Life Reconstructed: a widowed way forward

In this episode, I’m answering a question I get often, which is about the wedding ring. When is it okay to take it off? Is it okay to continue to wear it? There are myths and truths and stories we tell ourselves and it’s all extra painful, on top of an already heavy load. So today I’m offering a fresh perspective to help.   Get your free Episode 146 journal prompts by clicking here: https://w...

In this episode, I break down why January can feel extra heavy, and I offer tips to help. Plus I invite you to my upcoming webinar where I’ll dive deeper and offer long term supports. Join my free webinar, New Year, Same Grief: Why January Feels Heavy and What Actually Helps by clicking here:  https://www.thesuddenwidowcoach.com/new-year-same-grief  

In this episode, I take aim at 4 common grief myths, because I don’t want you to carry them into a New Year. Plus, I offer a specific mindset shift as you step into 2026 - I know it will help. If you’d like extra help starting the New Year, join me for my upcoming webinar called New Year, Same Grief. It’s happening on Friday, January 9th, 2026 at noon pacific time. If you can’t attend live, regist...

If this Christmas Day feels heavy, you’re not doing it wrong. You’re learning to live without your person’s physical presence, and that takes practice, tenderness, and permission to feel what you feel. This episode offers practical tips for this day and beyond.  If you’ve found this podcast helpful, my best-selling book, also called Life Reconstructed, will help even more. It’s now available...

This episode is all about practical planning—how to approach Christmas parties, gatherings, and traditions in a way that honors your energy and your grief. If you’ve found this podcast helpful, my best-selling book, also called Life Reconstructed, will help even more. It’s now available on Audible, or in paperback, plus there’s an accompanying journal to help you apply what you learn. Links are be...

In this episode, I share four simple but powerful truths that can help you move through this month with a beginner’s mindset and a lot more compassion for yourself. Consider this your permission slip to do December your way. If you’ve found this podcast helpful, my best-selling book, also called Life Reconstructed, will help even more. It’s now available on Audible, or in paperback, plus there’s a...

Hello and welcome to episode 140. In this episode, I sit down with my client Minnie O’Grady. Minnie met Jake during a difficult time in her life. They built a foundation on friendship and trust, and later became engaged. After losing him suddenly, Minnie has picked up the pieces, remodeled, rebuilt and continued to dream, with Jake’s supportive presence still alongside her, and fueled by his love.

In this episode, I’m talking about the dread that can build as Thanksgiving approaches. Holidays have a way of magnifying absence, and the anticipation alone can feel overwhelming. I’ll share simple reminders to help you move through the day with more gentleness and less fear. If you’ve found this podcast helpful, my best-selling book, also called Life Reconstructed, will help even more. It’s now...

In this episode, I’m talking about how easy it can be to use gratitude against yourself, especially as Thanksgiving approaches. Gratitude is important, but it doesn’t erase the reality of missing your person. You’ll hear why it’s completely okay to be both grateful and sad at the very same time. If you’ve found this podcast helpful, my best-selling book, also called Life Reconstructed, will help e...

In this episode, I’m talking about the painful reality of being misunderstood after losing a spouse—especially in the holiday season. I share why even the people who love you most may not understand your grief, and I offer simple language you can use to set expectations, give yourself permission, and protect your energy. If you’ve found this podcast helpful, my best-selling book, also called Life...

This episode is about granting yourself permission to make new choices after loss. I’m sharing how giving yourself that freedom can open the door to healing and possibility. Choosing anew doesn’t erase your love or your past—it allows you to carry them forward with you. Each decision becomes a step toward a future shaped with intention and hope. For more help, get my best-selling book, Life Recons...

If the season of trick-or-treat feels mostly tricky, you’re not alone. Whether you and your person loved Halloween or the visuals everywhere feel like too much, today I’m sharing simple ways to get through the night—your way. For more help, get my best-selling book, Life Reconstructed on Audible or in paperback, plus the accompanying journal. Links below. Get the book and accompanying journal here...

