The Robyn Engelson Podcast
Ever wish you had a life mentor with over decades of experience whispering million dollar tips in your ear? That’s exactly what you will get each week when you tune into The Robyn Engelson Podcast. I’m your host, a sought after burnout recovery coach for high-achieving women and help you heal from burnout and survival mode, so you can reclaim your energy, joy, and rediscover your voice. Each week, I bring you inspiring guests, insights, and tools to empower you to be energized, compress time, and start living instead of existing.
Episode Title: How Do You Rebuild a Life After Unimaginable Loss?
Host: Robyn Engelson
Guest: Kelly Buckley
Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by Kelly Buckley, author, speaker, and fierce advocate for gratitude and resilience. Kelly opens up about her deeply personal journey of loss after the sudden passing of her 23-year-old son, Steven, in 2009.
Instead of collapsing under grief, Kelly leaned into it with the help of gratitude. From scribbling on the back of an envelope to writing bestselling books and building communities, Kelly has transformed pain into purpose.
This episode is a powerful invitation to normalize grief, reclaim your voice, and find hope—even in the darkest moments.
You’ll learn:
How gratitude helped Kelly survive the unimaginable
The meaning of "balanced grief" and how happy and sad can coexist
Why being present is essential during grief
How writing and storytelling can be tools for healing
Tips to support others through loss, without needing to “fix” them
How to normalize grief for children and families
Memorable Quotes:
“You can stand at the edge of the abyss, and still choose gratitude.” – Kelly Buckley
“The cost of hiding grief is losing connection to yourself and to others.” – Kelly Buckley
“You can’t heal what you won’t feel.” – Robyn Engelson
Actionable Steps for Listeners:
Start Small with Gratitude – Try writing just one thing you’re grateful for each day—even in the hard moments.
Let the Steam Out – Talk about your grief. Normalize emotion. Let others in.
Support Without Solving – When someone is grieving, show up. Text, write a note, sit beside them. Your presence matters more than your words.
Teach Presence – Model mindfulness for kids. Show them how to sit with feelings, not run from them.
Final Thought:
You don’t have to be “okay” to move forward.
As Kelly reminds us:
“Gratitude won’t erase your pain. But it can carry you through it.”
What listeners have to say:
“Kelly’s story cracked me open. I’ve never heard someone speak so honestly about grief.” – Angela P., mother
“I lost my brother two years ago. This episode felt like someone finally understood.” – Marcus R., teacher
“The idea of ‘normalizing grief’ is something I didn’t know I needed until now.” – Rachel M., C-Suite Exec
These stories remind us:
Grief isn’t weakness. It’s love in motion.
We heal when we stop hiding our hearts.
True strength is found in softness.
Where are you holding grief?
What would it feel like to honor it, without rushing it away?
Tag us, DM us, or share your story.
We’d love to hear what this conversation stirred in you.
Loved this episode?
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Connect with Kelly S. Buckley:
Facebook
https://www.kellybuckley.com/
About Kelly S. Buckley:
Kelly S. Buckley is an author, speaker, and advocate for gratitude and resilience. With years of executive experience in healthcare, Kelly has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of hope and healing, both in professional settings and personal journeys.
Her writing is deeply rooted in her own experiences of loss and renewal. Through her three books, Gratitude in Grief, Just One Little Thing, and The Path-A Guided Journal From Pain to Purpose, she has guided readers through the intricacies of life’s challenges, proving that even in the darkest moments, light can be found.
Kelly also hosts the popular podcast-Broken Beautiful Me-Stories of Hope, Gratitude and Resilience.
Her work blends wisdom, authenticity, and the practical application of gratitude, offering readers tangible ways to embrace resilience.
Her passion and purpose is teaching the art of living with gratitude, helping others navigate adversity with grace and strength. Whether leading discussions, writing, or speaking, she encourages people to redefine their perspectives and transform pain into purpose.
Kelly is dedicated to building communities of support and inspiration, reminding us all that gratitude isn’t just a reaction to joy—it’s the foundation for finding meaning in every experience
Connect with Robyn:
