Healing with Community, Mindfulness, and Purpose: A Path to Wholeness | Dylan Demery | TEDxCSU

[@xanderselester]

The emphasis on community is everything. It seriously makes all the difference when you have people who support you through the tough times.

[@miyahnna]

The part where she realized she couldn’t text Tony anymore was absolutely heartbreaking. It’s those little moments that make grief so real and difficult

[@IWonaMillion]

I'm kind of surprised by how moved I am by this. What a beautiful way to honor Tony and still be connected to him.

[@keeserevin]

I could totally relate when you talked about feeling like you weren’t really achieving anything in the first year, just surviving. I've definitely been there and it's weirdly comforting to know other people have experienced that too

[@brandyocraveiro]

man, that part about just surviving the day after losing Tony, I felt that deeply. sometimes that’s all we can do. just get through the day. your strength in sharing this story is so appreciated.

[@DyDemery]

Thank you so much, I appreciate that. Yes, you are right. We have to give ourselves the grace and the space to just survive when the grief is so heavy.

[@annerossiter]

Laughing for the first time after Tony's death really struck a chord with me... I remember that moment after losing my mom, it felt so weird but so necessary.

[@kotakgmasuk]

delivering this talk on the anniversary of her husband's death takes some serious strength. not sure I could have done that but I guess it speaks to how far she’s come

[@DyDemery]

Thank you for saying that... It was one of the hardest things I've done since he passed.

[@elainarogers]

the way she talked about purpose changing over time really makes me feel better about still figuring out my own path.

[@DyDemery]

When I did this talk, I really thought through all the different purposes I uncovered throughout my life and how they have changed and evolved as I have changed and evolved. And it's wonderful knowing that your purpose can shift and it's totally okay.

[@malyka4215]

Those photos at the start are so adorable. So clear the love you had for each other 💜💜

[@emmashubert]

so agree.

[@avagrutel]

I think this shows that even in the darkest times, there’s a way forward if you’re willing to take the steps!

[@DyDemery]

I agree! It can be really hard but that first step is everything.

[@tedbuden]

Such a beautiful story. God forbid but if anything happened to me I would hope my wife would have a journey through healing like this one

[@aerosiskell]

Wow what an amazing path to healing. I think Tony is still watching out for you ❤

[@DyDemery]

Me too. :)

[@angrybeagles4108]

I've been going through a really tough time lately, and this talk was a reminder to me to keep moving. Thank you.

[@DyDemery]

Sometimes it's all you can do - take a step and move. Sending healing thoughts your way!

[@sonthibutsalee]

I had to pause when you shared about collapsing in your car after realizing Tony wasn’t there. That was such a raw moment, and it reminds me to not take the little things for granted.

[@IGiveRainbowKisses]

I loved how you talked about purpose changing over time. I’ve felt that in my own life. you don’t always know where you’re headed, but as long as you keep moving, the path reveals itself

[@lynnecousins]

I love how she emphasized taking baby steps! I had a pretty bad accident a few years back and my healing journey has taken so long but I've learn't not to add any negative feelings on top of that by dwelling on the time it's taking

[@EverDragMedia]

This is kind of incredible? To think it stems from her wanting to connect with Tony through his passions and hobbies in particular. I know so many people who will just avoid anything that reminds them of a loved one who has passed away

[@DyDemery]

So much of what I did those first few years was trying to connect with him through things he enjoyed but also trying to connect with myself and learn who I want to be without him.

[@thevictorfirsov]

The evolution of your purpose, from personal healing to professional achievements, is a powerful narrative. It’s a testament to how life can change in unexpected ways and the importance of staying open to new opportunities

[@DyDemery]

Thank you and I totally agree! I try to keep myself flexible because our life experiences can really take us anywhere we want to go... we just have to be open to it.

[@stanforeman3951]

I felt your pain as you described losing Tony. It’s so touching to hear how you found solace and meaning through meditation and fishing.

[@DyDemery]

Thank you! I had no idea that fly fishing would help me heal. My dad passed in June and I took myself to the water as soon as I could and felt so much peace.

[@thegutcheck]

I can’t imagine how tough it must have been to lose your person like that. But the way you found healing and now purpose in something that was dear to them as well is really amazing

[@Joyspout]

Hearing her talk about using Tony's fishing gear got me so emotional. It reminds me of when I wore my grandpa's old jacket after he passed. It's like keeping a piece of them with you.

[@DyDemery]

It really is. I still carry his fishing license with me every year.

[@williammathews1648]

I think this just goes to show there are so many ways to grieve and honor someone's memory. Props to her for finding such a holistic one.

[@DyDemery]

Thank you!

[@offbeatbirdy3307]

It's true that meditation helps with grief. I started doing yoga after my divorce and it's been a game-changer for my mental health.

[@northcosca]

This is a great reminder of the resilience we all have within us. It might take us a while to find it but even in our darkest times there's always a way forward.

