Alex’s passing broke me, and alcohol became my crutch, amplifying my emotions and fueling reckless choices. The day after he died, I was prescribed Klonopin, which dulled the pain but trapped me in dependency. As an empath, I absorbed every ounce of grief, and it nearly consumed me. Three years ago, I chose sobriety—a raw, wrenching decision that meant grieving Alex all over again without a filter. Two years ago, I freed myself from Klonopin, facing depression and stress head-on. It was a grueling journey, but I found healthier ways to cope: journaling to untangle my triggers, meditation to find peace, fasting to reset my body, and time in nature to ground my soul. Loving on my animals—those chickens, dogs, and even the squirrel—brought joy back, as did time with my grandsons, who light up my heart. I urge anyone facing grief or stress to avoid substances that amplify emotions; they only delay healing. These practices reshaped my mindset, helping me live with intention and honor Alex’s light.
Running six companies while grieving could have shattered me, but it became my strength. As an empath, I’ve always led with heart, but grief deepened my ability to connect. Today, I have low employee turnover because I lead with purpose—listening, empathizing, and fostering growth in my marina, restaurant, and campground teams. I balance work with helping Lacie with her boys and home, showing up with love as she navigates single motherhood. My spiritual practices, like meditation and connecting with Alex’s signs (222, rainbows, a random Jeep) seen by my family and friends, fuel my leadership. In this section, I’ll share practical HR and leadership strategies, like managing stress without substances, building resilient teams, and leading with empathy in demanding roles. Whether you’re a professional, parent, or someone grieving, these posts will offer wisdom from my journey as a COO, mom, Mimi, and lightworker.
Alex’s signs—222 on a clock, a double rainbow, a Jeep tied to someone he loved—light my path and touch my family and friends, reminding us love never dies. Sobriety and self-care let me #LiveMoreLikeAlex—with courage, joy, and an open heart. This “Work Life Wisdom” section is for you: leaders, parents, or anyone seeking balance amid chaos. Expect 1-2 posts a week, like “3 Ways to Lead with Empathy” or “Stress Management Without Substances,” with tools (journaling prompts, meditations) and resources to dive deeper. Join me: Visit http://www.livemorelikealex.com for more blogs and resources.
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