It's Darkest Before Dawn -How Can You Be Grateful When Everything Falls Apart? -133

About this episode

Shawna Rodrigues discusses how to find gratitude and hope amidst life's toughest challenges following her breast cancer diagnosis.

Ever wondered how gratitude can survive when your world falls apart? On this powerful episode of The Grit Show , Shawna Rodrigues opens up about her own journey after receiving a life-changing breast cancer diagnosis right in the middle of recording. Shawna explores what it’s like when “the collapse” happens—when plans unravel, certainty disappears, and surface-level priorities burn away. Using compelling stories and nature-inspired metaphors like the serotinous pine cone, Shawna teases out how destruction can set the stage for unexpected growth. If you’ve ever found inspiration in resilience, personal growth, or finding hope in difficult times, you’ll want to hear the three unique stages she reveals for moving from darkness to dawn. This episode is perfect for those searching for strength, mindful gratitude, and authentic hope amidst life’s toughest challenges. Shawna Rodrigues has been hosting the The Grit Show , since 2022 and has loved every minute of it. She has an award winning career in the government and non-profit industry, an LCSW, and a passion for making a impact. She is currently facing her biggest plot twist yet—a breast cancer diagnosis in early 2025—this year is…

People in this episode

Host: Shawna Rodrigues

Topics covered

• gratitude
• resilience
• personal growth
• hope
• challenges

Keywords

• gratitude
• resilience
• personal growth
• breast cancer
• hope

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Grit Show

More episodes of THE GRIT SHOW

• The Intentions Episode: Better Questions for a Year of More Connection - 142 · January 13, 2026 · 41 min
• Moving, Cancer, and Connection: A Hopeful Year End Reflection - 141 · December 30, 2025 · 40 min
• From New Year Pressure to Cheering Self-Permission: Overcoming Saboteurs -140 · December 16, 2025 · 44 min
• How the 6 Working Geniuses Encouraged Me to Quit My Passion Project -139 · December 2, 2025 · 44 min
• Is Gratitude enough? It's a Meaningful Way to Focus on What Matters. -138 · November 25, 2025 · 20 min
• Delusional or Determined? Making Space: Our Lessons From Mom About Letting Go. -137 · November 11, 2025 · 31 min