Brian D. Smith’s book Grief 2 Growth: Planted, Not Buried blends memoir with a self‑help guide for anyone coping with the death of a loved one. After recounting the sudden loss of his 15‑year‑old daughter Shayna in 2015, Smith defines grief as a container for many emotions, explains why humans grieve, and debunks common myths (e.g., grief as an illness, the five‑stage model). He outlines what sufferers can expect—numbness, guilt, suicidal thoughts, triggers, fear—and offers a comprehensive coping program built on gratitude, daily exercise, meditation, service, reading, and community support. The book also provides concrete communication advice on what not to say to the bereaved, and three philosophical pillars for living with grief: death is not the end, reunion is possible, and the departed remain present in subtle ways. Throughout, Smith’s tone is candid, instructional, and hopeful, urging readers to transform grief into personal growth and to seek resources such as his coaching site and the Helping Parents Heal community.
Topics
Author’s Personal Loss as Credibility Anchor
Smith recounts the death of his daughter Shayna, his immediate reactions, and the subsequent years of study and practice that shaped his perspective on grief.
Grief Defined as an Emotional Container
Grief is presented not as a single emotion but as a container holding shock, anger, sadness, guilt, and more; it is universal and inevitable.
Grief Is Not an Illness – Counseling Myths and When to Seek Help
Distinguishes normal grief from complicated grief, critiques the overuse of grief counseling, and lists red‑flag symptoms that warrant professional intervention.