Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick's Path from Loss to Hope

by Elizabeth Berrien

Grief is often perceived as a dark and lonely journey; as a result, it is a topic we avoid in today’s society. Within a 20-month period, Elizabeth Berrien endured the loss of her stillborn son and the subsequent death of her husband on active duty in Afghanistan. She found herself a 27-year-old widow whose life had been shattered. In this book, she shares the experiences, the wisdom, and even the joy she gathered on her journey from grief to hope. Creative Grieving offers support and encouragement while acknowledging that there is no “right” way to grieve. Elizabeth tells you about the emotions she experienced while grieving in an ”instant gratification” society, the importance of self-nurturing, the balancing of grief and motherhood, the redefining of community and relationships, and the discovery of new passion and meaning.Her authentic account of grieving will empower you as you cope with loss. Along with Elizabeth’s personal stories are pieces of “Hip Chick Wisdom” from a community of women, “Creative Hip Chick Ideas," and a list of helpful resources. By reading Elizabeth’s story of vulnerability and courage, you will learn how to find your own creative way of moving through grief to hope—uncovering gifts along the way.www.CreativeGrieving.com and www.TheRespite.org

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 2, 2013

About the author

Elizabeth Berrien is the co-founder of the non-profit The Respite: A Centre for Grief & Hope (www.TheRespite.org) and also the founder of the organization Soul Widows (www.SoulWidows.org) for widows age 60 and under. Her book, "Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick's Path from Loss to Hope" is a Winner in the 2015 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

Her journey through grief began in 2008 with the loss of her son at birth, followed by the death of her husband, a soldier, in 2009. With a fresh, personal, and candid voice, Elizabeth takes an integrative approach to the grief journey by incorporating innovative practices she learned through the Model of Heart-Centered Grief. She believes that as people process the loss of a loved one, they should look at themselves as a whole person—body, mind, and soul—and that each individual has the ability to access her or his own creative path. Through her story of loss and hope, Elizabeth discovered the paradox of grief and joy: namely, a person cannot have one without the other. With relatable wisdom and an edge of humor, she continues to inspire and empower others who are coping with grief by sharing her story, facilitating support groups, writing, and speaking.

Elizabeth is a co-author in the book In the Spirit of Abundance (Hay House, release date July 2013) and is featured in the book Bounce Back Women by Meryl Hartstein (release date TBA). Elizabeth is a Certified Creative Grief Coach™. She resides with her family in Charlotte, NC.

Reviews

[Shannon Pilcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick's Path from Loss to Hope is a deeply moving and compassionate exploration of grief that challenges the common misconception that healing follows a predictable path. Drawing from the unimaginable losses of her stillborn son and her husband while he was serving in Afghanistan, Elizabeth Berrien offers readers something far more powerful than advice, she offers authentic companionship. The result is a heartfelt guide that acknowledges the complexity of grief while gently illuminating the possibility of hope, purpose, and renewed life.

What immediately stood out to me was the book's unwavering honesty. Rather than presenting grief as a series of neat stages to overcome, Berrien embraces its unpredictable nature, allowing readers to see that sorrow, love, anger, resilience, and even moments of joy can coexist. Her willingness to share her own vulnerability creates an atmosphere of trust that makes readers feel understood rather than instructed.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its emphasis on finding a personal path through loss. Instead of prescribing a single method of healing, Berrien encourages readers to discover what restoration looks like for them. The inclusion of "Hip Chick Wisdom," creative ideas for processing grief, and practical resources broadens the book beyond memoir, transforming it into a meaningful companion for individuals navigating their own unique journeys through bereavement.

Another compelling aspect is the way the book redefines hope. Rather than suggesting that healing means forgetting or moving on, Berrien demonstrates that hope can emerge while honoring the people we have lost. Her reflections on motherhood, self-care, community, relationships, and rediscovering purpose remind readers that life can gradually expand again without diminishing the love they continue to carry. This balanced perspective offers both comfort and encouragement to those who may feel overwhelmed by loss.

What lingers after the final page is the reassuring reminder that grief is not something to conquer but something to navigate with grace, patience, and self-compassion. Creative Grieving: A Hip Chick's Path from Loss to Hope is a profoundly encouraging resource that offers comfort to grieving hearts while inspiring readers to believe that hope can quietly emerge, even after life's deepest heartbreaks.