Meet Robin Chodak | Grief/Life/Spiritual Coach and Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Robin Chodak and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robin, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I came up with the Idea of my grief coaching business when I realized there were people like myself who were trying to cope with traumatic loss and unable to find support. In 2005 when my husband, Steve died by suicide, there was not much help available. We didn’t have iPhones and didn’t have access to the internet, unless you had a personal computer in your home. There were not many support groups dealing with loss related to suicide. Years later, I knew I wanted to help people process their grief and I could do it by starting my own grief coaching business.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is my purpose. It is to help others through grief and life’s challenges. I am particularly proud of my coaching certification program. It offers training to individuals who have a desire to help others. My program gives them training and equips them to become certified as a grief coach to help others on their journey. Those who have the desire within them make the best coaches. Most have also experienced their own losses, which makes them empathize and invaluable to their clients. Helping others is a rewarding experience; it takes you outside yourself by focusing on the health and wellbeing of another person.

I would like the world to know that grief is part of life, and it is not to be feared. Everyone will experience it at some time. You live with grief without even knowing it. Each day something or someone will die, but something or someone will be born in or around you. It is a bittersweet existence. You can learn to embrace and honor your grief. I teach my clients to take grief by the hand and make it your friend. It sounds paradoxical, but true friends walk beside you during the good and the bad times. Grief will walk with you too when you are in need. Do not deny it. If you let it, it will become your greatest teacher. It is powerful and has the capacity to transform you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I often take my guests to Indiana Dunes State Park for beautiful hikes which provide a view of Lake Michigan. I like to support small town local theaters such as Vickers, Acorn and Dune Arts Foundation, I like to eat at quaint restaurants such as Farina’s Supper Club and the Brewery Lodge. Other fun eating establishments are the Beer Church Brewing, Leeds, and Bridges. For a more upscale experience I visit the Terrace Room and Bentwood Tavern. A bicycle ride on Lake Shore Drive and a round of golf are my other normal activities.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Many people, books, and organizations have helped me on my journey, and some unaware entities. Foremost, I thank my mother; she has been a guiding light to me. When she lost her daughter to cancer (my sister), I watched how grief changed her, but in a way that allowed her to keep my sister alive in her heart and not let her death become her identity. My mom was able to appreciate the gift of life that we all have. She lives with a heart of love and compassion. She always has, even in her darkest days. She helped mold me into who I am today. I received an inner strength from her that I tapped into to help me through my losses. My deceased sister and both husbands continue to teach me from the nonphysical realm. I am also grateful for the LOSS (Loving Outreach to Suicide Survivors) and AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) organizations. Those groups helped support me during my grief. I have read books that have changed my thinking about life, and I strive to live by them. As a Man Thinketh by James Allen, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, and Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh.

Website: www.robinchodak.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinchodak_coach/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-chodak-69115a2b/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/suiciderecovery

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suiciderecovery

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RobinChodak

Image Credits
Robin Chodak