Transforming Grief into Grace, Gratitude, and Growth | Nicole Avant

My husband called. I said, "What's going. on?" He goes, "You have to get up. Your. mother's been shot." What do you mean. she's been shot? Everything that I had. known for 53 years, I felt that it was. just pulled out from under me. Filmmaker, activist, and former US. ambassador, this is her new book. Nicole Avant. Thank you. Forgiveness for me was I am. casting these burdens of anger and shame. and doubt and disappointment and fury. cuz I was furious. I hold on to these. feelings, I'm going to sink myself.

Before we jump into this episode, I'd. like to invite you to join this. community to hear more interviews that. will help you become happier, healthier, and more healed. All I want you to do is. click on the subscribe button. I love. your support. It's incredible to see all. your comments and we're just getting. started. I can't wait to go on this. journey with you. Thank you so much for. subscribing. It means the world to me. The best-selling author and host. The number one health and wellness. podcast. On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Hey everyone, welcome back to On.

Purpose, the number one health podcast. in the world thanks to each and every. one of you who come back every week to. become happier, healthier, and more. healed. And I'm so grateful because on. this platform, I get to sit down with. people with remarkable stories, incredible experiences, people who've. been through challenges and hardships. that we can all relate to and hopefully. extract lessons, principles, blessings, and insights from so that we too can. help heal our hearts and lives. Today's.

guest is a dear friend, someone who I. have connected with at really special. moments and someone that I'm really. excited to share her story, her love, her work with you today. I'm speaking. about Ambassador Nicole Avant who served. as the 13th US Ambassador to the Bahamas. after being nominated by President Obama. and unanimously confirmed by the US. Senate becoming the youngest as well as. the first African-American woman to hold.

the position. Today, we're talking about. her new book that's out called Think. You'll Be Happy Moving Through Grief. with Grit, Grace, and Gratitude. And. Nicole kindly allowed my testimonial to. be here, so you know how much I endorse. this book. I I recommend a lot of books, but this is. a book that I've realized I needed more. in my life. because of how many people I have in my. life that are losing people that they. love. And I now finally have the book to.

encourage people to read. and receive in their life to know how to. honor the people they love. Uh please. welcome to On Purpose Nicole Avant. Nicole, thank you. Thank you for being here. Beautiful. introduction. I'm very honored. Thank. you. It's from the heart. to be here. No, Nicole, I mean I mean. what I said, and I was just saying it to. you a few moments ago, and I wanted to. repeat it for my community. I'm so. grateful you wrote this book because. honoring the people that we love, remembering.

what they taught us, what we gained from. them, and then passing it on. is without a doubt one of the greatest. acts of service that we could possibly. ever do, not just to that individual, but to humanity. Yes, absolutely. And I was so touched not only by you. sharing this with me earlier when the. writing process was happening, but you trusting me to be a part of this. journey with you. because. it's so deeply important to you, and.

it's so deeply intimate and close to. you. And so I I couldn't be more. thankful and grateful. So, thank you so. much. Thank you. Thank you. for taking the time while you were on. your book tour, and I'm sending you. first draft, second draft. Jay, what do. you think about this? And you took the. time. to read it. Mhm. And. again, that is a part of showing up for. people, which I've been talking about. about this book of you know, my mom. really her her superpower was really. showing up for people.

And I think we're all forgetting I think. when we all like things on Instagram and. all this that that's showing up for. someone. But that's, you know, the icing. of showing up. But the cake of showing. up of really taking the time out for. somebody whether you feel like it or. not, whether you have time or not, but. it's honoring somebody else's soul. Because not all of us are on the same. soul journey. We're not all going. through the same thing at the same time. And so I thank you for for giving me the.

encouragement to keep writing and and to. finally get this book done. Absolutely. And it feels great. I know. I'm so glad. that we're finally here. Yes, I know. And Nicole, I want to take a moment. before I dive in. I've so many questions. I want to ask you today and so so many. questions I'm excited to to ask you, but. I want to say a big thank you because. people show up in our lives in different. ways and towards the early stages of my. career I was. uh wonderfully invited by Jennifer. Aniston to her home to give a short. presentation and you were in the.

audience that day. It was only a small. group of people and we instantly. connected and I remember your enthusiasm. for my work and your energy for my work. was so reassuring. You showed up for me. without even knowing it maybe. Aw. But it was so beautiful to have such. a real interaction. You know, you can. have people say that was wonderful, but. when when you were sharing your thoughts. and your feedback and. the energy I felt from your words was so. deeply encouraging when I probably.

needed it most. So I just want to thank. you for showing up. happy to hear that. I remember I. remember sitting where I remember. exactly where I was sitting and then. standing and I remember affirming you. the whole time like nodding up and down. cuz that was a it was a small group, but. it was an intimidating group of people. to be in front of. And you were. fantastic. And what I thought in that. moment was finally, somebody's really. coming out and talking about the human. spirit. and the soul and our energy and who we.

really are as people, as just not what. we do, but who we are. And I think that conversation has been. missing in society. And I was so happy. that it was you. And I thought it was. perfect. I said, "This is exactly what. we need." And I was not surprised by. everything that has happened for you. I. said, "Of course this happened." You. know, and even. my husband Ted, when I told him I was. coming on the podcast, he said, "Isn't it phenomenal? Think about it,

how you started this journey with Jay. before he even put out anything. And. look at him. I mean, you're all over the. world. You're helping heal people. You're helping souls repair, which I think a lot of us forget that. our souls on our soul journey. are going to need to go into repair. sometimes." Mhm. And none of us want to go into repair. Mhm. But there's no way you're going to be on. the earth. and not have to go into repair. sometimes. Beautifully said.

know, we just do. Like and I say to. people, "How you doing after this?" "I'm. in repair." Mhm. I I'm in repair. I am. allowing my friends to heal me, life to. heal me, circumstances to heal me, but I am in repair. We have to make it. okay to be able to say and own, "I'm in. repair." I'm still going to show up, Mhm. but I'm in repair. Mhm. What a. beautifully beautiful way of putting it. Nicole, I want to dive in and I want to. start by asking you, what is your.

earliest. childhood memory or your most memorable. experience as a child that you think has. defined who you are today? Mhm. Well, Well, a couple of things. Uh one, my mom was very open to. various scriptures around the world. So, it didn't matter if it was a Hindu. scripture or Buddhist scripture, whatever it was, Christian scripture. She loved the idea of understanding. energy, your thoughts, your words, and. everything how it helps create and shape.

your reality. And I remember specifically there was. one time my Godfather Quincy gave me a. book and it was called creative. visualization. Now, granted, I was older. at this time. I wasn't a child. But, I'm. just going to this right now is that it. it was everything my mom had said, but I. found it on paper and someone was. saying, "No." And then I started doing. it. I started saying, "Oh, okay. If I. really say this all the time, this is. going to happen." But, I did notice my. energy shift and I did start to.

understand how the universe works. No, we can't control every single situation. We are in control of, you know, how we. respond to it, but. I think one of the earliest things that. I learned, the most important life. lesson, was that. we are all here to. share our blessings. I learned that. first hand as a young child to realize. with all these people, yes, they might. have been very successful and very. famous, but the difference with the.

