We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kelci Jager. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kelci below.
Hi Kelci , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
When my amazing husband Collin passed away at the age of 40 after an 18-month battle with leukemia, I was left shattered, broken, and utterly confused. It felt like the ground had been pulled out from under me, leaving me drowning in a sea of emotions I couldn’t even begin to comprehend. The pain was overwhelming, engulfing me in a paralyzing fog of grief and fear.
After his death, I struggled to make sense of it all. I felt like I had lost not just him, but also a part of myself—my identity, my purpose. Every day was a struggle. Sadness, anger, guilt—I felt them all, weighing me down like a ton of bricks.
His battle with leukemia had taken its toll on both of us, physically, emotionally, and mentally. I had stood by his side through it all, but now that he was gone, I felt utterly alone in my grief. No one seemed to understand the pain I was experiencing. I felt isolated and disconnected from the world around me.
People called me strong, but I didn’t feel strong. I felt broken, clinging to memories of a life that was now gone. Raising our four children alone felt like an impossible task, one I wasn’t sure I could handle.
But somewhere in the darkness, I found a glimmer of determination. I couldn’t let my children lose both parents. So, I made a choice—to rise above my pain, to find a way forward.
I reached out for help—from professionals, from family, from friends. I immersed myself in learning about grief, searching for any shred of understanding or relief. Taking care of myself became a priority, a lifeline during the chaos.
And then, I did something I never expected—I shared my story. I opened up about my pain, my struggles, and my journey through grief. And something amazing happened. People reached out, sharing their own stories, their own pain. In that exchange, I found purpose.
Helping others navigate their grief, and offering support and understanding—it became my mission. Through the darkness, I found a way to turn my pain into something meaningful, something that honored Collin’s memory.
In sharing my story, I found strength. In helping others, I found healing. And in honoring Collin’s memory, I found my purpose.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
When my husband’s cancer diagnosis turned our world upside down and eventually led to his passing, I relentlessly searched for anything to provide me with a little bit of relief. I delved into countless resources—books, classes, therapy—hoping to find a lifeline to navigate the overwhelming emotions overwhelming me.
At first, talking about my feelings in therapy provided some relief, but soon, I hit a plateau in therapy. Traditional grief groups left me feeling drained, leaving me feeling worse after each session. Anxiety consumed me, and the future seemed like a dark abyss filled with uncertainty and fear. It felt like I was merely bracing myself for the next wave of bad news, and I couldn’t continue living that way—it was stealing my joy and robbing me of the life I deserved.
Desperate for a change, I decided to try life coaching—a realm I hadn’t previously explored. I decided to enroll in a coaching program, my intention was simple—to learn how to coach myself through grief. Little did I know, this decision would spark a profound transformation in my journey.
Applying coaching concepts to my own healing process was a game-changer. Suddenly, fear and grief no longer controlled me; I reclaimed a sense of empowerment over my life. I began to see glimmers of peace and hope amidst the chaos, and for the first time, I was rediscovering myself.
Recognizing the profound effect of blending coaching techniques with my understanding of grief during my healing journey, I felt a deep calling to share this with others who are struggling. Thus, “RISE with grief” was born—an embodiment of my journey from despair to empowerment.
My mission with “RISE with grief” is clear: to provide others with the tools and resources they need to not only survive but thrive in the face of devastating heartbreak and loss. Through my RISE & Thrive grief coaching program, participants embark on a 12-week journey of education and empowerment grounded in cognitive behavioral science.
During this program, we delve deep into all aspects of grief, exploring its profound impact on the mind and body. Participants gain invaluable insights into the psychological and physiological processes of grief, equipping them with practical tools to navigate their emotions and understand what’s happening both psychologically and physically.
Throughout the program, we cover a wide range of topics, including trauma, grief triggers, emotional awareness, growth mindset, and shedding limiting habits and beliefs. Participants are guided through exercises to create emotional awareness, cultivate resilience, and challenge cognitive distortions that may be holding them back.
Moreover, participants learn how to honor their loved ones while fostering post-traumatic growth and finding hope, peace, and joy amidst the pain. It’s a comprehensive journey of healing and growth, where individuals are supported every step of the way as they navigate the complexities of grief and emerge stronger and more resilient than before.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Grief is complex and multifaceted, which means there have been numerous actions I’ve taken—both past and present—that have profoundly influenced my healing journey. However, these three things unquestionably stand out as some of the most impactful for me.
Self-awareness: Developing self-awareness has been crucial in understanding my emotions, thoughts, and reactions. This allows me to recognize patterns, triggers, and areas where I need support. To improve self-awareness, I recommend practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation or journaling, seeking feedback from trusted friends or professionals, and engaging in introspective reflection regularly.
Resilience: Cultivating resilience helped me bounce back from setbacks and find strength in adversity. It enabled me to adapt to the challenges of grief, face them head-on, and continue moving forward despite the pain. To enhance resilience, I suggest building a support network of friends, family, or support groups, practicing self-care activities that promote physical and emotional well-being, and reframing negative thoughts into opportunities for growth.
Knowledge of grief: Gaining a comprehensive understanding of grief, and its impact on the mind and body was invaluable in my journey. This knowledge provides validation for my experiences and equips me with strategies to cope effectively.
My advice for individuals early in their grief journey is to be patient and compassionate with themselves. Healing takes time, and it’s okay to experience a range of emotions and setbacks along the way. Lean on your support system, prioritize self-care, and seek out resources and guidance that resonate with you. Remember that you are not alone, and there is hope for healing and growth, even in the midst of profound loss.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who has experienced the loss of a loved one and is seeking support and guidance to navigate the complexities of grief. My programs are for you if:
You have lost a loved one, whether recently or in the past, and are seeking understanding and validation for your grief.
You are feeling overwhelmed by the emotions and challenges of grief, struggling to cope with the process.
You find it difficult to move forward and are consumed by the darkness, sadness, and despair of grief.
You are eager to discover practical coping strategies, self-care practices, and creative outlets to navigate grief in everyday life.
You are open to receiving support and committed to investing in yourself and your future.
You desire to find joy and happiness again, to rise above your grief, and reclaim your life.
If you answered “Yes” to any of these statements, please know you are not alone. There is hope for healing and growth. Together, we can embark on a journey of healing, resilience, and transformation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.risewithgrief.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kelci.jager/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kelci.calljager
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelci-jager-6a3788a0/
