Jayme’s Story
“The wound is the place where the light enters you.”
-Rumi
My story begins on July 5th, 2020, when my beloved mom, Sara Kotler, passed away. Until then, I hadn’t truly grasped what grief meant. Despite experiencing loss in my teenage and young adult years—family members on my mom’s side passing away relatively young—grief was never something we openly discussed. Life just moved on, with only brief moments of sadness on significant dates.
But losing my mom was different. Her death forced me to confront grief head-on, shattering any illusions of continuing to live an inauthentic life. Suddenly, staying true to myself became non-negotiable.
Questions overwhelmed my mind: Who am I without my mother by my side? Am I truly hearing her voice guiding me? What does this loss mean for my future?
This loss was a wake-up call, tearing me apart and driving me towards a profound journey of understanding grief and spirituality on a deeper level.
My journey? It included the end of my 24-year marriage, shifting family dynamics, and evolving friendships, leaving me feeling unsafe in the world. I felt misunderstood, alone and SO sad. Yet, I committed to the process of healing. I poured myself into journaling, meditation, therapy, consultations with psychic mediums, walks in nature, visits to my mom's grave, reading books, listening to podcasts, and immersing myself in grief-related content online. I even pursued certification as a Grief Educator, driven by a relentless pursuit of understanding my emotions and the newfound enlightenment within me, seeking clarity on how to navigate this new life.
Through this comprehensive journey, I gradually found healing. I cultivated self-love and adopted a life filled with purpose. I encountered the concept of synchronicities and spiritual bonds, finding value in every moment. I welcomed the belief that our loved ones continue to exist in some form, finding solace in ongoing connections with my mother. Throughout my experience with grief, I embraced authenticity, fostering a life rich in love, joy, and spiritual fulfillment.
After deep soul-searching and my own healing journey, I realized my purpose: to assist others on their path to healing. I’m here to provide guidance, support, and the wisdom I’ve gained along the way.
What is a Grief Educator?
In the summer of 2022, I completed a certification program created by renowned grief expert David Kessler, earning the title of Certified Grief Educator. This certification has equipped me with unique tools, methods, and decades of research-backed insights to help individuals navigate the often overwhelming and misunderstood journey of grief. A Grief Educator is dedicated to providing compassionate and informed grief support. Through specialized training, we offer more than just sympathy; we bring a deeper understanding of the complexities of grief and the unique challenges it presents. Grief is not a problem to be fixed but a journey to be navigated. My role is to walk beside those in grief, offering guidance, education, and most importantly, a safe space for healing.
What can clients expect when working with me?
When working with me, clients can expect genuine empathy and a willingness to sit with them through their pain. I offer compassionate wisdom paired with practical tools for coping with grief and loss. My goal is to create a space where clients feel safe, seen, and supported as they embark on their unique journey of grieving and healing. My comprehensive approach to grief addresses the emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects of healing. I offer personalized support tailored to your unique journey, providing practical tools and resources that foster resilience and growth. By integrating my deep understanding of grief with professional expertise, I ensure that you feel empowered and equipped to navigate your grief and find renewed purpose.