A Conversation with Cheryl Amari, Grief Specialist and Author of "Why I Don’t Wear High Heels When Grieving: Musings on Loss, Hope, and Resilience"

What is a "good death"? Cheryl Amari, M.A., C.T. has been talking about grief-related topics with people of all ages for almost three decades. She knows what a "good death" is and what all types of grieving entails. Her work as a high school teacher, mortuary college instructor, grief coach and workshop facilitator has helped countless individuals learn how to grieve well and live well. As an entrepreneur, Cheryl started her own grief business to offer hope and healing through education. She supports people of all ages, through conversation and specialized workshops, as they navigate times of change and transition. She currently works as a hospice bereavement coordinator and public speaker. Cheryl holds a Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling (from Boston College, Maria's alma mater) and is Certified in Thanatology. She is a member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling and the Hospice Foundation of America. She has written blogs and articles on various aspects of grief, as well as her newly released book, Why I Don’t Wear High Heels When Grieving: Musings on Loss, Hope, and Resilience.  Why I Don't Wear High Heels When Grieving is a down-to-earth guide to coping with loss that examines grief with a wide lens to include death, but also non-death losses such as chronic illness, job changes, frayed relationships, infertility, financial struggles, and stressful situations. With an unexpectedly cheeky tone, Cheryl draws upon her personal experiences and her work as a bereavement specialist to present contemporary research and grief theories through examples, real-life stories and illustrations. In this eye-opening book, the nuances of grief are explored in a life-affirming, hopeful and even entertaining manner. Topics covered include: Modern theories that go beyond the "five stages of grief" Differences between grief and depression What it means to have a "good death" How grief affects our bodies, minds, behaviors, spiritual life, and social connections Why an attitude of gratitude may be more detrimental than helpful The role that gender, societal expectations, and other factors play in our reactions to loss Politics and social justice in grief Meaningful rituals that aid in the healing process Cheryl uses candor and wit to debunk myths and emphasize that grieving well is the key to living well. A unique three-step approach with practical strategies helps readers deal with any type of loss. Summarizing statements and insightful reflection prompts at the end of each chapter encourage a deeper understanding of grief and greater self-awareness. Readers discover that even in the midst of doubt and despair, there is a path forward. Cheryl uses her energy and creativity in her grief work and also in her role as a tap dance instructor and choreographer. You can find her performing at senior living facilities or anywhere there’s an audience! She joins us from the Boston area. If you’d like to book Cheryl for a grief presentation or interview, contact her at [email protected].