Meet Jenn Flaum

We were lucky to catch up with Jenn Flaum recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jenn, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?

I have worked in hospice, with terminally ill patients and their families, death care and now with people who are grieving the loss of a loved one for all of my career. My self-care is a combination of self-awareness and mindset, more than anything else. I am intentional about checking in with myself around what I need and keeping things in perspective.
Self-awareness: At different points in time I have needed different types of self-care and check in with myself on a daily basis. To me self-care is a flexible routine, reflection and levity. It is rare that I need time away from work, but a flexible, and changing routine works well for me to be more present and creative in my work. I am also very reflective, allowing myself to hold space and honor the stories and experiences people share. I reflect by running, writing, reading and taking time alone without a schedule to process experiences. Lastly, I have found it is essential to have a diverse group of friends and experiences to remind myself that not everyone is terminally ill or grieving. I spend time doing silly things with my kids, learning about others jobs and lives and enjoying the outdoors.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My role is the Executive Director of HeartLight Center. I have always had a love for people and curiosity for the human experience. End-of-life and being with people when they are vulnerable, or experiencing grief, is not difficult for me. This work has always felt like an honor because I am able to hear people’s stories and walk with them through a tender time.

HeartLight Center has allowed me to be with a community of people who are open to supporting one another after a loss. People who would otherwise be strangers come together and form deep bonds and relationships, supporting one another. At HeartLight, you get to see the essence of the human spirit show up each and every day.

The people involved at HeartLight Center make HeartLight Center what it is. When someone has the willingness or calling to share their gifts, whether that be fundraising, facilitating a support group, creating a workshop or administrative help, HeartLight is open to their sharing. People have so much talent and love to give, HeartLight is a space where they can share.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities or skills that have been most impactful have been trusting my intuition, approaching people and situations with curiosity and taking time to trust the process have been most impactful on my journey.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

“The Great Conversation” by Belden C. Lane is one of my favorite books. Lane talks about the wisdom of nature and the power of listening, not just to people, but to teachers and lessons along our journeys to deeper connections.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heartlightcenter.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlightcenter/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartLightCenter/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heartlight-center-inc./?viewAsMember=true