Grief doesn’t follow rules and neither does love. This conversation explores both through the eyes of a mother, therapist, and writer.

In this heartfelt conversation, Brigitte Cutshall speaks with Sally McQuillen, a psychotherapist and author of Reaching for Beautiful. Sally shared her powerful journey through grief following the unexpected loss of her son, Christopher, and how that experience inspired her to write a memoir.

The episode explores the layers of parental love, the challenges of navigating modern mental health—especially in the digital age—and how storytelling can be a profound tool for healing. Ultimately, the discussion is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of finding beauty and meaning in the midst of loss.

📘 3 Key Takeaways:

1. Writing Heals – Grief led Sally to write, turning pain into purpose and a powerful memoir.

2. Vulnerability Connects – Sharing her son’s story helps others feel seen and less alone.

3. Stories Live On – Through storytelling, Christopher’s spirit—and love—endures.

Check out Sally McQuillen’s book, Reaching for Beautiful: a Memoir of Loving and Losing a Wild Child.

Share this episode with someone who may need a message of hope, love, and healing today.

What happens when your identity is tied to your achievements?

In this energizing episode, Elizabeth Parsons shares how retirement isn’t an end, but a powerful beginning. She is the author of "Encore", and a former international law firm attorney who made a bold mid-life pivot to create a more intentional life.

The discussion dives into how our culture overemphasizes financial planning and underprepares us for the emotional transition of retirement, the myth of time abundance, and the importance of reclaiming personal agency through small, proactive steps.

3 Key Takeaways:

Retirement Isn’t Just About Money
Many people entering retirement are financially prepared—but emotionally lost. Planning for purpose and identity is just as critical as planning for income.

Time Abundance Can Be Paralyzing
After decades of time scarcity, having “oodles of time” can feel daunting. Creating structure and intentionality is key to navigating this new reality.

Proactivity is a Muscle
High-achievers often spend years reacting to others’ demands. Retirement requires retraining that muscle—to stop reacting and start creating a life that reflects your true priorities.

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• Ready to approach retirement as a new beginning, not an ending? Learn more at https://zelinkaparsons.com/

  
  

  Pick up a copy of Encore on Amazon. Then share it with someone you know who’s preparing for—or already navigating—this major life shift.

  
  

  Subscribe to Real Things Living for more honest conversations that help you move forward with purpose.

What happens when you walk away from your dream and return with deeper purpose?

Singer, songwriter, and healer Tally Koren shares how she rediscovered her voice, stayed true to her art, and found healing through music and spirituality.

Tally opens up about the emotional detour that paused her music journey and the powerful return that followed. She discusses the importance of authenticity, trusting the creative process, and using music as a form of healing.

This conversation explores the deeper connection between art and the soul, and why it’s never too late to live your purpose.

3 Takeaways:

(1) Music is a spiritual mirror that helps us heal and connect.

(2) Staying authentic matters more than chasing trends or fame.

(3) Trusting your path—even in uncertainty—can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.

Listen now to be inspired by Tally’s story and reconnect with your own creative spark.

🔗 Learn more at https://www.tallykoren.com

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