Michelle Bryant Johnson is a force to be reckoned within the mental health space. An award winning mindset expert, Johnson has over 25 years of experience in education, leadership, learning and development. After losing her husband to COVID, the honorable judge and elected official Horace J. Johnson, she cultivated her grief into purpose. 2025 marks the fifth year since his death. His passing caused her a lot of grief but she persevered and created her signature program, SPARK, in which she helps people navigate grief, forgiveness and rediscover tenacity.
Born in Miami, Fla., current resident of Atlanta, Ga., former resident of Irvine, Calif. She has developed a full life in Georgia, garnering respect from many all over her community and beyond.
You’ve spoken openly about turning your own profound loss into purpose—what were the earliest steps you took that helped you move through grief, and how might others begin that journey during the holidays?
The earliest steps included really leaning into my faith. I am a woman of faith. I know that may not necessarily apply to everyone, but for me, leaning into my faith was paramount, also working with friends and colleagues, appreciating the people that worked with Horace and connecting within our community. Initially his death was overwhelming because it was sudden… our family was obviously devastated.
We also went through counseling and therapy which helped us not remain in denial so, that’s very important.
How might others begin that journey during the holidays. Do you have any encouraging words for them, especially during this time?
It is hard. The pain is real and the season is a reminder of what was lost but it’s also a season of remembering love. For example, so many times we think about the empty chair at the table but that can be turned into a way to honor them. People who are grieving certainly don’t get over it, they move through it and it starts to look different over time.
I must say, it gets better and I don’t mean to be insensitive as I say that. The sting, the dagger that comes initially with the pain that comes with losing a loved one is what changes.
With each year that has gone by and with you practicing the steps to healing, how do you feel five years later as you reflect?
It’s a blessing. I made the decision that I wanted to honor Horace versus being sad about him not being here because as a person of faith I know that God doesn’t make mistakes so, it is important for me to trust God. Outside of that, the practical steps are to honor him and celebrate him. This has been done by establishing scholarships in his name so his legacy can live on and beyond.
Many people feel pressured to be “festive” this time of year even when they’re hurting—how can individuals give themselves permission to feel their emotions without guilt or expectation?
That is normal. I’d tell them that grief comes with guilt so, it’s important you have compassion for yourself. You have to heal at your own pace, give yourself time and space. Everyone on a different timelines processes grief differently. This is where therapy can help.
Also maybe a change of scenery. I know that Thanksgiving just passed but Christmas is coming so maybe go someplace different. If you can, go visit other family members or friends.
Your SPARK program emphasizes speaking life into one’s healing. Can you share how positive self-talk or reframing has helped you personally, and how others can practice it during emotionally heavy moments?
Our words speak power. As a person of faith, scripture speaks to that. How we think is how it reflects how we live, how we speak to ourselves, how we think of ourselves, can be a reflection of how we live and how we act, or what we attract.
It’s natural to feel guilty and certainly hurt without the loved one, but it’s not to turn that into faulting yourself within. So, release the guilt, and forgive yourself. Rather than saying ‘Why couldn’t I see this coming?’ flip that and deflect it from yourself and use more positive language such as ‘it will take time, it’s okay.’
Sometimes people blame themselves depending on the circumstances or they also may blame others when a loved one is lost.
For those who feel stuck between honoring old traditions and creating new ones, what guidance do you offer to help them choose courage over comfort and keep their loved one’s legacy alive?
Confidence is really on the other side of courage, and it can feel uncomfortable. No one said it would be easy, but when you push through it is such a great feeling on the other side. Another thing that is constant is change and it is important to become more comfortable being uncomfortable, because that builds your muscle for the change.
It’s easy to retreat and not want to acknowledge or face the situation in time. But at some point you’ll want to take steps to grow and build your resiliency.
For more information about Michelle Bryant Johnson and her work visit www.michellebryantjohnson.com.