Healing from Grief: Embracing Self-Care and Mental Wellness

Meet Salima Jadavji: Social Worker, Mental Health Advocate, and Founder of Dare to Heal

My name is Salima Jadavji, and I’m a practicing social worker, certified in clinical practice and clinical hypnotherapy, founder of the Dare to Heal and Dare to ‘Re-Treat’ initiatives, and host(ess) of the Dare to Share Your Untold Story podcast. Through my work, I have dedicated my life to empowering individuals to prioritize their mental health and well-being, especially in a world that often encourages the hustle and grind. My approach stems from a core belief that true self care goes beyond surface-level habits and routines. It requires us to unlearn patterns that no longer serve us and to step into self-compassion and sustainable practices for long-term mental and emotional well-being.

One of the core concepts I’ve coined in my work is #MentalBeauty—the idea that mental health and beauty are intrinsically connected. Just as we focus on our external appearance, it’s essential to nurture and honour our mental health, we need to stop seeing physical health and mental health as separate entities. I’m on a mission to break the stigma around mental health and to create spaces where individuals, including women, can pause, reflect, and rediscover how to reconnect with yourself, free from the pressure to perform or please.

Healing in the Wake of Loss: How Grief, Self Care, and Legacy Shaped

Dare to ‘Re-Treat’

In my personal journey, I’ve experienced my share of adversity, and one of the most profound challenges has been the recent loss of both my grandmother and my mother within the span of less than three weeks at the delicate intersection of winter and spring 2025. It has been a devastating period, and as I continue to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of grief, I find myself confronted with the harsh reality of losing two incredible women who have shaped my life.

My grandmother, in particular, taught me invaluable lessons about boundaries and self care. She always said, “No one will understand your pain the way you experience it, so don’t expect them to. Take care of yourself unapologetically.” These words resonate deeply with me now, more than ever, as I reflect on the patterns of self-sacrifice that both she and my mother embodied throughout their lives. My mother, a devoted giver, often gave so much of herself to others that she unknowingly neglected her own well-being. Both of these women inspired me to look deeper into the societal norms and expectations that lead us to sacrifice ourselves for the benefit of others, often at the cost of our own health.

This realization became the driving force behind the creation of Dare to ‘Re-Treat’, an initiative born out of the need to unlearn the harmful patterns we’ve been conditioned to adopt, particularly as women. I wanted to create spaces for people—including women—to reimagine self care, to explore what true, sustainable well-being looks like, and to shift our mindsets away from the toxic hustle culture. Dare to ‘Re-Treat’ events are designed to help individuals pause, reset, and develop the tools to prioritize their mental and emotional health in a way that aligns with their values.

Though I never imagined launching these initiatives without my mother and grandmother physically present, their legacy continues to drive my mission forward. Their stories are now intertwined with my work, and their lessons have become the foundation for my personal and professional vision onward. In the face of grief, I am more committed than ever to bringing these transformative spaces to life and supporting others on their healing journeys, whether it be grief, trauma, perfectionism or otherwise.

The Power of Self Care and Community in Healing

Even before the aftermath of my personal loss, I had already come to realize that self care is not a luxury—it is a necessity. But true self-care, in my view, goes beyond bubble baths, face masks, or a shopping spree. It is about creating a nurturing environment within ourselves and our communities where we can explore vulnerability, practice self-compassion, share individual learnings with one another, and heal in authentic ways.

For me, being part of a community that values self-care has been essential to my healing process. When surrounded by individuals who prioritize their own well-being and recognize the importance of mental health, I feel a sense of safety and acceptance. This shared commitment to care allows me to show up in spaces where I don’t have to explain myself or justify my emotions. I am simply allowed to be. This sense of community and mutual support is invaluable as it provides not only a space for healing but also a sense of belonging – it’s a feeling of true acceptance.

Self care itself is permission to allow whatever needs to emerge within us. It provides a foundation to process grief, emotions, and other human experiences without shame or judgment. In my own journey, I’ve learned that true self-care involves acknowledging and honouring our emotions, accepting them as they are, and creating the space to feel without rushing to “fix” anything. It’s in this space of acceptance that healing begins.

Channeling Grief into New Beginnings

Grief, while deeply painful, can also be a catalyst for transformation. The process of navigating loss, especially when it is as profound as losing loved ones, can lead us to reevaluate our lives, our priorities, and our mission. The grief I experienced after losing my grandmother and mother earlier this year, opened up a new chapter in my life, one where I can honour their legacies by dedicating myself more deeply to my work and to the people I serve.

The idea that grief must always be linked to sadness is a misconception. While grief is undoubtedly painful and a unique journey for any individual to work through and process deeply, it can also fuel growth. In my case, it inspired me to deepen my commitment to my work with Dare to ‘Re-Treat’ and to offer others a space to explore their own grief, healing, and self care journeys. My grief has given me clarity of purpose, reminding me that healing is not a destination, but a process, and that we all need support along the way.

Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

For anyone—whether woman, man, or non-binary—looking to step outside of their comfort zone in pursuit of their dreams, my advice is simple: allow yourself to be comfortably uncomfortable. Growth does not happen when we remain in safe, familiar spaces. It happens when we gently nudge ourselves to do things that scare us, to take risks, and to trust in our ability to navigate the unknown.

Remember, self care isn’t selfish,it’s essential.The true meaning of selfish means to take care of oneself first (without the negative connotation associated with it). It’s about prioritizing your own well-being so you can show up as the best version of yourself for others. Whether you’re launching a new project, pursuing a creative endeavor, or simply trying to make a life change, remember to show up perfectly imperfect. Life is messy, but it’s also beautiful. Embrace it and take that first step toward creating the life you truly desire.

In the words of my grandmother and actions of my mother, let the lessons be a reminder to take care of you unapologetically—and everything else will follow.

Finding Your Purpose and Passion: The Key to Sustainable Mental Wellness

At this stage in my life,I am most passionate about breaking down the barriers that stop us from embracing self care as a vital part of our overall mental wellness.. That’s why I created Dare to ‘Re-Treat’, a unique program designed to help women and individuals step away from daily stress, unlearn unhealthy habits, and rediscover the true meaning of self-care. I am proud to offer safe spaces where people can reconnect with themselves, begin their healing journey, and share their stories with supportive communities.

What means the most to me is staying authentic—honoring my own needs, speaking my truth, and acting with passion and integrity. This process hasn’t always been easy, but through vulnerability and self compassion, I believe anyone can create meaningful, lasting change in their lives and improve their emotional well-being.

As I reflect on my journey—both personal and professional—I’m reminded that healing is not linear, but it is possible. While time alone doesn’t heal all wounds, it helps us learn to navigate the difficult experiences of grief, loss, trauma, and emotional pain. Working closely with therapy clients, I see every day how our stories shape us—and how our responses to challenges define our growth.Through the profound loss of my grandmother and mother, I’ve been reminded firsthand that it is our response to these experiences that defines who we are.

I hope my expertise, my story, and the work I do through Dare to ‘Re-Treat’ and Dare to Heal can inspire others to take charge of their own healing, create the spaces they need to thrive, and, most importantly, prioritize their mental and emotional well-being. Now more than ever, I am dedicated to making self care a sustainable, essential practice for all. Together, we can rewrite the narrative around self worth, resilience, and the power of community support.

Website: www.daretoretreat.co

Social: @daretohealco

LinkedIn: Salima Jadaviji

If you would like to experience firsthand what Dare to ‘Re-Treat’ is all about, join us for the Dare to ‘Re-Treat’ Luxurious Self-Care Dinner Party on June 27, 2025 in Toronto: www.daretoheal.co/selfcaredinner