Authorship
The Griefcase
In addition to her clinical and research work, Berni is proud to be an author, having written a book that shares her personal journey and insights gained through her life's experiences.
Her writings aim to inspire and provide hope to others facing challenges, while honoring those who have supported her along the way.
When life as she knew it was shattered by the terminal illness and loss of her husband, Berni found herself carrying an invisible yet unbearably heavy griefcase. It was filled with unprocessed emotions, unanswered questions and the lingering pain of a love so profound that it left an indelible mark on her soul.
But this is not a story of despair; it’s one of transformation. Through tears, laughter and the unwavering support of friends, family and faith, Berni discovered that grief isn’t something to "get over." Instead, it’s a companion that, when embraced, unlocks profound growth, resilience and new opportunities. From moments of spiritual connection to traversing the vast central deserts of Australia, Berni began to unpack her griefcase, discarding its weightiest burdens and replacing them with hope, wisdom and passion.
Along the way, she unearthed her own voice as an advocate, her purpose in helping underserved communities and a renewed sense of adventure—embracing everything from mustering cattle, to running marathons, climbing mountains and camping under the stars.
There is a beautiful story that unfolds within Berni’s journey that celebrates the acceptance of an English girls family with the Anangu people. At it's core, The Griefcase is a poignant and empowering memoir about how to navigate the unpredictable landscapes of love and loss. It’s an invitation to explore your own emotional luggage, uncover hidden treasures and chart a path toward a life that’s not only restored, but ridiculously enriched...
If you’ve ever faced a life-altering loss, or know someone who is, this book will inspire you help them to embrace grief, rediscover strength, courage and belief in the magic of new beginnings.
Speaking
Grief touches every life — yet we rarely talk about it honestly.
Author and speaker Berni Morris-Smith brings lived experience, warmth, and gentle humour to conversations about loss, the power of friendship, and what it means to keep going when life changes unexpectedly.
Topics of change include exploring the experience of "empty nesting" and the transition to accepting that our adult children will make their own decisions, often without our involvement. It’s about finding a healthy balance between caring deeply, letting go, and respecting their independence.
Drawing from her book The Griefcase: A Journey of Love, Loss and Ridiculous Restoration, Berni creates spaces where people feel seen, understood, and less alone.
Her talks are grounded, relatable, and deeply human — offering language for the grief we carry and permission for restoration to arrive in its own time.
Talk Topics
Unpacking the Griefcase
Hidden grief, invisible loss, and what we carry without a name.
Grief is not limited to death. It follows loss of identity, relationships, roles, health, and the future we thought we were building. This keynote introduces the concept of the griefcase — the accumulated losses we carry quietly — and explores how naming them can lighten the load and open a path toward restoration.
Ideal for: workplaces, conferences, leadership events, wellbeing programs
The Strength of the Woven Cord
Friendship, grief, and the cost of being “the strong one”
Women are often the holders — of families, teams, and communities. This talk explores the gendered experience of grief, the loneliness of always being capable, and how friendships becomes a lifeline when strength must be redefined.
Ideal for: women’s groups, leadership programs, rural and regional communities.
Formats Available
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Keynotes (30–60 minutes)
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Workshops (60–120 minutes)
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Women’s circles and retreats
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Book clubs and community events
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Conferences and panels
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Virtual or in-person delivery
Sessions can be tailored for workplaces, women’s groups, rural and regional audiences, and community organisations.
Ridiculous Restoration
When healing arrives sideways...
Restoration is rarely neat or linear. Through storytelling, insight, and humour, Berni explores how joy and laughter can co-exist with grief — and why finding moments of light does not diminish loss, but honours survival.
Ideal for: keynote events, community gatherings, conferences
Friendship After Loss
Who stays, who can’t, and why it matters
Grief reshapes relationships. Some deepen, others fade. This session explores how friendship changes in the presence of loss, what real support looks like, and how to offer presence without fixing.
Ideal for: women’s circles, book clubs, support groups.
What Audiences Take Away
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Language for grief that feels relatable and humane
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Reduced isolation and shame around loss
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Recognition of feelings as real
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Permission to hold joy and sorrow together
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Practical insight into supporting others without fixing them
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A sense of connection, hope, and gentle restoration
Philanthropy
Walk a While
Berni has actively participated in fundraising efforts for Walk A While (www.walkawhile.org.au), a foundation founded in 2010 that supports Indigenous people through creative and visual arts. The funds raised are directed towards local Indigenous projects, equipping youth with the skills and resources to share their stories and pursue meaningful career opportunities.
Berni has formed authentic connection over the past years with the people of Ikuntji, situated three hours west of Alice Springs. She has observed the persistent challenges they encounter and been involved in a number of fundraisers for a significant project that Berni and her family have been deeply involved in since its inception in the establishment of the company Memory Mountain Ltd. The Elders' vision includes a 22-foot cross on the mountain and tourist infrastructure to ensure safe and easy access to this site in the geographical centre of Australia. For more details visit (www.memorymountain.com.au).
The Elders in Haast Bluff have expressed their gratitude to Berni and her family for their crucial role.
She visits there regularly, and authentically helps visitors connect with the local people and culture in a safe and appropriate way.
