Healing the Heart: Finding Your Way After Loss with Denise Dielwart

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences we can face in life. In this episode, Matt O’Neill sits down with grief expert Denise Dielwart to discuss her powerful Flow-Grief-Release Method and learn how to navigate the journey of grief with more ease, joy, and purpose. Denise shares her own personal story of loss and the transformative steps she took to heal herself and ultimately help thousands of others do the same. Whether you're currently grieving or want to be better equipped to support a loved one, this conversation is filled with invaluable insights and practical guidance.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation: 

• The devastating impact of losing a loved one and the need for tools to cope

• Introducing the Flow-Grief-Release Method and Denise's expertise

• The importance of feeling emotions rather than avoiding them

• Letting go of grief vs. honoring the connection and memories

• Reframing loss to discover the gifts and live a fulfilling life

[08:25] The Importance of Feeling Emotions

True healing requires more than just talking about loss. The first crucial step is to acknowledge and fully feel the emotions of grief. To move through the pain, you must be willing to confront it head-on. Denise’s method involves "unpeeling the layers" - identifying the specific emotions that you feel and why. Importantly, this is not about rushing from grief to joy. It's about honoring the deep connection and memories you shared with your loved one. By allowing yourself to fully feel, you open the door to genuine, lasting transformation.

[13:12] Reclaiming Your Multifaceted Identity

Daniele cautions against identifying too strongly with terms like "widow" or "cancer survivor," as these labels can cement our identity in pain and loss, making it harder to move forward. Denise encourages letting go of these restrictive brands and instead focusing on reclaiming our multifaceted identities - as a woman, a friend, a parent, and so much more. By avoiding the temptation to define ourselves solely by our grief, we open the door to rediscovering who we truly are and envisioning the life we want to create, honoring our loved ones in the process.

[15:36] Shifting Away from Victimhood

When faced with unimaginable loss, it's natural to feel like a victim of circumstance. But dwelling in that mindset will only prolong your suffering. The path to healing requires taking responsibility for your ability to respond. Rather than seeing yourself as powerless, embrace the agency you have to feel your emotions fully, let them go, and reimagine a life that honors your loved one's legacy. By shifting away from victimhood and tapping into your own inner strength, you open the door to growth, joy, and the profound fulfillment that comes from living with purpose.

[17:34] How to Release Sadness and Grief

Simply journaling about your sad feelings is not enough to release grief. Instead, she advises journaling about what you want for your future and cultivating gratitude. The key is to shift your focus away from dwelling on the pain and towards envisioning the life you want to create. This helps you overcome the old identity tied to your loss and start reimagining a new, joyful path forward. It's not about ignoring the sadness, but actively working to let it go rather than unpacking and living in it.

Resources Mentioned: 

Flow Grief Release Method

Download this week’s free resource instantly when you sign up for The Good Mood Show newsletter here! 

Or, reach out on our contact page at https://mattoneill.com/contact and we will email you a copy of any free resource you request.

About the Guest 

Denise Dielwart is a grief expert and life coach who has helped thousands of people find joy and purpose after experiencing profound loss. Through her Flow-Grief-Release Method, she guides individuals on a transformative journey of self-discovery, empowering them to honor their loved ones by living fulfilling lives.