Hello everyone,
I’m so glad you’re here, and I have some exciting updates to share with you. After much reflection and prayer, I’ve made a major shift in my podcast. What started as That Dose of Encouragement has now evolved into From Grief to Purpose. This change represents not only a shift in direction but a deeper purpose that I feel called to pursue. Let me explain why I made this decision and share a bit of my story with you.
For those of you who may not know, I’ve personally faced tremendous loss. I lost my mother to breast cancer in 1995 and my father to underlying health issues in 2020. Both experiences shaped me in ways I’m still coming to understand. My mother’s battle was especially difficult. We didn’t even know she had breast cancer until it was too late. It had metastasized throughout her body, and by the time we discovered it, she was already in her last stage. The shock, pain, and grief of watching her slip away so suddenly was overwhelming. I remember feeling helpless—like I was watching her fade before my eyes and there was nothing I could do.
Though my father passed years later, losing both of my parents left me in a profound state of sadness. Grief became a part of my life, almost like an unwanted companion that shows up when you least expect it. I went through all the stages—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and eventually, acceptance. But even after reaching acceptance, I realized that grief doesn’t truly end. Rather than “moving on,” I had to learn how to move forward with my grief, and in doing so, I discovered something deeper: purpose.
I initially set out to focus on areas where I have expertise and a desire to help. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, ongoing graduate studies, extensive military training, and certification as a health coach, I have a wide range of skills. My original goal was to stay in the lanes of mental wellness, health and wellness, and coaching young people. However, through my own journey of healing, I felt a strong calling to use my voice and platform to support others who are going through their own seasons of loss and finding purpose by moving forward in healthy ways. That’s how From Grief to Purpose was born. This podcast will be a place of education, healing, and encouragement for anyone facing significant loss—whether it's the death of a loved one, job loss, the end of a relationship, or even the loss of self. We’ll explore the many forms of grief and how they shape our lives, while also embracing the idea that you can find purpose and move forward without having to “move on” from grief entirely.
I’ve experienced all the stages of grief firsthand, and I know them well. But more importantly, I’ve learned that there is life beyond grief. I found that God had more for me than just living in my pain, and I want the same for you. From Grief to Purpose will explore not only the stages of grief but also the steps we can take to find meaning and purpose in the midst of it all. If you feel you need additional support on your journey, I also offer one-on-one coaching to help guide you through your personal healing and growth. You don’t have to do life alone during your time of loss—head to www.thatdoseofencouragement.com to schedule a consultation with me. Together, we can work toward finding your purpose beyond the pain.
In the podcast, we’ll explore the stages of grief, the lasting impact of loss, and much more. I’ll share my personal experiences, and I’ll also bring on guests to share their stories. Together, we’ll discuss not just how to survive grief but how to thrive through it. I’ll be joined by my incredible team of writers, and together we’ll share our collective stories and perspectives on life’s transitions—how we’ve grown through them and continue to navigate our journeys.
For me, this journey has led to a greater purpose, and I’m passionate about helping others find theirs. I want to be clear—I’m not a perfect person, and no one is. I don’t have the perfect blueprint for what your journey should look like or how it should end up, but I do understand the principles of grief and the healing it takes to process through it. I know how important it is to have someone with the same experience to talk you through it, and I’m here for you. My hope and prayer are that this podcast and blog bring you the encouragement, healing, and hope that you need.
I’ll be sharing more of my story in my upcoming book, which I plan to release by December. In it, I’ll dive deeper into my mother’s battle with cancer, how our family coped, and how I personally navigated the grief that followed. My goal is for this book to be a source of hope and guidance for anyone dealing with loss. To stay connected and be the first to know about the book's release—as well as other updates—head to my website and subscribe to our newsletter.
Thank you for being here, for reading, and for continuing to support my podcast, From Grief to Purpose. I pray that this space becomes a source of healing for you as we walk through the ups and downs of grief together.
Warmly,
The Founder of That Dose Of Encouragement
Minnina Smith
Coach | Mentor | Writer | Author
"Healing is not just about mending the past; it’s about growing through the pain and emerging stronger, with a renewed sense of purpose." - M. Smith
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