Chelsea Hanson

Chelsea Hanson is a nationally recognized grief educator and founder of With Sympathy Gifts and Keepsakes, which is an online memorial gift store and grief support center.

Hanson found her true purpose in grief support and legacy work and graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison as a grief support specialist with certifications in holistic life coaching and life legacy preservation. By connecting her 20 years of business expertise with her true calling, she is an entrepreneur who specializes in grief products and programs to help others transform personal setbacks into opportunities to live a meaningful life.

Chelsea transcended unexpected loss over time, losing both her father and mother at a young age. She now lives and works in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with her husband and son.

 Twitter: @chelseahanson

What brings you great joy?

The greatest thing that brings me joy is my 13-year old son, Jacob. It’s refreshing to see how he looks at the world and how he is open to fun, joy, and possibility. As a parent, I love influencing Jacob’s mindset, especially with the idea that he can have, do, and be anything he wants! I believe it’s essential to emphasize these positive messages to children at young ages to counteract the societal conditioning that is encountered about what you “should” do, rather than what you “want” to do.

 What do you worry about?

What I most worry about is time slipping away and regretting that I haven’t used my time on the most meaningful activities, those that bring joy, purpose, and fulfillment. Having lost my parents at a young age, I understand that life is not guaranteed to anyone and that one’s existence can change in an instant. I feel the joy of watching my son grow, but also feel anticipatory grief because I know he will be leaving our home in the near future. These emotions remind me to focus on the present moment and pay attention to small, everyday moments.

 Have you ever experienced Imposter Syndrome?

Because I write about grief healing, I have spent thousands of hours in study and personal inner growth work. There are a myriad of experts with various models and numerous opinions about how to cope with grief. My belief is that healing is possible after loss. You can hold onto the love and let the grief go.  However, at certain times, I doubted whether others would believe that healing is possible, because many others do not hold this same truth. As time went on, I have learned there are no absolutes in grief healing, and everyone’s experience is unique to their background and distinct relationship with the person who died. What I know for sure is that healing is possible, and that definition of healing is unique to everyone.  It is up to each person to welcome this possibility into their life when he or she is ready.

 Is there another profession you would like to try?

Another profession I would like to try is retirement. Not permanently, but I would enjoy a one-year hiatus (or longer) for rest and renewal! I have put tremendous effort (and love) into my work of counseling bereaved people and writing my new book, The Sudden Loss Survival Guide (Mango, May 2020,), but now it’s time to care for myself.  I’d like to refuel and give myself more time, space, and freedom to see what naturally unfolds for my next direction in life.  And most importantly, this much needed break will allow me to spend more time with the important people in my life, including Jacob.

 Is your go to comfort food sweet or savory? Is it something you make yourself? Does food inspire your writing?

My go to comfort food: Chocolate, definitely chocolate.