Finding the Light in the Shadows

Imagine you're sitting across from Carol Banens , a beacon of hope in the world of grief recovery. With a warm smile and eyes understanding the depth of sorrow, she tells you about her transformative journey - a path from personal loss to becoming a certified grief-to-gratitude coach and transformational life mentor. Carol's story isn't just inspiring; it's a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the profound capacity for joy and gratitude after loss.

Carol started her career in the medical field, dedicating over three decades to physical therapy, where she honed her compassionate approach to helping others. However, it was her own heartache, the loss of her beloved husband, that steered her life in a new direction. This profound personal grief unveiled her true calling: to support and guide others through their darkest times.

Transitioning from physical therapy to coaching took much work. Carol faced the immense challenge of letting go of a career that had defined much of her life. Yet, she was determined to make a difference in a new way. Grief had taught her lessons no classroom could, giving her a unique perspective on loss and recovery. She realized that while grief depletes your energy, finding a purpose within that pain could rekindle your spirit. That’s when she found her place in grief coaching, armed with the belief that grief, when navigated with support and understanding, could lead to gratitude and, eventually, to rediscovering joy.

In her coaching, Carol doesn't offer one-size-fits-all solutions. She understands that grief is as individual as the person experiencing it. Drawing from her personal journey and professional expertise, she developed a 6-step Grief to Gratitude process, a gentle yet powerful roadmap to healing. This process isn't just about moving on; it's about moving forward, transforming emotional pain into a newfound appreciation for life.

Carol's mission goes beyond individual coaching sessions. Her goal is to change how society approaches grief, advocating for more openness and understanding. She's observed firsthand the discomfort and misconceptions surrounding grief - the societal pressures to be strong or to heal within a specific timeframe. Through grief education and mindfulness sessions, Carol is determined to break down these barriers, making grief less taboo and more a part of the human experience that deserves empathy and support.

Her influences are as profound as her aspirations. Figures like David Kessler, a renowned grief expert, have significantly shaped her approach, teaching her the importance of being present with grief without being consumed by it. Meanwhile, her journey into entrepreneurship has been shaped by mentors like Mary Bicknell, who've helped her navigate the challenges of starting an online business while dealing with personal loss.

Carol plans to offer grief retreats in the future. She envisions serene escapes where individuals can share, learn, and heal. She imagines these retreats as a timeout from life and a deeply nurturing experience where grief is acknowledged, shared, and integrated into one's being, allowing joy to seep back in.

Listening to Carol or reading her story, you can't help but feel a sense of hope. Her journey reminds us that even in our most profound sorrow, there is potential for growth, healing, and even happiness. Carol Banens is a lifeline for those adrift in the sea of grief, guiding them back to shore with understanding, empathy, and a deep belief in the resilience of the human heart.

If Carol's story resonates with you, or if you know someone navigating the murky waters of grief, I encourage you to follow and connect with Carol Banens on LinkedIn. Her profile is a professional summary and a gateway to a community of support, understanding, and transformation. Carol is more than a mentor; she's a friend to those in grief, and her LinkedIn page is where her inspiring work continues to touch lives. Join her in making grief less of a journey to endure alone and more of a path to healing shared by many.

As I wrap Carol’s story, I am struck by her journey from grief to gratitude, which offers profound insights into the power of transformation, resilience, and community in business.?

Her story highlights the importance of aligning your business with your personal values and experiences. This alignment fuels passion and creates a genuine connection with your audience, fostering trust and loyalty.?

Carol’s transition underscores the significance of adaptability in entrepreneurship. Embracing change can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth, whether by shifting career paths or adopting new methodologies.?

Finally, her commitment to educating and supporting her community reminds us that businesses thrive on transactions, meaningful interactions, and societal contributions.

As business owners, we can navigate challenges with grace and create a lasting impact by applying these takeaways- authenticity, adaptability, and community engagement.

The LeadHers Circle extends its heartfelt gratitude to Carol Banens for generously sharing her time, story, and the light of her inspiration with us. Carol's transformative journey from navigating personal grief to empowering others as a grief-to-gratitude coach embodies the strength, resilience, and compassion we admire and strive to promote within our community.

Thank you, dear reader, for your time and attention. Your likes, comments, and shares enrich our discussions and help spread the message of courage and community far and wide. Let’s continue supporting and uplifting one another on our journeys.

??Hi there, I’m ?? Diane Carter ! Thanks for checking out my article. If you want to see more of my posts, please follow me. You can also hit the bell on my profile to receive notifications for new posts. Finally, thank you for liking, commenting, and sharing my content - it means a lot to me. I’m looking forward to connecting with you!

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