[@cool-cat-guy]

I can't even imagine what it would have been like to lose someone you were that close to for so long. Turning the grief of that into a source of strength is really impressive and powerful

[@jackanslow]

her talk is a good reminder that there's no "right" way to deal with loss. It's just a journey we all need to take

[@BagofSwag]

It's amazing how you transformed your pain into something so beautiful. Meditation and fly fishing as healing tools is a unique and heartfelt approach.

[@DyDemery]

Thank you! My father passed in June and I found myself on the water a few days later, it’s still my go-to. ❤

[@cooltidbits]

your story about using Tony's old fishing gear was so sweet, especially wearing the oversized shoes. it’s those little details that show how connected you stayed to him

[@nanburkhardt]

The story about you using Tony's gear, even his shoes that didn't fit, is so freakin cute. Good on you for taking those steps.

[@mystermix]

oh boy that story about her leaving work had me in tears, it really is the little things we do daily with our loved ones that make it so special. I'm so glad she had someone to reach out to and that her sister responded in that way.

[@kristyphoney]

It’s interesting how different people find healing in different activities! I would have never thought of fly fishing as a form of meditation but it makes sense, especially her connection to it

[@audreylstamford]

I've never thought about fishing as meditative experience before but I can absolutely see why it would be, and so beautiful that it connected you to Tony.

[@DyDemery]

Thank you. My dad just passed away 2 months ago and I found myself on the water less than a week after he died - it was so cathartic. I'm grateful I've found this option, it's truly magical!

[@braydenteagan5572]

this talk reminded me of the importance of leaning on your community. I’ve been through tough times too, and having friends to share the load with makes all the difference

[@pavlova4727]

I appreciate that you didn't shy away from talking about the hard times. Healing is not cyclical and having the courage to admit you still struggle some days makes this way more relatable.

[@emmashubert]

needed, so needed, thanks Dylan

[@rahataleem6544]

This kind of strength in the face of loss is a beautiful side effect of something tragic. I admire how you’ve channeled your grief into positive change and found a new path 💜

[@thejanicej]

This is such a beautiful story. Sad for sure but really lovely the way you found such purpose in something that meant so much to Tony as well.

[@Twitchisme]

Starting a business to address a gap in the market shows incredible initiative. It’s pretty cool to hear how you turned a personal challenge into a professional opportunity.

[@mariannemortimer7724]

Your openness about embracing change and finding new paths was really refreshing... It’s a nice reminder that flexibility and openness are key in dealing with life’s upheavals

[@1edty]

Such a powerful and moving story. Your journey from grief to finding new purpose is truly inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

[@DyDemery]

Thank you so much! I really think these things help me evolve as a human and finding ways to connect with others. I am truly grateful for the journey and everything I'm learning along the way.

[@dizzeedean]

Such a cool approach to dealing with her grief... my Auntie passed away last year and I've often thought about her and the things she loved doing. Maybe I'll give one of her hobbies a go and see what happens.

[@12100myts]

This is a beautiful story. The path to healing is never linear and it was really lovely to hear that yours has taken you on quie the adventure!

[@jennick4311]

I lost my best friend last year, and I'm still trying to figure out how to move forward and cope without her. Your journey gives me hope that I'll find my way too, thank you.

[@DyDemery]

I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, it’s so awful losing the people you love. Each person’s healing journey is different but I am confident you will find your way. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. ❤

[@Bubbly-Snowflake]

the integration of mindfulness into your fly fishing practice was particularly interesting. It’s a great example of how mindfulness can be woven into various aspects of life.

[@khloetaylor1674]

Love this, needed this

[@KellyLaneYoga]

Thank you.

[@archiefast]

Wow the story around the 7:00 mark about her laughing is so relatable. That first big laugh after a huge loss is so cathartic and yes, makes us hopeful again.

[@wadewilsonjr]

Science is now finally proving all this right.

[@smilingputin]

Interesting.

[@dare2dreamwithme]

It was poignant how you use November 4th for reflection and meaningful activities. It’s a beautiful way to honor Tony and keep his memory alive each year.

[@urdadiam]

Starting a woman-owned fly fishing business in a male-dominated industry is no small feat!

[@rafep]

This is obviously a really beautiful story but I'm struggling to find the universally applicable insights

[@someonednamessomeone]

I respect her story but was kinda hoping for some more concrete advice on healing and dealing with grief. There's a lot of her experience that just doesn't really parallel anything in my life

[@DyDemery]

I totally understand and I wish I had better advice to give. What I’ve learned is that each grief journey is different… there is really no right answer as you try to find your new normal. And honestly, your life isn’t really “normal” again after such a huge loss. But taking baby steps and trying new things to help you heal might help. Seeking grief therapy, meditation, or finding a way to work out your feelings (writing, art, hiking, etc.) are all things that can help. But I’m not an expert, just someone who went through it and am still going through it 15 years later. I truly hope you find what helps you heal.

[@izayahmayson]

Sorry only two weeks off to mourn your husband?? That's not right.

[@DyDemery]

Thank you. Yes, it was pretty wild trying to go back to work and be professional. I did eventually find the distraction helpful.

[@sk-banglabot]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@ihavebigpaws]

Could definitely relate to the way she talked about community support… my friends were my lifeline when I was going through depression, and their support kept me going when I couldn't find my own strength.