The year was 2017 and I was almost two years into my journey on a new team that was marked by tremendous change after years working with a leader and team I had known for years.
A new learning leader joined our team that spring, Mary Connaughty-Sullivan. We immediately made a connection based upon her upbringing in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where my good friend Tim Eilbes is from.
The connection was far deeper than her hometown as I quickly learned about her expertise in learning, leadership and more! She and I became each other's wingman(woman). Our team had a fun tradition of naming a favorite fictional character as our avatar. She was Charlie from Top Gun and I was Yoda(Groda as she called me, even before Grogu was around) from Star Wars.
When I found out she was leaving the team, I was shocked and saddened, but thankful that she agreed to stay connected. Our relationship has continued with regular calls where we talk about leadership, life, goals and more.
During one of these visits, she mentioned wanting to write a book about her journey since tragically losing her son Aaron in 2010. Her book came out this month, Nudges From The Other Side - True Stories Of After-life Communication https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144162878?ean=9781637774854.
If you follow my regular posts, you know I am an avid reader. Getting a chance to learn from a friend through reading her book is about as good as it gets!
Her book made me laugh, cry, and of course learn! While I hope I never have to endure the pain of losing a child, her journal and reflections made me think of my godfather and aunt (Don and Joan) who lost their only son Neil. What if Neil has been "nudging" me to them over time? I have felt many times in my life compelled to reach out to them, to connect with them, and support them.
In addition, I continue to feel the presence of my grandpa, Jack Anderson, even though he passed away over a decade ago. While I don't have all the answers, Mary's book opened up my eyes to possibilities, which of course is a key element of learning.
I encourage you to pick up a copy of Nudges From The Other Side - True Stories Of After-life Communication, paperback at Barnes and Noble and paperback and Kindle on Amazon. Her book will also soon be available in hardcover on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Nudges-Other-Side-Mary-Connaughty-Sullivan-ebook/dp/B0CKCP7T4M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1 All of the proceeds from Mary's book will be donated to charity!
Thank you Mary for sharing your story with the world and for your continued friendship and mentorship! Please share this post and Mary's book with others to create a "Butterfly Effect" to help those that need to hear her message!
Learn In The Flow Of Life (and in the afterlife)!
Jason
Your spotlight is much appreciated, Jason! My sincere wish is for "Nudges" to reach as many as will benefit and find comfort, hope, and peace from its messages and my journey. I appreciate your support and endorsement. And I hope many of your followers will re-post so others can benefit from both your wisdom and the learnings from my walk with grief.