Good Grief | Dr. Matisa Wilbon | TEDxAlexanderPark

Grief is an inevitable part of life. We grieve the loss of jobs, the loss of opportunities, and the loss of loved ones. Although grief is difficult, this talk identifies ways you can find the good in it and challenges you to view grief as a gift. Dr. Matisa Wilbon earned her B.A. in Anthropology/Sociology from Centre College in Kentucky. She received her Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Sociology from The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. As a sociologist, Dr. Matisa Wilbon studies people and patterns of behavior. Neither her research nor teaching experiences could prepare her for the very personal journey on which grief would take her, but her training would teach her how to respond to it. Taking the audience from grief to gratitude, Dr. Wilbon shares how the power of gratitude is underestimated and underutilized. Simply choosing gratitude is life-changing and life-affirming even in the face of death. Dr. Wilbon is a classic introvert who loves to read and travel. She is wife to her wonderful husband, Mr. Lawrence Wilbon, and mom to her amazing children, Deshawn and Taiya. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@CaboniaBelieves]

That was beautiful. ❤ It sounds like this entire talk was built upon the foundation of personal experience. Her knowledge about grief informed, alerted, and guided her to a great and important question in conclusion. ❤

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Thank you so much!

[@EnriqueHolmes]

Grief is a deep sustained sorrow that robs us of joy and time… sheesh😩😭

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

🙌🏽🙌🏽 So tough!

[@anitapatton8527]

Wow!!! Who is this stunning glowing Woman?? This is the best hands down 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾❤❤❤

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Thank you so much. ❤️

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Thank you for your thoughtful comments. How do you deal with grief? What resonated with you most in the Talk?

[@charmanesellers7265]

Dr. Matisa, BRAVO!!!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 in delivering a powerful healing message about to topic, as you mentioned, all will experience in some form. I’ve navigating what I’ve been informed is Complicated Grief in the sudden loss of my husband. The Universe is amazing in that I finally chose to find a way to give voice to my grief and share in hope it would be of benefit to others, and sought out an expert in TEDx Talks to help me organize my thoughts to deliver in a compelling way. Your message and delivery is OUTSTANDING and please know that you’ve touch my spirit in the most healing of ways as I go through yet another layer of grief to embrace wholeness again. What a magnificent gift you’ve shared with the world. 💖

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

@@charmanesellers7265 wow! I’m so glad the talk resonated with you. I’m praying for your continued healing. May you find the good in your grief. ❤️

[@dueseason72]

… Absolutely wow! I wasn’t sure if I was gonna watch and finish it. I’m grateful that I did. My twin son, Mike passed away 20 months ago , unexpectedly from a motorcycle accident at age 22. Talk about grief; working with grief, living with grief, consoling his twin brother and supporting him through his grief and mine, supporting his big sister with her emotions and grief, being supportive to their father, my ex-husband it was a lot and still can be.. Reflecting that soon, it’s my second Mother’s Day coming up without my son , along with my birthday, their birthday all in May just days apart.. I appreciate your transparency and your deep seeking and there has been Good in Grief. I too choose to be thankful , grateful to have been this kid’s mom, to love him, to encourage him, to see him be wise , make solid decisions, to have helped and touched people I didn’t realize until his passing; to watch him just beginning the young adulthood season of his life to having the longing to see him marry , to see grandchildren that could have been twins , to see him come into his own… and yea it sucks , it does , I also appreciate the moments we had down to his sarcasm sharing Bible scripture to make his points lol. I will always love that boy and as I cry now even , I have seen the Good in Grief. Continued prayers and support. Thank you 💙🕊️

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

I’m so sorry. Know that I am praying for you. 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@adreaneley2024]

Dr. Matisa, I heard you praying on an a new album and it’s been on repeat honestly. I had to do some research to find out who you are. I’m blown away by your greatness and your anointing. After listening to this “Talk” about grief it explains the power behind the prayer. 🙏🏾 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥😮‍💨

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

@adreaneley2024 🙌🏽 Wow. Thank you so much. I am so glad the Journeys Album blesses you. And I’m equally glad you found this talk. I pray it helps if there is ever a need. 😊

[@EmemWashington]

Such a great perspective on grief. Thank you for sharing this, Dr. Matisa. Gratitude is my go to too.

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Thank you!

