This was a very special conversation. I'm so glad that both Melissa and her mother, Christina/Tina were able to make this happen. To me this "mother-daughter" relationship is an example of the "arc" of a relationship. All that encompasses love-good and bad. The challenges that life throws at us and the bravery it takes to right the wrongs. Dr. Bird is a nationally recognized lay preacher, author, life coach, social worker and mother. Her father was Native American. She is a descendant of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes, a sovereign, federally recognized Native American Tribe of Southwest Utah. Melissa has said that she had trouble fitting in as a child. Tragically, her dad took his life when she was six. My guest remembers that her life was chaotic and often violent and yet mom loved me the best she could with her shattered heart. Over the decades, these two women have been able to come to understand one another better, forgive on another, listen to one another, heal and come to terms with the trauma of what happened to both of them, so many years ago.
This is the email Melissa wrote to me after I had asked a little bit about the facts of she and her mother's relationship:
Dr. Melissa Bird, "My relationship with my mom was complicated when I was younger. My father committed suicide when I was 6 and it broke my mothers heart. My childhood was chaotic and often violent, and yet my mom loved me the best she could with her shattered heart. I was a rebellious teenager and angry about so many things. It wasn't until 2017 when I was on a retreat in Scotland that I realized that my mom was a broken hearted woman, like so many of us who have had our lives shattered when our partners break our hearts. My mom's loving and compassionate soul is why I am the woman I have become today. Rather than seeing her as weak, as I did when I was younger, I realize that my mom is strong and powerful. She has shown me that even through the largest of heartbreaks, one can still carry on and make one's way in the world. I am the leader I am today because my mom always supported my crazy ideas, my drive to succeed, and even when I tried to push her away, my mom never gave up on loving me. She is one of my best friends and a true hero to me."
My mom was adopted and my grandmother shaped who she and I both are. That might be another thread you want to tug at and if we don't have time, I know how fast 30 minutes goes because of my own podcast, that might be a different interview you want to do with her.
My name is Dr. Melissa Bird and I am so glad you are here. I am a lay preacher, public speaker, author and podcaster.
-I inspire personal understanding through contemplation, help people use their intuition to change their lives and communities, and encourage the healing of grief and loss through spiritual connection.
-I live and work in Corvallis, Oregon where I can often be found drinking Earl Gray tea with heavy cream while reading and waxing poetic about the beauty of life and love.
*If you are looking to connect with an amazing and phenomenal human, who loves inspiring change in our lives and our ocmunities, the you are in the right place.
*As a facilitator for groups and individuals, I push you to do the hard work, turn towards things that scare you and remind you that humor and love are the keys for transformation.
Melissa is very direct, "I cut right to the chase and challenge you to show up as the VERY BEST version of yourself. Whether it is through a 1:1 divination session or in a group of colleagues or friends, what I am able to do through my teaching gives you the hope you need in a world that feels so challenging and difficult.
Social
www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-bird-016640199/
https://www.instagram.com/birdgirl1001/
https://www.instagram.com/christinavlarsen
Follow Melissa's run for Congress at@melissabirdforcongress
Here is Melissa's website:
https://www.drmelissabird.com/
Here is the link for my book: