The Voice That Stopped Her – And Saved Her Life

After her mother’s murder, Dr. Devin DeGreif nearly gave up. Then something unexpected called her back to life.

Author

Matt Gilhooly
August 20, 2025

Hi friends,

Dr. Devin DeGreif faced something most of us can’t imagine – the murder of her mother and the public unraveling that followed. What came next was a period of disconnection, numbness, and a near-final moment in a bathroom. But in that silence, a loud inner voice said no. That no turned into a new beginning.

🎧 Listen to the episode: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/200

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For Devin, the shift wasn’t instant. It came slowly through breathwork, somatic healing, mindfulness, and a radical decision to go all in. What struck me most was how Devin speaks about pain – not as a stopping point, but as a portal. She now helps others come back to themselves after loss, burnout, or chronic illness. Her story is heartbreaking and hopeful, and it left me thinking about how often we live half-lives out of fear or disconnection.

3 things to think about

  • Pain might not be your end – it might be your beginning.

  • A single voice, moment, or message can reroute your life.

  • Joy can coexist with grief, but it requires presence and permission.

2 things to ask yourself

  • Where in my life am I avoiding the discomfort that might lead to growth?

  • What practices help me feel most connected to my true self?

1 thing to try this week

Spend 10 minutes each morning in quiet reflection or breathwork. Notice what emotions or thoughts surface – without judgment – and write down one sentence that feels true.

Devin’s story reminded me that sometimes, our turning point doesn’t come from the outside. It comes from within. I’d love to hear what this brought up for you. Just hit reply – I really do read them all.

Matt

PS: During a long weekend trip in May, I created a short-form podcast, “It’s Okay If…” Each episode is under three minutes long and provides a permission slip to simply be human. I’d be honored if you subscribed to the show. New episodes are released every Wednesday at noon ET.