group that I had. was that it was never about them. It was always about how we going to move. people forward. We have this door that. has been open for us. And our job is to make sure we keep the. door open for other people. And the. power that I got from that was there is. such a power in helping people get to. where they want to be, help them on their soul evolution. And. that has to do with being unselfish.

and aware and focused on progress, Um, moving energy forward and not staying. stagnant and not feeling that oh, if Jay. gets this or so-and-so gets this, then. I'm going to get nothing. No, I it's. there is a the lesson I learned was. there is enough to go around for. everybody because everybody is on a. different soul path and everybody has. their own mission. Mhm. No one can take. it away from any of us. No one they can.

try to come in and steer you off course, but Jay Shetty is Jay Shetty in this. lifetime. There is no other Jay Shetty. There is no other Nicole Amon. There. there's one of all of us and we get to. do. what we choose. to do. Mhm. And who we want to be is. even more important than what we do, but. who we want to be on this planet. Who. what do we want people to say cuz. believe me that another thing I've. learned now after my parents have gone. is. you know, everyone says, you know, you. don't take anything with you. We know.

that technically, but when you really. see it, I have everything. Everything's still there. My parents. didn't take one possession with them. But the beauty is is that everybody they. left their character. They left their. stamp on humanity. People smile when. they hear their names. People say thank. you. People write me letters about how. they changed their lives. So all of this. comes into the lesson that I learned is. that everyone's significant. and everyone's energy can help.

each other move to where we need to be. Mhm. Mhm. Yeah, those famous words again. which we've heard many times, but you've. experienced this and and you feel it and. I want to talk about some of. the honorings that you received for your. parents, but. Maya Angelou said that people will. forget what you did. People will forget. what you said, but people will never. forget how you made them feel. 100%. And we say this, we repeat it, you see. on Instagram, but.

then you've probably experienced that. very deeply that people have not. forgotten how your parents made them. feel. That's exactly it. How they made. them feel. And it's through the small. actions. It's the note. It's the phone. call. It's the text. It's the email. I'm. checking in on you. I want you to know I. love you. I've been thinking about you. These are all things that I've had to. relearn of oh, this is important. It's. not just about me and my feelings and. what I'm going through. I have people.

that I'm on my journey with that need. check-ins. That I need to say, "Hey, I'm. just thinking about you. I know you're. you're traveling and I know you you. know, things are going well in your. life, but I just wanted you to know I'm. thinking about you." Those little things. mean everything. Mhm. They mean. everything. Cuz you're not alone. And and you want. to feel as if you are important to. somebody. You want to feel that you're. significant. You want to feel that. you're seen. You know, you want to feel. that someone you want to that feeling of. being loved.

Mhm. changes everything. Yeah, that's what. we're yearning for. All of us. For. everyone who doesn't know, I'd love to. give them the the background so we can. really go deep into this conversation. You start this book by and I'm reading. from the book. You receive this news. Love, you've got to get up, get dressed, and get to Cedars. Your mom's been shot. I mean, every time I read that line as someone. who didn't know your family, every time. I read that line, I just.

only could put myself in those shoes to. even. try to imagine what that would feel like. to hear. Don't have. you you can't. You can't. It's something. that you've either been through or you. haven't. And so you can't fully. empathize. You can't fully understand. You can't no matter how hard you try, I. cannot imagine how difficult that is. Walk us through that moment so that our. audience can come with you on this. journey as we extrapolate it after it.

So, my husband had called me. It was. early in the morning around 2:30. And my phone had been ringing and I. didn't hear it. My brother had been. calling. And I And then, you know how. the your intuition gets you up. Something told me to get up and I just. happened to roll over. I looked at my. phone. I see all these missed calls from. Alex. And thank God my I was looking at my. phone because my husband called again. And Teddy said those words, "Love, I'm. so sorry. You have to get up." I said, "What's going on?" He goes, "You have to. get up. Your mother's been shot. You. have to get to Cedars." I'm like, "What.

do you mean she's been shot? What are. you talking about?" So, then I'm. thinking, "Oh, it must be 8:00 at. night." I was so. From that moment, I went into a whole. different sphere almost. I I just didn't. know where I was. And I said, "What are you talking about? Where was she?" And I was asking Teddy. all these questions. And he said, "Nicole, you have to get to the. hospital. I don't have any answers. I. just got this call. I'll meet you. there." And thank God he was in Los. Angeles. He was on a work retreat, but. he wasn't far. Jay, I froze.

My knees buckled a little bit and then. my heart rate just starts going and I'm. thinking, "Wait, what?". And I remember, you know, our dogs sleep. in the room and I'm looking at these two. sweet souls and you know, dogs pick up. on everything. So, they immediately jump. on me kissing me, licking me. And I just remember getting dressed. quickly, getting dog food out, feeding. the dogs, leaving the door open for. them, going out the back. My life changed. I knew whatever the.

outcome was at the hospital, that my. life had changed forever. That if my mom survived this, which I. was praying for, that she was 81 when. this happened, that. okay, this is so traumatic that I don't. know if she's going to be able to. function emotionally after this or. anything. So, I'm driving and. I'm on my way to the hospital and I'm. you know, everything's energy to me and. I have all green lights and the last one. I remember I was turning right on San. Vicente and it started flickering. Mhm.

And I just started for myself, I just. started talking. I said, "Mom, Mom, if. you can hear me, I don't know what's. happened. I know you've been shot. I. don't know by whom. I don't know where. I don't know anything. Mhm. But I'm on. my way and I don't know how hard you're. fighting or what happened, but you don't. have to come back if you can't, you. know? I just it all these thoughts just. and I and I remember saying, "I'll take. I'll I'll take care of dad. I'll take. care of everything.". I I think I was saying that Jay because.

I she always did that for everybody else. and so there was just this new energy. flowing through me and I don't even know. what I was talking about, but it was. keeping me sane because I had to you. know, I could I didn't know where to. park. I was in the wrong building. You I. was so discombobulated. I didn't know. what was happening and then. you know, I got to the hospital and I. was with my family and we waited and. unfortunately, I mean God bless her. She. was 81, you know, somebody had broken. into her house and she.

happened to be up so she they. encountered each other. Completely. opposite souls, completely. But she made it to the hospital, which I. love about my mother. Of course she did. Shot in the back, you know, with a rifle. and she made 81 and makes it to the. hospital and she just didn't make it. through surgery. Everything that I had. known for 53 years was just I felt that. it was just pulled out from under me. But then I became her. I decided, "Okay, I'm What would Jackie.

do?" You know, and I started delegating. That's I went into that mode, but the. shock and the trauma and the stress and. the fear. I mean I have there were veins I didn't. even know I had because they were all. It's just It's amazing with the body how. it responds to trauma. And then I just decided that day, "Okay, I have to decide who I want to be. in this moment versus what I want to. do." Because I kept saying, "Okay, I'm. going to do this. I have to do this. I'm. going to do this.". And then I looked at myself in the.

