We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Becky Gibler. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Becky below.

Becky, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I have worked on is my first book, titled Borne of Grief and Flow, which was published in January 2023.

When my partner of 19 years died in 2020, I was left to deal with the grief during a pandemic, so much of the support I would otherwise have had wasn’t available. I tried to find books about grief, and there were some great ones, but I couldn’t find any specific to the LGBTQ+ community. I felt so alone, and I thought the grief would never get better.

I am an avid photographer, and I started taking photographs every day for the creative outlet. I realized that while I was taking photos, I entered a flow state, and the grief completely disappeared during that time.

Through counseling, journaling, and much self-reflection, I came to a place where I started to feel at peace. I wrote the book to chronicle my first year of grief through photographs and writing. It was initially for my own healing, but I decided to publish it because I wanted to let others who are grieving know that they are not alone, and it does get better. Being able to support others is one way I found meaning after Pam’s death.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Several paths converged to bring me where I am today:

1. I picked up my first camera when I was seven years old, and haven’t stopped taking photos since that time. I’ve had two photography businesses, where I primarily shot weddings, senior pics, and family pics, but I soon realized that was not my passion. I love being out in nature and capturing the beauty of everything around me, so landscape and wildlife photography is what calls my heart.

2. After my partner Pam died, I started journaling every day and discovered that I love to write and have a talent for telling a story through my writing.

3. I’m just an ordinary person who feels called to support others who are grieving. I soon realized that we suck at grief, so I wanted to let others who are grieving know that they are not alone, and the pain does get softer with time.

What these three paths have led me to is becoming an author of two grief recovery books that combine photographs, personal reflection, and poetry. My first grief recovery book, Borne of Grief and Flow, was published earlier this year, and my second book, Wherever The Road…, will be published later this year. I became a Certified Grief Educator through David Kessler’s grief.com, so I can gain more knowledge about how to help others heal while grieving.

Although my books are not targeted specifically for the LGBTQ+ community, what sets me apart from other grief recovery authors and Grief Educators is that I have lost a same-sex partner. After the loss of a partner/spouse, many in the LGBTQ+ community deal with layers of grief that are different from heterosexual couples.

I am most proud that I was able to find purpose in my pain and create something that will help others in their grief. After Pam’s death, I have become more compassionate, kinder, and more patient. I feel that I am called to help others and that I am more suited for this work than I ever have been before.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Two and a half years after my partner died, I quit my high paying job to pursue a career in writing and photography. I still don’t know if it will pan out, but for me it is worth the risk.

At this point in my life, I realize that working at a job I am passionate about is more rewarding than making any amount of money. Happiness is crucial, and I won’t find happiness working behind a desk or carrying a work cell phone with me 24 hours a day.

When I realized how short life is, and how it can change in just a moment, I decided to stop saying, “Some day, I will …,” and I determined that day is today. None of us is guaranteed tomorrow. I asked myself what I would do if I only had a year to live. I would take photographs, write, spend time with my friends and family, and I would do what I can to leave a legacy that will help others. I can’t serve others until I serve myself.

Any advice for managing a team?

It’s been a while since I have managed a team, but my approach in the past was to get to know each team member and find out what motivated him/her both at work and away from work. As much as possible, I then assigned tasks that aligned with their interests and strengths. It was my job as their manager to set them up for success. When you know your team members’ strengths, you can put together a more cohesive unit that succeeds together.

Celebrate differences and know that everyone has something to bring to the table. It’s great to have a different perspective, even if the perspectives are vastly different.

Disagreements are okay, but do not allow disrespect among team members. This starts at the top, and the manager must always set the example of how he/she expects team members to be treated.

Excellent communication, clear expectations, coaching in private, praising in public – these all help to maintain high morale.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckygibler/
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/becky-gibler-b5ba9ba
• Other: Links to purchase Borne of Grief and Flow: https://store.bookbaby.com/websearch/index.aspx?searchterms=becky+gibler https://www.thirdplacebooks.com/book/9781667870526 https://www.amazon.com/Borne-Grief-Flow-journey-healing/dp/1667870521/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1TERT3J6XF53O&keywords=born+of+grief+and+flow&qid=1694968915&sprefix=borne+of+grief+and+flow%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-5

Image Credits
Becky Gibler (all photos)