Good Grief
by Danielle Price and Danyell Goggans
Good grief! We say it sometimes to express the emotional weight we carry from the struggles of life. But how often do we recognize that we are suffering from unresolved grief?
The Grief Recovery Institute describes grief as the most powerful of all emotions, while simultaneously being the most neglected and misunderstood experience by grievers and those around them.
While grief is typically associated with the death of a loved one, and rightly so, it is so much more than that. Did you know that we grieve over the break-up of relationships, pet loss, significant changes to our finances, health, careers, and even intangible losses stemming from internalized racism?
Most people are surprised to learn that there are over 40 different types of loss that can result in grief.
While grief itself is normal and natural, being stuck in unresolved grief can cause all kinds of unfavorable conditions including physical disease. In fact, the Grief Recovery Institute conservatively estimates that grief costs American businesses at least $75.1 billion per year in lost productivity, absenteeism, errors and accidents.
There is a hidden cost to grief that remains a blind spot to most businesses and the individuals personally impacted by it.
Understanding the intangible nature of grief and its correlation to racism, was the impetus for Danielle Price and Danyell Goggans to launch Soul Repair 360. They are dedicated Black women, social innovators, with more than 50 years combined experience helping individuals and communities enhance their quality of life. They are also Grief Recovery Method Specialists. They recently combined forces to develop Soul Repair 360, a peer-centered, solutions-focused healing experience for health equity leaders. Their services help change agents build personal and professional capacity to heal from soul wounds and reframe limiting internalized beliefs. Ultimately, to sustain innovation, motivation, authenticity and joy.
For women in general, but especially Black women, navigating the corporate scene automatically comes with “wearing the mask.” If you are unfamiliar with this metaphor, it was made famous by Paul Laurence Dunbar and Dr. Maya Angelou poetically describing the coping techniques implored by Black people to survive in a racially inequitable society.
Over the decades, Black women have perfected the walk, the talk, and the dress, to climb the ladder of success. They know how to finesse the system, despite it being stacked against them. The unspoken reality of this feat is that the proverbial mask comes at a great cost. It gets heavy. It can start to suffocate, or worse yet, become so familiar that you forget who you really are.
Workplace dynamics and life in general can become overwhelming at times. If you find that you are always in need of an escape, Soul Repair 360 is a more effective way to alleviate the load. It provides a brave space, effective tools, and evidence-based methods to address the stressors of life without judgment.
Danielle and Danyell will be presenting on the topic, The Hidden Cost of Grief, at the 3rd Annual National Executive Women’s Leadership Summit. Plan to attend and hear more about their stories and their incredible work.
Learn more about Soul Repair 360 at https://www.ntllife.com/soulrepair360.
The Grief Recovery Institute Educational Foundational, Inc. Grief Index, The Hidden Annual Costs of Grief in America’s Workplace, 2003 Report
Danyell Goggans is a licensed psychotherapist and the founder of Nevertheless Life Center (NLC). NLC provides trauma counseling, healing groups, and wellness retreats. With over 25 years of experience in the helping community, she is a skilled trainer, motivating speaker and passionate wellness advocate. It is her hope that her transparent approach and relatable style will help break the stigmas around life’s difficult topics, so healing can begin.
Read this article and more in CL Magazine Vol 10 - Issue 2