mirror when I got home from the hospital. and I said, "No, no, no, Nicole, who do. you want to be. in this time, in this trial?" Cuz now. here's a trial, and this trial is here, who do you want to be? And I just looked. at myself and I said, "Okay, I want to. be as courageous as possible. I want to. be as peaceful as possible. And I want. to be as helpful as possible." And I. just went downstairs as that woman. tended to my father, to you know, the. police officers who are at the house, detectives who are at the house. I mean, I it was like out of like a CSI,

you know, TV show. I'm like, "Oh my. goodness." You know how we all say one. day at a time? I tried that. I was like, "This is not. one day at a time. This is 1 minute at a. time. This is Okay, Nicole, every 5. minutes you're going to check in on. yourself. Let's just" And so I knew I. can get through 1 minute at a time or 5. minutes at a time. But when I said. tomorrow will be better, my whole body. was like, "No, no, no, I'm not going to. we can't live till tomorrow." Wow. That's how heavy the pain was. Wow. It. was too much shock. It was an energy.

that I'd never experienced before cuz it. was such a cruel energy on a such a deep. level and a violent energy that I had. never experienced it. So. I found myself in new territory. I've never heard. it put that well in terms of how heavy. it can be and this idea that we say one. day at a time. I. really hope that anyone and everyone. who's listening right now who is going. through their own version, their own. path of this sort of pain is able to.

simplify it to 1 minute at a time, 1. moment at a time. So I I already deeply. appreciate that. How do you think you. had. this ability, and I'm I'm assuming or. guessing that it also came from your mom. that you. could go upstairs and say, "I'm going to. be courageous. I want to be peaceful. I. want to be helpful." Like those three. words are not. accidental. They are very intentional,

powerful, special words. Courageous, peaceful, and helpful. How did you find that clarity so quickly. which could have taken months or even. years? Thank God it was my mom. It she. My mom was a big believer in in. vibration. And she'd always used to say, you know, your your soul emits energy. and you you have to think of yourself as. a radio tower. And you have to think of. yourself as a you know, as a station on. the radio or channel on the TV because.

you know, as long as you change the. channels, you'll get different. vibrations. We all see that. So, what. are you tuning into? She would always. say to me, "What are you tuning into in. your mind? What are you tuning into?". But she thought those those three words. are from her. She always wanted to be. courageous and helpful and kind. And. those were always her intentions of how. she was going to show up in the world. And it's interesting because she used to. say to me, "Courage isn't not being afraid. It's.

being afraid and you do it anyway. You do it anyway. You do the thing. you're afraid of while you're afraid and. that's when you're courageous." And and. it's so true. So, I just decided, "Okay, I I don't I have no idea what's. happening and I'm very afraid, but I'm. not going to turn my back to it. I'm going to go through it. I'm not going to have necessarily get. through this. I never put that pressure, but I am going to walk through this. season. I am going to walk through this. challenge with as much grace as.

possible. To the best of your ability. And thank you so so for recounting that. for our audience. And of course, as I've. said to everyone, I highly recommend you. get this book because not only is it of. course a Nicole's story, I feel what. Nicole does exceptionally well is. through and you can tell already from. the way she speaks and and for those of. you are listening and watching, Nicole, you have this way of bringing us. on this journey with you, but also. giving us these steps and insights along.

the way of how to honor people that we. love, how to learn from them, how to I. just what you just said now, like I. think this idea of becoming and being. the people we lose Mhm. is the most. beautiful way for them to continue to. live. with us and through us and live on. Yeah, I listened to part of another. healing step for me was listening to her. favorite music. Mhm. Every day I thought, okay, what did Mom. love? What music did she love? What flowers.

did she love? Anything that she loved, I. put around me if I could. So, the. orchids that she loved, the certain. color that she loved, I ordered them and. made sure I looked at them every day. because when I looked at them, it. reminded me of her and I smiled. Mhm. And it helped heal my heart, you know, and listening to the music cuz music was. so healing and it is so healing. And so, I listened to all her, you know, she. loved Johnny Mathis and she loved the. Commodores and the Bee Gees and she. loved really like Gordon Lightfoot. She. loved really easy kind music. Mhm.

And it did help me become more of her. It was really helpful in a lot of. rituals, you know, she loved taking. baths. My mom loved that and my mom was. always, "Get the magnesium, get the. salt, and get whatever. It doesn't have. to be fancy. Get in the water." Mhm. You. know, she was such a Pisces and I'm born. on her birthday, so she was always, you. know, "Take a bath. Soak it out." You. know, talking and I started doing those.

things. So, at night I I would take a. bath and and I started to talk to her. Mhm. As if she was there, as if I could. hear her even if I couldn't. I didn't. need to hear anything and it wasn't even. about so much feeling anything, but I needed to express myself. and it was very healing for me to act as. if she was listening. Mhm. And that she. could hear me, whether she could or not. Mhm. It was the act of doing it for. myself, Mhm. which was very healing.

That's so reassuring to hear. I was. speaking to a friend the other day about. their loss and they lost a parent very. recently. Mhm. And I recommended your book. because I really really do believe that. is my go-to recommendation when when. people have this experience and. they were talking to me, they said, "You. know, if my mom was here right now, she'd laugh at this and she'd do this.". And I was like, "That's it." I was like, you know, it was is and it's wonderful. hearing it from you. Like, I was like, "That's it." Like, you know,

how your mom would respond to what you. would say or what you would do. Like, you know that when you love someone so. deeply and so that doesn't have to. disappear. And it doesn't have to stop. No, it does. not. That's a really good point. It does. not have to stop. It changes form. Mhm. The energy changes form, but the energy. is there. My you know, we're spirits in. the material world. So, if we're spirits. in the material world and everything is. everlasting and the soul never dies and.

we all know that if you believe that, then. she yes, she's in a different form, Mhm. but she's still around and her energy is. with me. I feel her now stronger. than I ever did before. I really do. I I. I really feel her presence much. stronger. And even writing the book cuz. you know, she wanted to be a book. editor. And there were certain drafts I. I doing and I just put the pen down and. there and there was one night and I had. a dream and it was I just saw her red.

nails typing on the typewriter and I had. asked myself before I went to sleep, I. wonder if I should change that. paragraph, rewrite it and move it up. And it's I took it as a sign, which I. did, and I did move the paragraph, but. as soon as I saw her nails, her. fingernails on the the keypad, I went, "Thank you, Mom. I'm going to move that. Thank you for editing. You're still. editing in my life. You are still. working and it's just a different form. of energy and my girlfriend wrote me a. beautiful letter and she said,

"Remember, the best way to honor. anyone you've loved, but especially your. parents, is to live a full significant life. You. owe them a life. You That That That's the only thing you. owe them is is to live because that is. the best way to honor them. Is if they've taught you great things. and given you great lessons and given. you tools, go on and carry the baton. And even for. the ones who don't, let's say you don't.

