her book “2Grieve 2Gether: A Journal from the Heart Helping Survivors and Supporters Navigate the Healing Process,” in which she uses her own personal grief story to help others grieve healthier and ultimately change their lives.
Chances are, by adulthood you've experienced the death of a family member. In fact, millions suffered through the loss of someone in their immediate family last year alone. Dealing with the loss of someone close can be a hard road to navigate, and often we're faced with how to deal with someone else's grief, in addition to processing our own thoughts and feelings.
Denise Hall Brown, author of the new book “2Grieve 2Gether: A Journal from the Heart Helping Survivors and Supporters Navigate the Healing Process,” has traveled a difficult emotional road over the past 10 years – a road some might even call a roller coaster ride. Facing intense deaths from several close family members, including her husband and young son, Hall Brown harnessed her emotions with the help of family and friends and funneled them into a book that's designed to help people suffering through grief and loss. Hall Brown explains, “I began my writing career in 2010 when I started working on my first book, “2Grieve 2Gether.” What started as journal entries to my loved ones became a book for grieving people and those trying to help them. With this book, my goal was to provide a resource in a way that hasn’t been done before.”
And, Hall Brown didn't stop with journal entries and a book idea – in order to truly help others heal and pursue her dream she did something drastic. “After I finished writing (2Grieve 2Gether), it became evident that not only did I want to continue to write about this topic and to help people to heal, but I also wanted this to be my life’s work. So, after much consideration and planning, I walked away from a 23-year employer and a very successful career, and decided to change my life. That is a very drastic step and I wouldn’t recommend it for most people; however, for me, I knew that this was my time to do what was in my heart. Now, it’s not about the money; instead, it’s about helping people to heal and changing lives. You’d be amazed at how many people still have not healed from the death of someone they loved dearly. In this new season of my life, I’m going to work hard.”
The passion is obvious in Hall Brown's work, and the way she carries herself. At her recent book launch, Hall Brown spoke about how motivated she is to help others change their lives, which includes future plans. “We plan to offer coaching (for both individuals and groups) in the future. In addition, we are working on a '2G Retreat' for Memorial Day weekend 2012. We’re calling it a Girlfriends Gathering for Survivors and Supporters!” She explains further, “Parties will come together to address making it through all types of loss, and then focus on maximizing the rest of their lives. The retreat will be uplifting and interactive, intense yet fun, thought provoking yet relaxing, and educational yet entertaining! Activities will include pampering, workouts, discussion, reflection time, adventures, and much, much more.”
At this point in her new, empowered career, Hall Brown is intensely focused on spreading the word about “2Grieve 2Gether,” as well as becoming a resource for those struggling through the grieving process. With a B.S. degree in Accounting already, she decided to return to school to complete a Masters program in Thanatology, the study of death and bereavement. “It is a fascinating topic and I’m now enrolled full-time in that program and only one year away from finishing. I am also working on a grief coaching certification to further enhance my educational experience. Finally, on a personal level, in the last 15 years, I have dealt with the sudden deaths of my mother, son, aunt, and husband. These experiences were devastating. However, I am now using what I’ve learned to help others heal.”
Hall Brown has a newsletter in the works to round out her online presence, which includes her website (www.2grieve2gether.org) and an interactive Facebook page, as well as email: denise@2grieve2gether.org.
From the book:
“2Grieve 2Gether” is a phenomenal resource for people who are grieving and those trying to help them. Author Denise Hall Brown provides insights, strategies, resources, and ideas as she uses her incredible story of surviving the sudden and tragic deaths of her mother, son, aunt, and husband. The book addresses grief in ways that are both compassionate and informative. No matter where you are on your grief journey, “2Grieve 2Gether” will make you laugh, cry, think and act. You’ll want to purchase this book for yourself and buy another copy for a friend or family member! Get more info at www.2Grieve2Gether.org!
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