I heard Christina Rasmussen interviewed on “The Unmistakeable Creative“, a podcast that boasts insanely interesting guests. So far, it hasn’t disappointed, but Christina is one of my favorites. I knew I would buy her book, “Second Firsts“, even before the interview was over. I also knew that this would be a book that nearly everyone I know should read.

Since I can’t do justice to Christina’s journey to this place where she helps people take the steps necessary to live beyond unbearable grief and loss, I won’t attempt to. She is a gifted storyteller and you’ll relate to her own painful experience whether the source of your grief is the death of a loved one (in her case, her husband in her 30’s), divorce, illness or some other trauma.

What’s different about Rasmussen’s method to help people step past grief and emerge from loss is that it combines brain science with actionable steps. In other words, she shows you how you can literally change your brain in order to change your life. She describes how we can physically change neural pathways and create a new mind map by making small but definite and effective changes in our behavior. But it’s not all science and cold pragmatism. She’s compassionate and thoughtful and mindful of the sensitivity all along the journey. I appreciate her admission that it’s impossible to prepare a person for loss.

This book offers hope to anyone who feels stuck between two worlds and are living comfortably (or in quiet desperation) in what Christina so appropriately identifies as “the waiting room”, that place of familiar identity, safety and protection from the confusion, suffering and pain that life inevitably serves up.

I think so many of us are recovering (or still suffering) from loss of some kind and get so used to functioning after loss but fail to truly live and thrive.  The busyness of a distracted life tricks us into thinking that we’re healthy and productive but we have a sense that something is around the corner.

I know this book is important and can help so many people walk through the most painful experiences to a loving, happy, hope-filled life.

If you’re not quite ready to buy the book because the work and the walk out of the waiting room is terrifying, I encourage you to click around Christina’s blog. She’s active there and you’ll feel safe in that small space on the web. You might find the courage you need.

Linking up at Elizabeth Foss‘ blog:

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through a link on this blog, I receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. I appreciate it. Even if you don’t use the link…BUY THIS BOOK! It’s awesome