[@g.burney4714]

Exceptional Dr Wilbon . Your Ted talk reminded me of my grandmother who I lost 20 years ago I miss her so very much. When she passed away i was devastated. However through that pain I was able to write a book about her life. “What My Grandmother Taught Me About Life “My grandmother gave up her life at the age of 49 years old to take care of me. If it had not been for God I not sure where i would be. The Lord saved my soul, my grandmother saved my future. Blessings to you Dr Wilbon

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

So beautiful! Thank you for sharing for memory about your grandmother and your book. That last line is it: The Lord saved my soul, my grandmother saved my future. Powerful! Blessings right back! :)

[@ahareldeleon4558]

Just listened again ! Thank you ! 😊

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@missmekka]

Thank you for sharing Dr. Matisa! Very encouraging talk, I'm still grieving somethings. Choosing gratitude is a great perspective.

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Thank you so much!!!

[@candaceduvernay2302]

The transparency in this talk helped me break through some of my own barriers to dealing with grief.

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Thank you so much!

[@anniehosfeld59]

Beautiful. Bravo. 🙏

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Thank you!

[@qforgiveness]

I love a grief and gratitude Journal, Dr. Matisa. That is a great idea!

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Thank you!

[@goodgriefgreatmourning]

This is my life! Amazing how different people from different places can have the same experiences in grief. Thank you

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Thank you!

[@marciabrumfield8783]

This story really blessed me. I to loss my mom to cancer. I’m moving forward in Faith . Thanks for being an inspiration

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

So glad! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽

[@jeanmichel8368]

I'm still in grief over the loss of my father over a year ago. So many emotions, and been feeling overwhelmed, unable to talk or communicate with others. I feel so broken and don't know what to do.

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

I'm so sorry, Jean Michel. I can't 100% understand your pain but I empathize with you. I encourage you to journal or create audio files about your feelings. It can be for your eyes/ears only. But it will help you get it out. You might also consider starting the gratitude journal. Best wishes.

[@jeanmichel8368]

Thank you for your compassion and advice Dr.Matisa. What you said about anger in your talk really resonated with me. I know I need to be more grateful, because I do have at least two loving people in my life (my mother and sister). Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed that I feel like I'm trapped all alone, but I can't forget that I have people who care for me.

[@oliviasimmons8069]

Dr. Matisa, this is SO GOOD! I can relate to this entire TedX Talk! Thank you for shedding LIGHT on that there’s GOOD in Grief! I’m definitely SAVING this video to help me in my journey!!

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

❤❤ Thank you so much! Glad it resonated.

[@jayjayboi_1236]

Thank you for your words, it helped me to understand that gratitude can be your friend!

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

So glad!!!

[@candicesimon2132]

Dr. Marisa, love the transparency.

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Thank you! I hope it resonated.

[@lavernewilbon34]

Great message on grief. Dr. Matisa you've done a phenomenal job!! Grief is hard. But it's something you can get through. Thank you

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Thanks, Sis!

[@maleekahollaway311]

Dr. Matisa! Thank you for sharing this with us. Phenomenal!

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Sis! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!

[@veraparker7145]

Excellent job! Thank you for sharing your heart!! Grief and gratitude!!❤

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Thank you so much!

[@elsonerkelseyjr.9983]

Beautiful Dr. Matisa! Wonderful insight…😊

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Thank you!

[@iam_chelsea_ea]

Excellent talk Dr. Matisa! Your words truly resonate with me as I’m opening up to see the good in grief. I too lost my mother to cancer and shortly after her passing my younger brother passed away unexpectedly. Thank you for sharing. Your words have and will continue to touch many lives. Radical gratitude is one of my biggest takeaways from the talk.

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Yes! 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@CamilleEssick]

Love her! This was so good. ❤

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Thank you! ❤️

[@latrinal3706]

Excellent Ted Talk!! I can definitely resonate with a lot that she is speaking about! I’m still grieving my “normal” child that contracted the West Nile Virus..which resulted in his disability. Thank you🙏🏾

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

You’re welcome. I’m glad it resonated! 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@lai_2670]

one of my favs !💕

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

❤❤

[@yourbestdash]

Yes!!! Excellently done.❤

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Thank you!!!

[@adeliajohnson5765]

This is sooooo good and helpful!!!! Thank you Dr. Matisa for this wonderful talk!

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Thank you so much!

[@lawrencewilbon5361]

Such a great perspective! Thank you for your transparency ❤

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Thank you!!

[@joyalowery9975]

This was so helpful!!! Beautiful job!!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Thank you so much!

[@olivetreepartner9592]

Great message and topic! Thanks for sharing.

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Thank you! ❤

[@reese3966]

EXCELLENT!!!!

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

Thank you!

[@jeremiahworrell]

13:39 What good could you find if you gave voice to your grief and allowed yourself to move in new and unexpected directions?!? 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@DrMatisaWilbon]

🙌🏽🙌🏽