Creative Grieving

A Hip Chick's Path from Loss to Hope

Non-Fiction - Self Help
202 Pages
Reviewed on 11/19/2014
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Elizabeth Berrien is the co-founder of the non-profit The Respite: A Centre for Grief & Hope (www.TheRespite.org) and also the founder of the organization Soul Widows (www.SoulWidows.org) for widows age 60 and under.

Her journey through grief began in 2008 with the loss of her son at birth, followed by the death of her husband, a soldier, in 2009. With a fresh, personal, and candid voice, Elizabeth takes an integrative approach to the grief journey by incorporating innovative practices she learned through the Model of Heart-Centered Grief. She believes that as people process the loss of a loved one, they should look at themselves as a whole person--body, mind, and soul--and that each individual has the ability to access her or his own creative path. Through her story of loss and hope, Elizabeth discovered the paradox of grief and joy: namely, a person cannot have one without the other. With relatable wisdom and an edge of humor, she continues to inspire and empower others who are coping with grief by sharing her story, facilitating support groups, writing, and speaking.

Elizabeth is a co-author in the book In the Spirit of Abundance (Hay House, release date Fall 2013) and is featured in the book Bounce Back Women by Meryl Hartstein (due for release in Fall 2015). Elizabeth is a Certified Creative Grief Coach™. She resides with her family in Charlotte, NC.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Samantha Rivera for Readers' Favorite

Grief is a very powerful emotion. It can take over your entire life and turn it upside down in the blink of an eye. In Creative Grieving by Elizabeth Berrien, you will learn more about the process of grief from someone who has been there. Elizabeth’s story is one of unimaginable pain, unless you have been there yourself. She has been through loss and devastation. She has also been able to overcome that devastation to be there for her daughter and the rest of her family. Understanding the way that love works and the way that grieving works has helped her and has pushed her to help others.

I have suffered loss previously and understand how painful it is. You feel like you don’t want to get up in the morning because that just makes the loss more real. Having a book like this would definitely have helped me and it will help a lot of other people. Understanding that you really are not alone is an amazing feeling and it helps you to overcome the feelings that are taking over your life. This book explains exactly what Elizabeth went through, but it also includes letters designed to help the reader in their own situation. I also really liked the quotes in each chapter which help provide motivation. Creative Grieving is a book for anyone suffering a loss. We all do suffer differently but understanding that, even with our differences our losses are similar, helps to make that loss more bearable. Elizabeth Berrien understands this fact.

Jennifer B.

A very moving book about some of the most difficult experiences a human can go through. The book is "raw," meaning that it does a phenomenal job of capturing the full range of (often inexplicable) feelings, emotions and actions that come with grief. As Elizabeth takes us through her journey, we can see that embracing and moving through grief is the healthiest way to move forward and live a happy and productive life. it's also helpful to know that all of your "irrational" thoughts and behaviors are totally normal and even encouraged to help get through the process. A very touching and extremely helpful book for anyone experiencing any type of loss.

D. Russell

A profoundly moving story and a very helpful guide, this book describes the author's difficult emotional path following the loss of her stillborn son and subsequent death of her husband on active duty in Afghanistan. From these tragic losses, she managed to transform her grief into something positive and uplifting. Elizabeth Berrien relates her personal experiences, but also includes a wealth of resources that make this a very practical guide. Combining warm and gentle humor with practical and no nonsense advice, this beautifully written book holds something for all who have endured untimely heartbreak.

CLR

Written in a very real and honest way, Elizabeth shares some of the darkest experiences of her life and how she dealt with them. Everyone experiences loss at some point in one form or another and everyone's experience is different. But when you read this book I am sure you will find a common thread and realize that you are not alone. Truly inspiring!!!!

BootDiva

There are no rules. This book is a straight forward approach from someone who's been there...doubly hard! I would recommend it to anyone who has had a loss...whether parent, spouse, child, any one close, and even a pet! Great outlook and wonderful advise that you don't get in most other books on grieving!

Patt R.

I have found Elizabeth Berrien's book extremely helpful in helping me to work through some very difficult times in my recent past. I can relate so closely to her deepest feelings and have no doubt that many others will find her work meaningful and comforting. We are not alone in what we have experienced and Elizabeth, and others who are included in this book, are helping to create a bond that has been needed - especially for young widows. We have permission to move at our own pace to go forward and trust that this is possible. Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing and getting this out there.

Aimee T.

Elizabeth shares in an authentic way that makes the craziness of grief feel "not so crazy". When she wrote about kicking the walls of her new apartment - a response to the frustration of trying to grocery shop after the loss of her husband and son- it really felt familiar to me. I have wanted to kick walls too.

This book is like having a best friend who completely understands and can offer real, creative and meaningful advice. I keep going back to the stories and feeling "not alone" and "not crazy" for the way I felt after my own traumatic losses and I recommend this book to anyone who is dealing with loss...no matter how long it has been.

Tiffany K. Kovitch

I loved this book so much I gave my copy to a friend and bought another one! I find Elizabeth's path inspiring and I like her candid outlook on the events she's experienced after her tragedies. I've taken a lot of her advice and found creative outlets for my grief.

cab4heart

I have the privilege of knowing Elizabeth personally and want to say that she is an authentic, empowered woman that has found the gifts in her grief journey and is LIVING them now. Her story is compelling and VERY inspiring!!

LisaMcP

Elizabeth's loss and journey have taught her more about grief than I ever understood. In her book, she unselfishly shares everything she has learned the hard way, in a sincere effort to help others.

KelsieRB

I bought this book for my mom after the loss of her dog/best friend of 11 years. She says it was really helpful and even passed it on to another family member who had recently lost a parent.

Heather Layman

As a young widow this book is working to give me hope and make it through...some moment by moment and others day by day.

Colleen Coke Blass

One of the best books I have ever read. My loss was a divorce after a long term marriage, but Elizabeth,s story inspired me to believe in myself. Thanks Elizabeth