REPLAY: Honoring Memories, Overcoming Life's Challenges: A Story of Grief, Growth And Empowerment | Matt Gilhooly

This is a REPLAY of episode 11, launched in May 2022. I wanted to share this episode again for new subscribers that have yet to hear my story and the WHY behind The Life Shift Podcast.

In this episode, we flipped the script so I could tell my story. Throughout the first batch of episodes, the guests (and listeners) asked when I would tell my story. So, in this episode, my first guest, Christin Lindley, leads the conversation as I share the pivotal moments that shaped my life and eventually led to The Life Shift podcast.

As a child, Matt faced his mother's sudden and unexpected death. At just 8 years old, he had to grapple with the grief and sadness that comes with such a tragedy. He was also forced to adjust to a new life in Georgia, where he had to start school as "the new kid." Despite all this, he found comfort in his grandmother's love and support. Unfortunately, she eventually got a lung cancer diagnosis, and it became clear that her time was limited. On her 82nd birthday, they had a wonderful celebration surrounded by family. During this time, they had an honest conversation about their relationship and expressed gratitude for each other. After she passed away, he took time to process his grief and come out on the other side with clarity. He realized that he had been living his life to other people's expectations, but now he could live authentically for himself. He learned that it's okay to be sad but also happy for the experiences you shared together. Grief is something you never get over, but it's important to process it to move forward in life.

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Matt Gilhooly is a creator - podcaster, communicator, and educator. He is the creator, producer, editor, and host of The Life Shift Podcast. Spurred by his life-altering experiences, Matt helps others share the stories of pivotal moments that changed everything forever on The Life Shift Podcast. Matt has self-published over 10 coloring books on Amazon and released a children's book that celebrates individuality and confidence, "I Can Be Anyone: A Soul's Journey," in June 2021. Matt earned his master’s in mass communications from the University of Florida in 2022 and an MBA from the University of Central Florida in 2004. He believes that we must take time to support the people around us to achieve success.

Resources:

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Mentioned in this episode:

Thank you to Ear Worthy - Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards

https://podnews.net/press-release/ear-worthy-awards-2024

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Mentioned in this episode:

Available Now: "still HERE: True Stories of the Moments That Changed Everything"

This episode is brought to you by *still HERE: True Stories of the Moments That Changed Everything* by Matt Gilhooly. Matt is the creator and host of The Life Shift Podcast. Over four years and more than 240 episodes, he has sat with strangers and asked them about the moments that changed everything. *still HERE* is what he found. Over 100 true stories. Eight sections. One listener making sense of what it all means for the rest of us. Available now in Kindle and paperback on Amazon. Find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Still-Here-Stories-Moments-Everything/dp/1639011854/ If you read it and it moves you, an honest review on Amazon helps more people find it.