"Cold Dark Room" Press Release
Life After a Deadly Fire
Jennifer Bichanich’s life came to a screeching halt when she heard that her home (left) was on fire with her husband trapped inside.
She shared her amazing testimony of hope and perseverance that taught us all some amazing insight.
Here are some key take-aways that will help all of us live better, more intentional, lives:
When someone in the center of your target is grieving, one of the best things you can do is be a gatekeeper for who can communicate with them right away because that can be overwhelming.
Remind yourself of positive truths like, “I am loved” and “I have joy” by writing them on post-it notes and sticking them on your mirror - even if you don’t believe it at the time.
Remember that grief is cumulative! Be prepared for past losses to come back up and require some attention.
Join a community like the Modern Widows Club where you can be surrounded by people who can relate better than most.
I loved talking with Jennifer and know you will, too. She helps people connect the dots of moments, memories, and experiences to gain clarity in their life and live the best version of themselves. So if that resonates with you and you’d like more information, connect with her!
Jennifer@JenniferBichanich.com
Instagram @JenniferBichanich
Catch the replay on FACEBOOK or YOUTUBE -
I hate death - I really do. I wish so badly we lived in a world where death didn’t exist and that tragic stories like Jennifer’s never happen.
But since we can’t change that, we must focus on what we CAN do. I am so grateful that this show allows us to learn more about how we can help others, and ourselves, navigate some of life’s hardest blows.
Thank you for being here and for continuing to spread the word of this show. I am so grateful for YOU!!
Lean Into Legacy
"What's the one thing I wish someone told me after my mom died when I was 13?"
Answer: "LEAN INTO LEGACY! As much as it may hurt, leaning into your grief on hard days is what will make you feel more connected, grounded, and grateful."
But HOW?
First, check out the show I did on March 2, 2021. in honor of my grandma’s angelversary that was that day, I wanted to talk all about legacy:
Second, follow these steps below and be sure to share with a friend!
New Single, "Light a Candle For Me," Will Release on February 5th, 2021
On February 5th, 2021 I will be releasing my very first solo-produced single, “Light a Candle For Me”!
This song was written with my amazing fans in mind. The more people I interviewed on my weekly show, The Healing Half, the more messages from I received from my fans about how they were not only resonating with the stories shared, but also realizing how much loss they still have to work through.
And I can relate - there was a lot of loss in 2020. In March of 2020, I lost my amazing grandmother who helped fill that “mom” role ever since my mom passed away from cancer when I was 13.
So knowing my own pain and hearing about how my original grief song, See Me, encouraged people to heal through music, I wanted to write a song for my fans that can be played for special times of the year when grief is particularly strong: birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, etc.
Similar to the style of “See Me,” this song is written from the perspective of the loved one who has passed away. I chose this type of conversation because I believe the “me / you” language is the most impactful for healing and having it come from their loved one allows the message to resonate on a whole new level. “Hearing” from our loved ones in the form of song helps remind me that their spirit lives on, and for some, that makes all the difference.
However, the song strays from “See Me” in a few ways. For starters, Light a Candle For Me was written, sung, produced, and mixed / mastered entirely by me, whereas “See Me” was put together in a studio using both studio musicians and vocalists.
I wanted the vibe of Light a Candle For Me to be “angelic” and “comforting” in hopes that it brings healing to everyone who listens. Created and recorded from home, this song has over 12 different parts that allowed me to achieve the sound I was going for.
I can’t WAIT for you to hear it! You can “pre-save” this song by clicking HERE, and make sure you’re on my email list because I will be sending a special “Light a Candle For Me” gift to my fans the day of the release (along with the lyric video, youtube link, spotify link, and more)!
For more information on Light a Candle For Me and “behind the scenes” videos, be sure to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram!
Featured
New Year, New... Grief?
When a new year begins, culturally we programmed to reflect on the year that passed, set intention for the year to come, and, most obviously, CELEBRATE! Champagne, parties, crowds - you get the idea.
And while that is fine within itself, not everyone is happy the year is turning.
When someone we love dies, one of the hardest parts is experiencing things that they will never be part of. It could be a new house, a new vacation, and yes - even a new year.
Recently I broke down crying in my car after I realized this year would be the first one my wonderful grandmother wouldn’t get to witness any part of. Even though I had already dealt with a lot of “firsts,” it still stings that she isn’t beckoning in the new year like the rest of us.
So… what do I recommend doing for someone who is hurting this year?
For starters, give yourself permission to feel whatever you are feeling. Be extra kind to yourself.
Set time aside to journal why you miss them and what you were looking forward to doing with them this year. (Psssst - My Heart Still Remembers can really help!)
Share some of those thoughts with someone you love - let them in and let them support you.
What about if you know someone who is hurting?
Let them know you’re thinking of them! Acknowledge that you know this new year might be difficult for them.
Ask them how they are feeling, what they'll miss, and just listen.
Encourage them to keep digging into those feelings by continuing to share and give them resources like this grief workbook.
Remind them that they aren't alone. Get something on the calendar they can look forward to!
And in a world that encourages us to make resolutions that make us feel bad about where we currently are, be sure to a) not do those, and b) make one of your resolutions to accept you grief journey exactly where it is at.
My 2021 goal is to continue to put out songs, shows, and articles that help people learn how to lean into their own grief better. If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for my email list on www.mikispeer.com so you can get all the resources delivered right to your inbox.
All my love,
Miki Speer
MY FIRST CHRISTMAS… MOTHERLESS
I was in 8th grade when my first Christmas came around without my mom. I was in full denial mode the winter of 8th grade. It had only been about 9 months since she passed, and yet I was passionately trying to convince myself that I was “fine.” I could see the pity in the teachers, adults at church, and neighbors eyes as they all asked how I was doing. Even though talk at school had calmed down, I still could feel a few kids look at me with sad eyes as we headed home for break.