have parents that were good to you cuz. there's that happens and you don't have. parents that show up for you, you can. choose to be different than they were. and show up as a completely different. type of human being in the world. I've. seen it, you've seen it. I've seen I've. heard about I've heard horrific stories. about abuse and and trauma and neglect. and these young people have chosen to be. very different from what they received. from their parents and I have such. respect for that.

cuz that's hard. It's hard to carry on a memory if your. memories are terrible and when that. happens, then your job now is to I have. to create new memories. Yes. Yeah, people by their actions. are either showing us how to live or how. not to live. not to live. And. Oh, yeah. I can definitely identify with. that, with the home I grew up in. I was. just taking notes my whole life of how. not to be a dad, how not to be a.

husband, how not to be a person in the. workplace, how not to be a family. member. Especially in the workplace. Yeah, especially yeah. Yeah, I had I had. people around me all the time where I. would say, "Ooh, okay. So, when I when. I'm older and I'm working and I have. this position, I'm definitely not going. to be like that.". And then there were certain people where. I'd take notes and I'd say, "I want to. be just like Carol. Yeah. She's great. She's so helpful. She's so patient. She's so you know, and. then serving. I mean, I was a waitress. for a long time. My parents had me work,

you know, since I was 10 and 13 and and. just on and on and on. I sold shoes. I. worked at a dry cleaner. I did the My. mom would say, "I'm throwing you into. these experiences because to your point, people will show you who they are. And you can learn how you want to be, but the only way you do that is when. you're in interaction with others. And gosh, especially serving people. You see all the I saw the best of people. and I saw the worst of people. I was. either completely.

just non-existent. or somebody took the time to be really. kind and smile at me and ask me how I. was. And so, you become very sensitive. to it. Yeah. You know, and Tony and Sarah, you know, my my step kids with Ted, they they're. the same. Sarah, I threw her into. waitressing and she said, "My gosh. Some. people don't even see me. I'm nobody to them." And I said, "Now. you know and she Now she's very. sensitive as a young adult. When we go. to restaurants, did you make sure you.

tip this? Did you make sure I mean, she. looks at the waiters and waitresses all. the time. She looks at every server. "How are you? How's your day? How are. you?" I mean, she's so engaged, but to. your point because she's experienced the. opposite. And she took notes, "I don't want to be. like that." Yeah. so beautiful. I was. reminded as you were talking about you. said this beautiful statement of you. know, we're we're spirits in the. material world having this experience. and therefore energy lives on and. there's this beautiful message that you.

receive. You say, I'm reading from your. book if you don't mind if that's okay. So this is page 53 for those who are. reading along with us and think you'll. be happy. And. you say a a few days after my mother. died, Pharrell Williams called. He's. like a brother to me. He's family. And he says, we're going to celebrate. your mom. He said, we're going to. celebrate her legacy. She's a big deal. and we're not going to let anyone forget. her. She created a life worth talking. about. Do you realize that hundreds of.

thousands of babies were born around the. world the day she passed over? There are. 140 million a year all around the world. Life is always continuing, Nicole, and. you must continue her life by living. yours to the fullest. And he concluded, God is still the greatest. And you said that Pharrell says this all. the time through good or bad times and. he's right, God is still the greatest. What I find really unique about your. journey, Nicole, as well is that you. were able to keep and strengthen your.

faith in your own spirituality, in the. way you practice it at a time when it's. very natural. and I would never judge anyone if it. would actually veer them away. Right. And just say, no. No, exactly. Yeah, what do you mean? Yeah, what do you mean? Like it's over. I've been so good and I've had so much. faith and how can this happen, you know? And as I say in the book, it's like why. not us? It tragedies and trials and. everything, it happens to, you know, as.

it says in scripture, you know, it rains. on the just and it rains on the unjust. It's everyone kind of gets hammered. But. it goes to the power of choice for me. and the reason that I grew stronger in. my faith as opposed to leaving it. is because I really do believe that the. universe has kind of laid it all out. Life is laid it out. Various scriptures, you know, your Buddhist script. Everything is laid it out which says. here it is. You're on this earth and then kind of. here here is how you play this game, but.

these things we're not going to lie, these things will show up. But the power. of free will, which my mom always. reminded me about of, is that, you know, listen, we as human beings do have free. will. We have we have the freedom to. choose how we're going to live, choose. how we're going to think as opposed to. any other animal. You know, they don't they don't have the. power of imagination and choice. We do. So, to blame. the creator for the choices that people. make is not something that I wanted to.

subscribe to. I was like, I'm not even going there. People make choices all the time. I I. see it every day. We all do. People. who've had the worst childhoods make. great choices, have great lives. I've. seen people who I grew up with in a very. affluent neighborhood make the worst. choices. And it had nothing to do with their. environment. It was their choice. So, I wanted to stay my faith for me really. was believing in something that is so. much bigger and greater than me that you.

know, swing you know, the stars come out. at night, I'm not in control of that. The earth is spinning, that's not my. power. You know, the birds wake up every. morning, the sun is up, the sun goes. down. That's a power that is I yes, I'm. a part of that and I'm connected to it, but I did I'm not the creator. And so, I just decided to to lean in more. with that power and just say. okay, I accept this.

I don't understand it. I may never. understand it. But I still do love life. Mhm. And I. still do believe in life and the. goodness of people and the goodness of. life. And I don't want to get bitter. That was. my main Jay, I was so afraid of becoming. a bitter person and I could feel the. root. I could feel I could feel it. starting. And I was like, no, no, no, no, I got to. get rid of this. I I and that's where I.

just went into. the forgiveness of not condoning the. behavior or not uh saying, "Oh, it's. okay that this happened." or making an. excuse. Forgiveness for me was I am. casting this burden or these burdens of. anger and shame and doubt and. disappointment and frustration and fury. cuz I was furious. And I thought, but if I hold on to these. feelings, I'm going to sink myself. Mhm. And I'm not giving anyone the power.

to take me out. No, I'm not doing that. So, I'm going to stand in my faith. I'm. going to believe in what I believe in. and I'm going to believe in life and I. am going to I choose to believe that. things will get better. I don't know. when and I don't know how. Mhm. I didn't. care. Mhm. But I knew that they would. and I believe and I'm a big believer in. tomorrow. I love tomorrow. Mhm. I do. I. really do. I'm always thinking, okay, cuz if I don't get it right, I'm like, oh, there's always tomorrow. Mhm. And it keeps me hopeful. Tomorrow. keeps me hopeful. I don't try to stay.

out of the present, but I do look for. you know, my mom always used to say, "You have to have something to look. forward to.". Because otherwise you if you if you. don't train your mind to and I'd say, "Well, I have nothing coming up that I'm. looking forward to." and she used to. say, "Make it up.". Make it up. Pretend you have some party. to go. Pretend you have some whatever it. is that something that's going to make. your heart smile because we can all fall. into despair. very quickly. I I love that. That just. brought a massive smile to my face. It's. it's so beautiful how how someone's.

energy and spirit can be so big that it. can, you know, truly live on and and. truly truly be felt and shared. It's. Yeah, there's this beautiful line that. you share uh from your friend Penny Yes. grief is the receipt from the universe. showing that you loved someone or. something and loved them very deeply. Isn't that the best? When she reminded. me of that, I said, "Okay, wait, say it. again. I have to write this down. Say it. again. That is so good." Yeah. But she. said, "Baby, that's what it is. It's a.

receipt. And it could be your mother, a. father, a sister, a brother, a dog, cat, whatever. Something that you love that. is no longer there, that has changed. form. Even if it's the most peaceful. transition, the grief is proof that you. loved. Mhm. You know, the grief is most of the. time. And there's a lot of grief also. where there's regrets and all that. I. understand that. I and I respect all. forms of grief. But it is.

it's a receipt. Yeah, a receipt that you loved and you. were loved. was loved. Yeah, deeply. Yeah, deeply. This one. line in the book, you really. I just felt it was per-. perspective-shifting in a way that oh, I. just I just feel like that statement. just like, you know, you just embodied. and captured. everything. And you said that even. though. your mother's death was shocking, her life was beautiful. So, imagine even. though the end was. so terrible, her life was beautiful. And.

that's what you're celebrating. That's. what you're putting emphasis and focus. and your light on. And I find that's. very difficult because when we lose. someone, it's so easy and natural again. and normal. And that's when it's normal. for us to obsess over how we lost. someone and how we left them, which is. the shortest amount of time we actually. experience the most mostly. Mhm. But we have all of this time, but. the brain and our memory, and our mind. is so. good at just fixating on the end.

The end, and and not the life. Yeah, was Yeah, so. And Yeah, and not the life. And I I had. to get to the end. So, I used to say, "But, but, but." And then I realized, "Wait, I can have both. This is shocking. and terrible and hurtful and I'm going. to celebrate her life and I'm going to. think of the good times and I'm going to. try and think of all the great memories. that'll bring a smile to my face." So, it was no longer a but. And once I. changed but to and,

I didn't have to choose which one. I was. going to do both and move through life. with the shock and the trauma and the. stress and the beauty of her life, the. beauty of how she lived, the energy of. what she gave. So, I was I was moving. with all energies. And it was only until I shifted, because. I was definitely in that but this. happened, so I don't know how I could. ever smile again. But this happened and. it was so tragic. And then as soon as I. said, "This happened and it's tragic and.

I'm going to think positively. I'm going. to think constructively." You know, my. dad always used to say to me, "Girl, keep your mind right. Keep your mind. right. Crucify your mind every day. You. got to keep your mind right." And so, that really helped me. You know, and. then my friend T.D. Jakes had called me. and he said, "I understand you're angry. Of course, it's normal to be angry and all the. things you're feeling.

But I have a question for you. Do you. want your focus to be on her last 5. minutes. or are you going to focus on the 81. years that she lived? And it's your. choice. And you have to choose every day. which one are you going to focus on? You're going to give him 5 minutes, the. 5 minutes and it trauma, or are you. going to focus on the 81 years? And I remember through all my tears I. remember 81 years, the 81 years. And it was but it was beautiful because.

he helped me shift and I had to go to. that every day. It wasn't like he said. it one day and then but every day and. every time it was very challenging for. me Jay and every time I did want to. quit. And there were days where. I didn't stop all the time but you know, sometimes you have to push pause in. life. And there were days where I would. lay in the bed and just lay there and be. still and think. or not think and just lay there. And I. but I still decided. to focus on her 81 years and to focus on.

what I loved about her and to focus on. her contributions to life and society. and other people and how she made people. feel. So powerful. That shift for me. was, you know, I was like that I can. that's something I'd like to remind. myself every day with the with the. people that I've lost. Like that that. really felt like a real gift. That that. gem of advice and insight. Thank you. You know, again another natural thing is. especially in a circumstance like this. is to focus on how to get justice.

On, you know, how to make sure that the. perpetrator and the. person gets what they deserve and are. found and like they they and that that. again is a very normal reaction. It. makes sense. How did you navigate that. at the same time as navigating grief? Like walk me through that because. sometimes we lose people naturally. This. wasn't that. This was, you know, so it's. an additional kind of. energy direction because here you are. dealing with loss but then you're also.

dealing with. an individual who's, you know, acted so. recklessly. Yes. And I thought, "Oh my. god." And my And my father broke my. heart one day because he said, "Oh boy.". Because they hadn't caught him yet. And. he said, And then he was curious about that. obviously and like wondering, "Oh my. god, is this person still around?" My. dad immediately went to other people. He. wasn't just focused on my mom. He. immediately went to. "Oh my gosh, I hope this person is not. hurting somebody else." Because he's. obviously shown he's he can do this. He.

He does this. But I still I had to present on behalf. of my mom and the family to the judge, you know, what my intention was. And it. really was, "Listen, you know, whatever. the divine justice is going to be in. this. I'm not the divine justice here. But I will say that my intention was I. want to make sure that this doesn't. happen to another family. I don't want this to happen to anyone. else. I don't want other people to feel. that. So, if I have any little way of.

just stating that and making a. difference, that gave me something to. live for, actually. Can I try in my little square, can I hopefully stop this. from happening to other people? And thank god that that he's not on the. streets, you know, because there's a lot. of reckless people on the streets and. and a lot of violence today in various. different forms. And it's really heavy. And it's so unnecessary.

And it's um cruel and unkind and and but. I like your it's reckless. Yeah. It's I. mean, it's horrific. It's horrific and reckless and but it. happens to so many people in so many. different ways. And I don't think people. realize, you know, what it you know, we. see the science of what it does to. families when there's a tragedy. It. could be a child drowning or a car. accident or anything. And families. sometimes fall apart. And I understand.

why. And Ted and I had to look at each other. and I I sat with my dad and I said, "Listen, you're going to come live with. me. I'm never leaving you. We're going to be locked up. You're. You're going to be my road dog. Wherever. I go, you're in the car with me. Whatever my life is, we're just going to. merge. Mhm. But I had to sit with Ted. And I had to say to him, we had to look. at each other in the eyes. I said, "Listen, this is horrible. And both of us are. grieving in very different ways.

But we have to make a decision and look. at each other in the eyes right now and. make a commitment to each other that. we're going to walk through this and no. matter how hard this gets, and no matter. if any each of us want to bail, I I'd. under but we're not going to. We're going to stick this out. I've got. your back. You've got my back. We're going to be here to take care of. my father. And my intention was. we're going to give him a space where he. feels loved. and honored. and safe and seen. Mhm. And if we can do.

that, then we've done our job. Mhm. But we. have to have a commitment. Because the. pain is so deep, Jay, and I I see it. now. I used to read articles like, "Why. would they They had a baby." And I. understand this tragedy, but why would. they divorce after that? Why would they. Oh, I get it. Yeah. Until you go through. it, I get it. Because the shock is so. insane. It's It Your brain isn't the same Your. heart's not the same. Your brain's not.

the same. Yeah. And And And that's. another reminder to us all where it's. like if we haven't been through a. experience, how not to judge, how to. take a step back, how to be. compassionate. But when I hear you. being able to take a step back to the. point of view of saying, "I want to look. at this from the point of view of how. this will not happen to someone else.". That's like model behavior. I mean, that. that is that is such an elevated. spiritual space to come from that you're. not going, "I think this person deserves.

this because of what happened to this.". Mhm. You know. Which would be fair. Like that would be. totally fair. There'd be nothing wrong. with if you felt that way. But the fact. that you could come from a place to say. actually I just want to make sure it. doesn't happen to anyone else again. And. And I believe actually after. the unfortunate event at your home, like. he went off and did did more that same. day, like 40 minutes later. So you were. very right to actually have that. feeling. Yes, that news was crazy. And so one of.

my friends, Amy, who's in the book, she's the one who went to the house and. got my mom's things for me and got the. Bible, found her Christmas card, all. these things. Amy shows up at the house. that afternoon and she says, "I am so. sorry I'm late. I heard about your mom this morning, but. we were woken up last night by. helicopters and sirens. Right next door. to my house there was a home invasion.". And it was craziness and the guy shot. himself and there was madness and blah. blah blah and we were all out in the. streets. She's going on and on and I.

said, "Really?" She says, "Can you. believe in the same night it happened to. your mom?". She comes over 24 hours later, white as. a ghost, eyes wide open. And I said, "What's. going on?" She said, "Uh remember I told. you. that there was a home invasion next door. to me?" And I said, "Yes.". She said, "That was the same person. That was the same person that left your. mom. and showed up right next door to my best. friend.". Just that out of all places. Out of LA.

is pretty big. Out of all things. But. the energy and the connection and and. interesting enough, I had this huge. crystal. that I had bought for myself and I. couldn't figure out the right place to. put it. And it happened to be Amy's. birthday coming up and I was on the. phone with my mom. This was months. before she died, maybe 6 months before. she died and I said, "Mom, I don't know. what to do with this crystal. It's so. gorgeous, but I don't have the right. room." And Ted's like, "What are you. doing with that big thing?". And she said, "Well, didn't you say you. didn't know what to get Amy. for her birthday? Why don't you give.

that to Amy?". I said, oh I absolutely will and of. course she had put it right in her. backyard on the fence line. of where all this so Amy just felt my. mom everywhere. It just but again of how. we're all connected. and you don't even realize that out of. all places but yeah he did this to. someone else and that family was. traumatized. There was a young girl in. the house. So I think that also helped me knowing. that story. knowing that there was a teenage girl in.

the house and she was petrified and all. this and thank God nothing happened to. them but that it is about other people. too that this didn't just happen to us. That's why I went to the place of. okay there's so much trauma here. My. prayer is that it doesn't go any. further. You know I'm I'm listening to. you and obviously I read the book and. I'm hearing just. it's almost like your mind you allowed. your mind to naturally go to all of the. the buts. but then you found like that tiny crack.

of light and that breakthrough and. you've kind of found your way there and. and I for everyone who's listening I can. see Nicole nodding and it's like that. that feeling that we often have is like. the the amount of light that's shining. through is so small like the teeny right. like the tiniest gap. Yeah like a little nail like a little. head of a nail oh yeah Yeah it's not. because it just looks dark and. you know one of the biggest ones that I. think a lot of people again naturally. feel are. why me. I could have done this I should have. been there like that can just.

you know I've heard that like destroy. people inside because. going to use that word it will destroy. you. Yeah It will destroy you. And I. felt it you could feel the destruction. in your soul. that emotion? I immediately said you. know why not me first I was like okay. we're human we're in a human experience. and. bad things happen around the world to. really good people all the time bad. things happen to bad people it's it's. everybody right? You know it's funny my. mom used to she loved the theater. She. loved stories. She loved film,

television, and song also because her. point was each of these mediums. most of them, especially film and. television, is showing you the hero's. journey. You are the hero of your story. But you don't go to the movie because. you know the ending. We all go and we. pretty much know the ending in the. trailer. But we go cuz we want to see. the middle which is the challenge, which. is the butt, which is what do I do? Am I. going to survive? The decision, the. turning point, the pivot.

So the pivot for me was everything. because I thought, right, mom told me. this. Like things happen. People make. decisions every day. You know, you've. got laws on the books now, you know, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, all these. things. But that happened, those good. things came from a very. tragic place. And it is looking for the light at the. end of the tunnel. It's really grasping. for. that light, looking, even if it's teeny.

I was looking around like it's got to be. there somewhere. And some days I didn't. see any light. I have to be honest. There were some days there was no light. I felt it, but I didn't see it. But. there were some days where I just was. sitting in darkness. And sitting I felt. like I was sitting in mud. And just or quicksand. And it just was. heavy. And those were the days that I thought, okay, I've got to now purposely look for. a little light. And I would go outside. and I'd sit in my yard and I would stare. at the flower. I would sit in nature and.

I would look at the trees and I would. watch the birds and I would watch life. I would watch the sunsets every day. I. never looked at them every day. I took. advantage, I took that for granted. Oh, there's a sunset, oh, you know, a couple. times a year. Oh, every day since my mom. I would watch the sun go down. I would. make sure to watch that sun go down. because it reminded you there is a cycle. of life. And the sun's going to rise again. And. if I knew the sun was going to rise. again, then I knew I was going to rise. again. You know, the more disconnected. we've become from nature, the harder it.

is to acknowledge the natural. transitions and the natural. seasons. rejuvenations, the seasons, the. the ability for things to wither and. then Yeah, and then come back. come back and. And my mom died, you know, in the it was. winter. It was December 1st, and I. remember I just trimmed back everything. and pruned everything and everything was. barren. And then I remember in April, everything. that I had cut back, everything was. re-blooming, showing up again, gorgeous,

and it had pushed through. that it was that harvest time. You know, there's seed time and there's harvest. and there's this growing time. And I. understood growing pains. That's where I. was like, "Oh, this is what growing. pains are. This is what this means. Okay.". But nature helped because the seasons. helped me. As I guess it was rainy and it was dark. when she passed, and then a few months. later the sun was coming out, the the.

weather had changed, the flowers were. out, the hummingbirds were around. And it was a reminder of this too shall. pass. Like things will continue and you. have to go on with life. Yeah, and and. of course, while you were writing this. book, I believe it was when it went to. print, you also lost your father at that. time. And he knew you were writing the. book. He was reading Was he. he was into it. He was great. He was. pushing me to write because he knew it. would be cathartic for me. And I said, "Daddy, I've been writing. this book, but Mommy's died, so I'm.

going to put this away." He goes, "No, no, no. I want you to write about. Jackie. I want you to write about life. I want you to write, Nicole." And he was. so I was so happy to have his presence. in my home because yes, I was taking. care of him, but he was really taking. care of me, too. And Ted, like you like. you would just acknowledge, he had just. lost his father. So, to have a patriarch. back in the house when Ted is grieving. the loss of his own father, to have my. father's energy was great. And my dad. was a real doer. I mean, he was always. moving and shaking and and getting.

things done. He never really sat down, never really relaxed. And he said to me, "You have things to. say in this book, and you'll help. people, hopefully." You know, and he. What I loved is I could just This book. is about an being an offering. It's not about business right now. This. is an offering, Nicole. Write your book. Finish your book. Your mother would want. you to finish the book. And I said, "I. know, but I don't know how to pivot. this." He goes, "You'll figure it out. You can throw Jackie in there." But, he. did read it, and he read five chapters.

for sure. And then he said he flipped. through a lot, but he was so proud, Jay, because he knew his legacy and my mom's. legacy were not going to be lost. And he was a big believer in history. and legacy. And he said, "Every. generation has the responsibility. to honor the generation before them.". Of all races, of all religions, everybody who sacrificed. The greatest.

way to say thank you to the people that. you will never have met, you can't say. thank you to, is to honor them by. taking the baton that they've given you. and live your life. That's why my dad's. big thing to me growing up was you. better use your freedom wisely. I didn't. have the freedom that you have. We're. living in the same lifetime right now. Yeah. I didn't have what you have. I couldn't. go to school I wanted to go to, didn't. go to the hospitals I wanted to go to, couldn't get the health care, nothing. I. didn't have your rights, but I did not.

stop because you are the promise. And. you, Jay, are the promise. Like all all. our generation, everybody is the promise. You think of. all these wars that have been fought and. all around the world, and it's for a freedom that the Western. world has and war is not pretty, it's. ugly, it's unfair, all of it's unkind, it's all nothing great. But the truth is. it has happened from the beginning of. time. Mhm. So I think I love that my. father reminded me use your freedom. wisely and and remember your ancestry,

remember the people who came before you. and remember that you are the promise. Mhm. You are the promise. So show up. Your parents are phenomenal. They're just unbelievable. so it's so funny cuz they were so. opposite and I was I told somebody today. my dad was Archie Bunker from All in the. Family and my mom was Queen Cleopatra. and they but their energies got together. and they made magic. Yeah. And they were complete opposites. But I just love how clear they were.

in their communication with you Yeah. that today their ideas are so clear for. you and they're so coherent for you. Not. just that you can repeat them. You know, when children can repeat smart things we. get impressed. But when we become adults, we don't get. impressed by repetition. We get impressed if someone can actually. live and apply the ideas. Apply the ideas. be living and applying the ideas in this.

much at a time of such. horrendous pain. that. speaks volumes to just how deeply your. parents taught you these incredible. Yeah, they they really wanted to make. sure I never forgot and took advantage. or took for granted what I had. You. know, and the blessings that I had. Yeah, there was one line in here about. the blessings that I loved because you. have an area called the blessings of our. ancestors. Um but no, actually it was this it was. this that I wanted to pick out. This is.

for anyone who's going to be reading the. book as well. This is on page 99. Uh I know now that my parents, my mother. especially, truly were preparing me for. a terrible day like this. The lesson was this, it's not about the. loss and the death, it's about the life. The dash between the dates, as my dad. would say, that there is truly the art. of living. Yeah. The fact that you. believe that your parents were preparing.

you for something hard and difficult. Yeah. It was a subconscious knowing, but. I would always say to them, "Does. everything have to be a lesson? Why does. everything have to be a lesson?" It felt. like every day I came home, "I got it. Can we just Can I just go to soccer. practice and come home and eat dinner. and go to bed?" And there was always a. lesson, but my dad would say, "You come. with a number and you end with a number. What are you going to do with your. dash?". And it was all the time. And because.

they had seen so much tragedy. And my. dad, I mean, he's born in 1931, segregated America. He has seen his fair. share of tragedy. So, he didn't want me. to be ignorant to the ills of people. He. had already grown up with it. He had. seen it. He was taught, "Don't Do not. look up in the sky because you might see. someone that you know who's lynched.". That That was the world he grew up in. But the beauty of him is that he still. found a way to look at the great things. of life. He still felt, "I have. something to do in this life." He still. felt, "I'm significant." He still felt,

"I'm going to go out and fight for my. rights and fight for the rights of other. people.". And so, he wanted to make sure that I. didn't become complacent. Mhm. And I So, I think a lot of their lessons have. reminded me of my history. There was so. much pain or history in general of all. people, of all races, cuz my mother. loved, you know, what you know, we all. say now like cultural appropriation. She's like, "It's appreciation. It's. appreciation.". Because she she believed that you have. brothers and sisters all around the.

world. that you're connected energetically. They're going to be different races, different religions, different genders. It doesn't matter. You're still. connected. And they they were really big. on that, which I love. But with that. came the history of a lot of people. Mhm. And so that's why I think they were. preparing me because I saw. with all the great history of every. culture, there is also so much pain and. trauma that got them to the promised.

land. Yes. And so my mom that's what I meant by. that that they had prepared me because. they gave me this appreciation. of every culture that has been through. something horrific. And yet they still. chose to live and they chose to to still. be good and do My mom's prescription. always was, be good, do good. Be good, do good. That's That's it. Start there. You know, she'd always say, I'm going to start there. What do I do. with this? Be good and do good. And even. right after she passed away, I went to a.

restaurant and. the hostess was really rude and I was. still fresh in my trauma and she said. something to somebody and I remember I. pointed my finger at her. I go, no. Hey, wait. Stop that. And she said, oh, I'm so sorry. I'm so. sorry. But even though I was quote in. the right, I walked in and I could feel. my mother inside of me saying, you don't. ever put your finger in somebody's face, Nicole. Don't you ever put your finger. in someone's face. So I remember walking. over to the owner of the restaurant. I. said, I'm really sorry. I just want to.

take ownership of this. I did do this. I am very sorry. I have apologized to. her. It was rude. And it doesn't matter that just I just. want to own this. And he thought, you. don't have to apologize. You You're You. really I go, no, I really do because I. can feel my mother. And I And I You. don't want to be haunted by her, but I I. could just hear her saying, doesn't. matter how if An eye for an eye doesn't. work. So just cuz she was rude doesn't. mean that you have to go and be rude,

you know? So, and that's what I had. done. She was rude, so I said, "I'm. going to get you back." and I'm waving. my finger and I could feel My mom used. to say, "An eye for an eye does not. work.". We all know that. It's proof it doesn't. work. The karma doesn't settle, you just. create more karma. Yeah. You just create. more karma. Yeah. Yeah, so it doesn't work. It. doesn't cancel it out. We think it's. going to cancel the karma and all it. does is make more karma to get over. Yeah, it's really fascinating how I'm so. glad you went there. I I feel like. we we're so convinced that if someone.

does something bad, then we can react. however we want. We're justified, but. not realizing that it just creates more. negative energy. It doesn't perpetuate. Yeah, it creates more chaos. Yeah, there's nothing positive that. comes out of an eye for an eye. We think. that there is, but it doesn't. At the. start of this interview, Nicole, you. said you're in repair. I love that word. I think we're all. at the workshop. Yeah. Yeah, I like that. We are at the. workshop. Yes, we are. getting repaired on and, you know, being.

renewed and refueled in so many. different ways and I. Do you still cry? Yes. A lot. Just the other day I saw. something and it reminded me just right. there. It was this drag all a bunch of. dragonflies. It was like a beehive of. and I've never seen that before. And my mom loved dragonflies. And I when. I tell you I burst into tears, but deep. cry. Like belly. Cry. And I do cry a. lot, but it's helpful for me. Because.

I've noticed the times where I want to. stop crying like oh, Nicole, it's been. 20 months, stop crying. No, it's and and. it and it does release. It's a release. and that's why I think that the creator. gave us the ability to cry, to to move. that emotion, to get that emotion out. and to to honor the emotion, to look at. it for what it is. Because until I cry, I don't really know I feel about things. until I do cry. And then I realize, oh, that really did make me feel this way or. it did hurt me. I didn't realize how. much that hurt me until the tears come.

I'm so glad you said that, yeah. Yeah, the crying is important. And and I. actually will play music sometimes that. I know will make me cry if I'm feeling. stuck and I know that as soon as I get. this out, it's going to create a space for new. energy to come in, but you know, once. once you have that hard stagnant energy. and if you don't move it, new energy. doesn't get to come in. And Nicole, you've been so generous. by sharing your journey with us today.

and I'm. really just appreciate how you've been. down every normal, natural. path that anyone would. mentally and emotionally and spiritually. after this and you found the end at the. end of every path. You know, when we get. to the end of every path and it feels. like there's nothing beyond it and then. you found the end, which is that. extension that we all need to find. And. I I genuinely, genuinely, genuinely.

believe that if anyone has someone they. love, this this book is a toolkit, it's a. guide to give someone the transformation. that we know is possible, but I I am in. awe of how you've responded and been. able to channel your parents in this. very difficult time. It's. it's so easy to say it and share it but. to to to use it at this time is is. beautiful and I I pray and I meditate. that anyone who reads this book receives. the the courage that you have,

the peace that you have gained and the. helpfulness for others to pass on what. they've gained as well. Thank you. I. appreciate that. Nicole, we we end every On Purpose. episode with a final five. These are. questions that have to be answered in. one word to one sentence maximum. Okay. And I believe it will be a really. useful exercise because I think we'll. even discover further. So, Nicole, Evan, these are your final five. Oh, boy. The first is, what is the best.

grief or advice you've received during. grief? Love. Love matters. That game changer for. grief. Healing balm. And what would you. say is the worst grief advice or words. to hear during times of grief? I know. how you feel. Mhm. I've said it so many. times to people. I mean, I had to learn. I was going through my own thing going, "Oh my god, I've said all the wrong. things and done all the wrong things.". But. it's just a reaction that we all say. Yeah, it's because when we say we.

know, we actually limit the other person's. ability to share. share. Yeah. Yeah, so it's over. I know how you feel. I'm like, "Oh, well, I can't even tell. you how I feel or I can't even call on. you to come and sit and talk with you. and and talk this out cuz you already. know." Mhm. Yeah, there's no chance for. me to feel understood or seen. Seen or yes. or loved because. Heard any of it. Yeah, cuz you already. know. Thank you. That's really. beautiful. I wanted to ask you these. three words you so eloquently chose.

Third question for you is, walk me. through when you needed grit, Mhm. when. you. required grace, and when you chose. gratitude. So, you can give me one for. each. So, Uh the grit showed up for me. on this journey right when I got the. news. I had to pivot and I had to, you. know, grit for me is is a hustle. It's a. pivot. It's an action. And I had to have. grit to move through these terrible. times where I just wanted to sit down.

and do nothing. And I had to I had to be. present and on and figure this out. Mhm. The grace. was. choosing to forgive. Mhm. Choosing to. give up the anger and the frustration. and the pain and giving it up to a. higher power and not letting it poison. me. So, that was the grace. Mhm. And the. gratitude was being so grateful that I. had. two parents.

who paid attention to me and supported. me throughout my life and and I didn't. understand a lot of things when I was. younger, you know, they were a little. more strict than other parents and a. little more disciplined and all this, but thank God that I had uh parents who. who did show up for me even in. disagreements, even in hard times. I. never once thought they weren't going to. be there for me. Mhm. And that's what I. was the most grateful for, that I had I.

that I had them and my friends and my. friends that showed up for me. I'm. grateful that that's when I went into. the gratitude of my gosh, people are. showing up for me. And people are taking. care of me. Mhm. Thank you. Thank you. beautiful. Question number four, two. left. Mhm. Question number four, what was your. most frequented prayer? I would say over and over again, my. grand it was my grandmother's prayer, which is today is the day the Lord has. made and I choose to be glad and.

rejoiceful. Mhm. And I just I choose to. be glad and rejoice in it. Sorry, that's. it. And she And I'd look at her like, okay, Grandma, whatever. She used to. just sing the song and she'd be cooking. her food and and but I found that. because it was repeated over and over. again and I overheard her when I spent. time with her and I and it was that word. choice and I choose to be glad and. rejoice in it. Mhm. So, I just thought, okay, I can do that, too. I I don't feel. like it. Mhm. And nothing is showing me.

that I should be joyful or glad, but I. choose to rejoice in and choose to be. glad and then I found things to be glad. about. That's how you found light even in the. darkest of. how I That's how I found it. I I really. was and then my big mantra was, you. know, I'm just standing in my faith. I'm. standing in my faith. I would say that. over and over and over again even though. I didn't really believe that I was. I. just said it over and over again because. I needed to create some solid platform.

under me. Otherwise, it felt like. quicksand. Fifth and final question, Nicole, we ask this to every guest who's. ever been on the show. If you could create one law that. everyone in the world had to follow, what would it be? The golden rule. Nicole, uh again, so grateful to you for. coming on on purpose. For everyone who's. been listening or watching, the book is. called Think You'll Be Happy. I want you. to find out why it's called that when. you read the book. That's why I did not. ask the question. It's It's a beautiful. reason why it's called Think You'll Be.

Happy. The book is full of so many more. stories, deep texture of explanations behind. things Nicole shared with us today. Please go and grab a copy. Share it with. a loved one. Share it with someone who's. lost one when you don't know the right. thing to say or the right thing to text. If you feel the person is ready, offer. this to them. Uh like I said, I'll be. offering it to and have already been. offering it to friends. I wrote here as part of my testimonial, this book should be required reading for.

anyone wanting to understand how to. trust in the light even at the darkest. times and I truly mean that. The book by. Nicole Avant, please of course clip and. cut as you always do TikToks, Instagram. reels that resonate with you, that. connect with you. Share them across, spread them because I hope you felt the. energy that I felt by sitting here. I. want you all to feel it and I want you. all to share it because. even if we're not going through. something like this right now, I know. this energy will be extremely healing.

for those who are. So, please pass it on. and and call them so grateful team. Thank you. grateful to you. Thank you. much. Thank you. Thank you. If you love. this episode, you'll love my interview. with Dr. Gabor Mate on understanding. your trauma and how to heal emotional. wounds to start moving on from the past. Everything in nature grows only where. it's vulnerable. So, a tree doesn't grow. where it's hard and thick, does it? It. grows where it's soft and green and. vulnerable.