Hello and welcome to episode 134. Today we’re talking about the season of autumn—and why it can feel surprisingly heavy after the loss of a spouse, plus practical ways to move through it. Get my best-selling book, Life Reconstructed, it's accompanying journal and a 3-part video series by clicking here:  https://www.thesuddenwidowcoach.com/lrbonusbundle     Or, get the book on Audibl...

In this episode, I’ll share a simple daily practice that calms the fear loop and gives you clear next steps to meet your future self. You’ll learn how to borrow her steadiness, her wisdom, and her love—so you can honor your person while moving forward with more peace and confidence. Get more help from my best-selling book, Life Reconstructed. Get the book + journal + a 3-part video series by click...

If you’ve ever felt like you’re still here but not really blooming, this episode for you. After my husband died, I felt like the orchid on my windowsill—alive, but flowerless. I was functioning on the outside and hurting on the inside, while believable thoughts—my “weeds”—quietly choked out anything beautiful. In today’s episode, I’ll share how I began questioning those stories with kindness, the...

After the loss of a spouse, many of us default to DIY healing, which can work—but it’s often the long way around. I break down how expert guidance and a supportive community shorten the path, and how to tell when it’s time to get help that actually fits.   Get the book + journal + a 3-part video series by clicking here. Get the book on Audible by clicking here. Get more help by clicking here...

In this episode, I’m talking about “failing” at grief, which, spoiler alert, isn’t possible and I’ll explain why, and suggest a simple strategy to help you stand on a solid foundation.  Join me tomorrow, September 25th, 2025 for a free webinar:   The Truth About Year 2: What really happens after the first year of loss—and how to navigate it with less pain and more purpose. Register...

If you’re approaching the second year after loss, you’ve likely heard two very different messages. Society tends to assume you’ll be “better” by the end of year one, while many in the widowed community caution that year two is the hardest. In this episode, I’ll unpack both of these beliefs, share why neither is the full story, and offer four practical ways to approach year two with greater clarity...

A common question I hear from widowed people is about what to do with the pictures. Should they stay up? Should they come down? Is there a “right” time or a “wrong” choice? After loss, even something as simple as a framed photo can feel loaded with meaning—love, memory, respect, and sometimes guilt or worry about what others will think. In this episode, I want to reassure you that there are no rul...

Hello and welcome to episode 127. In this episode, I answer a great question from a follower, She writes, Teresa, It’s been 17 months since my husband of 46 years passed, and I’m still crying at night. When does it stop and start getting better? It’s a common question and in this episode, I’m answering it and offering specific reasons why the second year after loss can be tough and simple tip...

In this guest episode, I sit down with Linda Smith, who lost her rock Larry after an illness. Her life with him was an adventure, and after his loss, she was left to figure out who she was and what her next chapter would look like. She was saddled with guilt along with many other difficult feelings, and eventually found her way to curiosity and courage. Today, she carries on Larry's legacy of wisd...

If you're frustrated with yourself and think you're doing grief "wrong," this episode is for you. It is a replay of my recent webinar called The Overachiever's Guide to Grief: Why You’re Not Further Along and How to Start Moving Forward.  You'll understand why grief doesn't respond to deadlines or mental toughness, and gain 7 simple and practical strategies you can use, starting today. T...

In this episode, I explain how coaching can support those grieving the loss of a spouse and how it differs from therapy, grief groups, and a do-it-yourself approach. I share what I wish I had known in my early grief and offer guidance to help you determine whether coaching might be the right fit for you. If you’re functioning but not where you want to be, if you’re ready for a more intentional, fo...

I recently had the honor of sitting down with someone I admire so much, Dr. Nancy Saltzman. In this bonus episode, Dr. Nancy shares her tragic story, how she survived and later rebuilt a life full of love and adventure. Her honestly and humor offer hope and a glimpse into what is possible even in the most catastrophic of losses.  If this episode was helpful, you’ll want to read Dr. Nancy’s bo...

Welcome to episode 122. In this episode, I want to teach you how to feel comfortable feelings again. Because if it’s been a long time since you felt joy, peace, or lightness, they might feel unfamiliar—or even unsafe. But here’s the good news: you can relearn how to feel joy. You can rebuild your connection with peace and happiness. I’ll walk you through exactly how to notice, welcome, and st...