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What do you say to a friend who is grieving a tragic loss? What do you do?

Michelle Cleveland answers these questions and more in her book Steps in the Sand, How to Help a Grieving Friend.

Drawing inspiration from her poem The Beach, Michelle weaves her painful, lived experience with grief and loss with practical advice for anyone who wants to support a grieving friend. Like, what do you say? - or NOT say? What do you do? - or NOT do? We want to be helpful, not hurtful.

In 2016, Michelle endured the heartbreaking loss of two out of her four children to suicide. Although our conversation is more about the beach and how it relates to the grieving process, there is mention of suicide, so please, if this topic is difficult or triggering for you, be mindful to stop and take a self-care break whenever you feel it’s necessary. The beach and I are here for you.

Guest links:
Project 24 Seven app GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/ddd56fb0

Website: https://project24seven.org/

Buy her book Steps in the Sand here: https://www.amazon.com/Steps-sand-help-grieving-friend/dp/B0DD47K772/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1

PODCAST LINKS:

• Support the podcast on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=77845359
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://thebeachspeaks.com/
• Listen and Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow on Apple and Spotify and share it with your friends!
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeachspeaks/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheBeachSpeaks

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Ever wonder why so many Florida beach lovers choose to stay put during hurricanes?

In this episode, I reflect on the experience of enduring storms, sharing personal stories from the recent hurricanes Helene and Milton. We explore why we chose to ride out the storms rather than evacuate, driven by our unwavering connection to the beach.

I recount my own hurricane cleanup efforts with friends and how our sense of community keeps us anchored. Guest Jen Hardy offers her insights on why her family decided to hunker down, discussing the extensive preparations and safety measures they've taken. Her perspective provides a glimpse into the sense of security and community support that often outweighs the urge to leave.

Drawing from anecdotes and excerpts from a New Yorker article, I delve into the resilient spirit of Floridians who prepare, hunker down, and ride out the storms, showcasing our unyielding bond with our coastal homes.


Article from the New Yorker magazine: The Relentlessness of Florida Hurricane Season by Carolyn Kormann https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/the-relentlessness-of-florida-hurricane-season

The Jen Hardy Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejenhardy

PODCAST LINKS:

• Support the podcast on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=77845359
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://thebeachspeaks.com/
• Listen and Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow on Apple and Spotify and share it with your friends!
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeachspeaks/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheBeachSpeaks

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In this episode, I share my eventful month, which included a fabulous trip to Italy, an unexpected bout with the flu, and the devastating and unprecedented impact of Hurricane Helene on our Florida Gulf Coast.

It all started with exploring Venice, Florence, Siena, Sorrento, Capri, and Rome, soaking in historic sites and delicious food, and even finding a few beaches.

Upon returning, I quickly fell ill, causing delays in my podcast schedule, making me fear losing my beach-loving audience. Then Hurricane Helene hit, bringing devastation to the Gulf Coast where many friends and family live, although Jacksonville Beach was relatively unscathed.

I reflect on the destruction of our beach communities, how we prepare for hurricanes, and how we maintain resilience in tough times.

Through it all, I find solace in the beach, which reminds us of its healing power. I hope this episode offers a bit of hope and connection for everyone facing their own storms.

To thank my loyal listeners, I’m offering a small beachy gift to those who message me at paige@thebeachspeaks.com

The beach is speaking.
Are you listening?

Mentioned in this episode:
Jamaican Beach Lifeguard Vibes: Stories of Heroic Rescues, Coconut Climbing, and Scuba Adventures with Oneike Jackson: https://www.buzzsprout.com/357242/episodes/13491902

PODCAST LINKS:

• Support the podcast on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=77845359
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://thebeachspeaks.com/
• Listen and Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow on Apple and Spotify and share it with your friends!
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeachspeaks/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheBeachSpeaks