Transforming Grief into Grace, Gratitude, and Growth | Nicole Avant

Today, we are joined by Nicole Avant, author of “Think You’ll Be Happy: Moving Through Grief with Grit, Grace and Gratitude”.
Nicole opens up about facing unimaginable challenges, including the loss of her beloved mother, Jacqueline Avant, in a tragic incident. Throughout the conversation, Nicole beautifully discusses the transformative effect of grief and how it can shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Whether you're navigating your own journey of resilience or simply seeking inspiration to overcome life's obstacles, this conversation will touch your heart and leave you with a renewed sense of hope.
In this interview, we’ll discuss:
00:00 Introducing Nicole Avant
02:49 What Showing Up For Others Really Means
06:40 On The Mantra: “I’m in repair”
07:27 Our Purpose Is The Share Our Blessings
12:36 Nicole Opens Up On Her Mother's Deadly Shooting
19:09 On Channeling Her Mother’s Spirit In The Wake Of Her Death
28:48 Tapping Into Faith Post-Tragedy
34:37 Grief Is Proof That You Loved
35:36 Daily Choices That Are Helping Nicole Heal
39:24 Bringing The Perpetrator To Justice
46:47 Grief Can Destroy You, Don’t Let It Happen!
51:12 Nicole On Having Her Father’s Support While Writing The Book
58:17 On The Mantra: “Do good, be good.”
01:00:18 Crying Is Important & Healing
01:01:57 Nicole On Final Five
Think You’ll Be Happy is now available wherever books are sold. A moving story that is sure to inspire us all.
nicoleavantofficial?hl=en
thinkyoullbehappy.com/
Want to learn to coach like Jay Shetty? Discover how here: gtly.to/PMlHc6JZw

[@JayShettyPodcast.]

What part of the conversation resonated the most with you? I’d like to invite you to join this community and subscribe to the channel. By hitting the 'Subscribe' button, you're not just becoming a subscriber - you're choosing to make a positive difference in your life.

[@ms.angiesworld8696]

What resonates with me the most is choosing to focus on the positives of our parents lives; not their death, sickness, etc. and to live a full life, as they would want me too. Thank you for this!❤🙏🏽

[@user-og7fl2es2d]

What resignated the most with me was how gracefully she handled the death of her parents I've lost both of mine and went through a very bad divorce. I'm just now finally on the mend. Is this book good for someone who's spouse died? If so I have a friend who could really use this book. Thank u for always being inspirational. I'm newer to your channel and I love your topics. ❤ I love the fact we are all connected.

[@simsingh8492]

Who in the blue hell is listening to this monk prostitute? Listen to prophets, gurus, not this walking contradiction

[@roxannemaynard5936]

I am so happy i lesson to this my son died Mach 20th

[@sherry6919]

JayShetty this interview with Nicole was really a blessing at this time for me, for many reasons at a time in the world which seems to be so uncertain and scary. This is maybe odd to ask, but I believe that Nicole recording in her voice because it’s her story would be such a blessing to many who may need to “hear” these words and find their own voice, courage, peaceful and helpful in these challenges that many around the world are facing. ❤❤❤

[@nlight101]

October 20 1996.. I returned home to find my son had lost his baby life. He was 22 months old. As a parent, I felt the serious bargaining of "would of" " could of" or all the "If's". Today is the anniversary of his death.. and it's been since 1996 and it feels like yesterday.. I learned to be okay, with, not being okay with it. If it hurts and I need to cry..I cry. Today I am okay. What I like about your show is the learning and healing, not letting your amazing guests experiences be in vain. We all can learn something from someone's experience - we all have a purpose, a responsibility in this lifetime, to be the best version of ourselves - to take the blessings of someone's sharing of their story, and respect it by gaining what we can from it.. don't let the pain be in vain.

[@TheYandi123]

yesss to having more Black women on the show! ❤❤

[@alena7756]

I know finally

[@englishman6921]

That is racism 😂

[@nadiasingh8700]

U mean like black women like Jada & Meghan 🤔🤔🤔🤭

[@monicahnjoroge8168]

​@@nadiasingh8700Black women like Nicole Avant, Michelle Obama, Allyson Felix, Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King and yes Meagan, Jada and myself. Every one of them should be heard

[@user-gi1kd4cs8n]

" I am in repair...the power of really showing up for others" these 2 lines resonate with me so much As I type , I ,too am healing and repairing and the importance of genuinely showing up for others A very interesting podcast and as a black woman, I feel honoured to have listened and soak up this message ...powerful Awe-inspiring Poignant

[@terrylynndelman]

She is a great guest! Her testimony is so powerful & I was moved & touched by her words and actions. Wow, I have chills just writing this!

[@JayShettyPodcast.]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@teedee643]

She has done many interviews, but I always come to Jay’s because he lets them tell it without interrupting, asks the good questions, lets his guests be a guest and reveals a lesson that we all can learn.

[@nlight101]

Getting my coffee and giving an awesome leader my attention to learn. Not letting her experiences be in vain.

[@katiehanson6253]

Needed this ! Currently in the depths of grief.... my husband lost his leg to an uninsured driver, who had a seizure, and hundreds of thousands dollars in medical bills later. ... I needed this reminder today, thank you❤

[@angelaspringfield5584]

WOW. So sorry. We never know what could be around the corner. It's a wake-up call about the uncertainty of life.

[@victoralfaro2339]

this has got to be one of the best guests on this show. A very impressive person with enormous grace. Her parents are so proud

[@JayShettyPodcast.]

Glad you enjoyed the episode!

[@div4714]

Grief, such an important subject and beautifully explained ✨

[@mishellnaranjo3176]

One of the greatest interviews I've ever watched. The messages, lessons, knowledge, and clarity in explanation impressed me a lot. What a wonderful, wise, and elevated human you are, Nicole Avant. I am amazed by your job Jay, thanks a lot for doing that, it supports my personal journey

[@ladykcole5791]

The Power of free will to choose...

[@reginabishop3346]

This whole conversation was such as blessing to hear. Taught me many things and helped me feel better about a loss that I've had and how Im going to move forward. Thank you Jay for sharing this amazing women. Thank you Nicole for opening your heart and sharing your testimony and wisdom. God bless you.

[@kazkaz1943]

Such a beautiful lady ❤ she inspire me so much

[@ROAK_me]

I am favoured to have found you and everything you represent. Keep up the good work Jay!

[@glorisakropi5736]

Mr. Jay, your work is incredible. You inspire me a lot. Thank you so much😊

[@JayShettyPodcast.]

Thank you!

[@Fifi-hz8qu]

So when I saw the title of this particular one, I didn't wanna listen because I felt it was just gonna open up old wounds again. However, listening to this kinda helped me realize how much I have healed over time. The part where she was asked if it was the last few moments of her Mom's life or the 81 years that mattered, really got me cuz I have lost people I deeply cherished and loved (almost at once). And as much as losing them hurts, still hurts, they dedicated most of their lives loving me and genuinely investing in my growth and happiness. My grandma loved me with everything in her while she was here. Same with my aunt and friend. So that should definitely count for something and that should be what sticks in my heart/head and not the pain or their last moments. Thank you again Jay and Ma'am Nicole for doing this one.

[@anugerahputeri875]

i just lost my mom and somehow listening to this episode helped me in the most unexpected way. thanks for a very great talks.

[@dayanafalls9345]

I love this lady. Omg!!! Thank you

[@TeeAntoinette]

Yes! Jay took the words right of my mouth. For Nicole to be living and applying what was instilled in her from her parents is a skill I am truly in awe of her level of peace and understanding. I strive to be in this place one day. I am so thankful to see someone in this way. Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to reading the book.

[@breatheandsoar]

wow. this is a phenomenal woman.

[@chelseathomas7965]

My bf is going through intense panic attacks and anxiety with depression after losing his therapy dog. That bit about a min at a time resignated with me so much j had to pause and rewind the video a few times to accurately quote Nicole to text it to him(he cant immediately look at videos so for the immediate glance help i sent him the words and the video link to watch when he has a chance to) thank you. Sometimes it isnt obvious but taking it easy on ourselves and showing ourselves grace sometimes is in forms of simplifying things down even further to take things at the speed we need. Listening to our hearts and bodys to what we can handle

[@user-fz7wk4cg1j]

❤Your introduction always makes people feel welcome 🙏. 😢And I come back more often to your interviews, brother Jay❤

[@abbygill6945]

Love this interview. Learning to live with trauma, there is no growth living in comfort - growth comes in the discomfort. ❤❤

[@JayShettyPodcast.]

Agreed!

[@freesoul0109]

Thank you so mcuh for sharing, Nicole

[@sherry6919]

JayShetty this interview with Nicole was really a blessing at this time for me, for many reasons especially at a time when the world now is going through a very scary and so uncertain and scary. This is maybe odd to ask, but I believe that Nicole recording in her voice because it’s her story would be such a blessing to many who may need to “hear” these words and find their own voice, courage, peaceful and helpful in these challenges that many around the world are facing. ❤❤❤

[@vonniemac]

I always learn so much from your podcasts. Thank you

[@JayShettyPodcast.]

Thank you!

[@micheller2802]

She rewrote her trauma in the moment. That is brilliant and what therapists do with their patients.

[@davewelbylivinginhistinyti4796]

Such a graceful lady 🙏

[@popsischannel9395]

Wanted to appreciate you and your hosts for being consistent in times where inconsistency myself not excluded tends to be more apparent... highly appreciate your efforts 👍

[@tania0070]

Beautiful woman. So strong. I enjoyed this segment. Praying for your continued strength and peace.⚘️

[@larinaballerina]

Absolutely loved this episode. I lost my twin sister and this was so relatable and helpful. Thank you so much 🌹

[@vaneshadavis1290]

Such a beautiful conversation around grief which is one of the hardest things to deal with that WE all will have to experience in Life. No one is exempt in life from loss. I say celebrate the life and mourn the loss and that is how you find balance in dealing with grief! Thank you Jay & Nicole🙏🏾💜💜

[@maryfaithvillanueva-pr9gj]

"People by their actions are either showing us how to live or how not to live." I'm watching this podcast for the second time, two days in a row. So good! Thank you 🙏

[@latoyaloving1412]

This Interview was so Powerful and uplifting She is an inspiration thank you Both so much. Very Powerful. Im grieving an I needed this❤

[@sherrye720]

I have been praying and asking god for guidance and help to will up from the loss of my husband two months ago. Yes he was sick, yes he is in a better place and out of pain. But now I am in pain of the loss of not caring for him, being alone, nobody to talk with, no family that lives close, now that he is gone his family doesn’t bother with me any more (we were together 10yrs) Thank you so much God for putting this book in my path ♥️

[@MariaCorrea-xi6lp]

Thank you for all the blessings you share ❤

[@gracejasinthpriyadarsini2489]

Awesome conversation l love. All my favourite speaker Jay genius programs l admire but this conversation admirable.

[@ambergibson7381]

One of the dopest interviews❤️‍🔥This really resenats🌟Much Love & Blessings🙏🏼✌🏽

[@stangster94]

my mom just passed away and this podcast was enlightening to listen to. one of my favorites, Jay. Thank you

[@gabbymarie-qf2zh]

Next week will be a year since my mom passed. It hit my soul to the core. I am moved by such strength and courage Nicole embodies. I can't wait to read the book!! Thank you so much for sharing

[@blackbirdmessenger9445]

I feel like I’am been summoned 😇to write this quick note about this one podcast in particularly. Indeed I can relate to her story to my own experiences. In the sense that I had this fantastic and amazing opportunity to be raised by my auntie as my mother passed away when I was six years old. I had this amazing privilege to be raised by my father and my auntie at the same time in the most beautiful way and I definitely can relate to her in the matter of how my family in my own perspective made sure that I kept the energy of my mother alive for sure in that sense !. Especially my dad , with the help of my amazing auntie by just doing simple things, such as keeping pictures of her , talking to me about her, and the best one bringing me to therapy. They made sure that all my surrounding were fit to keep me going through this hard time as themselves I like to think it took a “all village” for me to not forget about my mother in that sense of truth . And indeed it has work cause I still remember her now and I still feeling her love and I agree with her :Grieving is the proof that you are love and still being loves by your ancestors ❤ Hopefully I answer well to the call 😅👍🏾

[@lilliannunez977]

Love your interviews Jay❤

[@princessdna5568]

Asè! Grace & gratitude for Jay Shetty & This Beautiful Queen Nicole Avant for this beautiful healing conversation. I pray one day I was have an opportunity to speak with you because your platform has truly been a blessing in my life & healing process. Nicole’s testimony makes me think of ancestral worship and the importance of it which I found myself doing as a munchkin now into my adulthood. Speaking to them, building altars, dedicating our gifts & performances to them. It’s a honor! SPIRITUAL GOOSEBUMPS ON 💯! Peace & blessings to you all. 🌻🔥👑🙏🏽🥹🤗

[@7KMeditations]

I am so glad Nicole Avant is coming out and continuing the legacy of her parents. I watched Black Godfather and was in awe. I was so angry when her mother was killed and find it so beautiful that she's inspiring others through her own story.

[@Francie315]

As a mother who lost my son to the penal system. He murdered an elderly couple and attempted to murder their son who had been caring for them. He is an addict. But, though she lost her mother to similar violence! I can relate to her process of healing and going through the trauma, grief and pain process! I so needed to hear this and to hear it at this moment has to be a gift from God! Bishop TDJakes has helped me through my pain also! And I have never met him! Just another gift that God placed on my path via internet when I needed him the most! So incredibly helpful!

[@louisawillson6189]

Bless her and her family

[@missheartbreak]

Not only four minutes in and tearing up already. *Showing up is honoring someone's soul.* Thank you both for showing up for us and being exactly as you are.

[@vibingwiths.6927]

I'm 21 minutes in and seeing the Don't Shoot poster which is directly in Nicole's direct field of view giving this interview ❤‍🩹 my heart is literally bleeding out. I am processing grief and have been tuning my energy, I too live in baths as a comfort. I needed to tune into this message, at this minute!🙌🏾 Thank you all for sharing!

[@It.is.I-tx6ri]

I think this is the importance of being present in the conversation. I never noticed it because I was focused on them & their words and most importantly the lessons learned and current walk of service.

[@barbarabeharrywatley9478]

Awesome interview. Prayers and love. Thank you, Jay, for this interview 🙏🏻

[@shontaturner1208]

Great podcast I can relate. Tragically I lost my brother where a neighbor argues over a parking space in their apartment complex . NY snow storm 1996. The neighbor came and busted in the door and pulled the trigger My birthright was due to get married and left a five year old daughter. The person has since served time and was later released 15 years to life. Family and mentally we went through a lot. I commend everyone to talk it out seek therapy and trauma and tragic endings mean life goes on. God Bless

[@SoniT]

I'm so glad that I came across this video. I am grieving the loss of my dad who passed awayn in April and my mom passed away 11 years ago. This conversation resonated with me especially when Nicole talked about listening to her mother's favorite music. My parents loved music so I listen to their favorite songs. It's comforting to me. I'll be purchasing the book. Blessings to Nicole and her brother. 🙏🏽

[@ShaaaMoney]

❤ such a phenomenal woman. Such a peaceful and healing interview

[@louisawillson6189]

One of my favorate interviews I could relate on so many points, when you can choose between staying bitter or how to choose to overcome a tragedy and stay in grace

[@mariasofiabastardo]

Thank you for sharing for grandma’s prayer ✨🫶🏻✨

[@michellehernandez2840]

This interview was needed. Powerful.

[@JayShettyPodcast.]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@nonhlanhlamalinga9147]

Beautiful soul, beautiful attitude, beautiful interview ❤. Thanks Jay

[@nathanleung5592]

Love the consistency & the work ethic Jay has on his podcast! Keep up the most vulnerable conversations & work on the podcast keep making a difference in so many lives! ❤🎉😊

[@joycekwamena-poh9395]

Thank you both, and Thank you Nicole for sharing your story, and especially for sharing some of the life lessons from your parents. I look forward to reading your book. 🙏🏿

[@NueAjeLuv]

This was THE podcast ❤ Wow.... my heart is so receptive to this wonderful dialogue. So grateful for the work you all are doing.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@gracejasinthpriyadarsini2489]

My favourite speaker Jay genius l love his speech very much.

[@monicatill4450]

She’s amazing!

[@user-wz6kd5hb1j]

The best one so far

[@Hahadot]

Saved for watching later on again This conversation taught me something 👍🏼

[@shanacavanah4285]

This was an amazing conversation about grief and how to handle and go through trauma. I can’t wait to read her 📕! I get so much valuable Information from every episode and can see where in my life I made the wrong turns and have made the right ones after♥️ I feel so blessed to live in a time where I can watch these episodes so easily!

[@educate2cre8]

This was kind of rough. But I got through it. Thank you❤

[@KayLevin]

Thank you 🙏🏼❣️

[@tehya6912]

What a magnificent person and soul ❤❤❤ in awe right now

[@MajaBimalu]

i want to hit the like button 100 times!! ...only 19 min in. so powerful!! 🙌

[@mahabeermeenameena812]

Thanks sir valuable back to back podcast syring ❤

[@nlight101]

"The Dash"is one of my favorite poems

[@allinone-uw7tk]

Love you sir ❤

[@gracejasinthpriyadarsini2489]

Every female in this world is very precious created by God for bearing all the pains and giving out pleasures for others in the family.

[@1510CG]

Wow! 🙏🏼❤️

[@kinolima235]

❣️✨️ It is very useful ✨️ Thank you very much ✨️❣️

[@Aloneness01]

Good job bro ❤

[@tanvirmahmud7530]

Love from Bangladesh 🖤🖤

[@mahimabhattarai3801]

❤

[@karenlindley9265]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@stefaniag.5396]

❤❤

[@DominionAnako-bb7ry]

I saw you in Dhar Mann videos. Congratulations on your success.

[@user-wi4nm9tz6q]

thanks for such aweeessoommeeee podcasts brother!!! but i just wanted to ask how to heal from everything when there are worst days like its been 3 months i`m on bed i don`t feel like getting up, and if i hardly do then i use my phone ... i think i need to be spiritually heal but i`m totally blank ik that all i can do is to step ahead but i seems to be impossible to me...any suggestion? this msg is for jay and to those who can give an honest advice

[@louisawillson6189]

it made me think of Miss Obama in her generosity of considering others before herself even while she is in her own pain

[@vishanmangar4108]

😢 😢

[@eileenwatt8283]

Jay, please interview John Gray. He's a former monk who wrote " Men are from Mars and Women from Venus ". He's on You Tube too. I think it would be interested to see both former monks in a dialogue.

[@BrooklynLilly]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽💐

[@farializ]

💯❤️💯J A Y 💯❤️💯

[@mohiraismoilova9960]

I REALLY APPRECIATE IT PLEASE, INVITE DUA LIPA TO YOUR PODCAST 😭

[@farializ]

❤️💯N I C O L E 💯❤️ J A Y ❤️

[@kgotsomadigoe5158]

what’s the name of the book she mentions again ?🙈😅

[@mdraihanalistudent360]

Hallo jay! may I come to know where are you from? what is your nationality?

[@beyondview]

It's sad that this doesn't have more views than the other interviews and attention-seeking Jada

[@pitbullmona]

Is this translated to arabic?

[@nlight101]

You should interview George Lopez

[@user-mf7ot6sk9f]

you people have no idea you are literally saving peoples life

[@cerdy6756]

Can we pleeease have Margot Robbie

[@SerenityAusten]

Please get Britney Spears on your show

[@simonejdevone]

Her parents left a beautiful legacy through Nicole and her mother sounds like someone who truly blessed anyone she came across 🤎

[@kristiemorris3002]

Thank you for being you! Amazing this podcast came out now - we are going through the same! My 13 son was killed last year! Resign-ate with this so much! 🤍

[@georgeanneheaney7241]

❤