Every Widow Thing

Mother’s Day might be a single Sunday on the calendar, but for us widowed moms, the balancing act never stops. In this episode of Every Widow Thing, we are pulling back the curtain on our recent Mother's Day experiences and diving deep into the beautiful, chaotic reality of solo parenting.From the laugh-out-loud madness of last-minute school projects to the sheer panic of discovering a missed final exam, we share the raw, unfiltered moments that define our day-to-day.The Chaos of Co-less Parenting: Our hilarious and stressful tales from the frontlines of raising kids without a co-captain.The Mental Load: An honest look at the heavy cognitive and emotional weight we carry as mothers, and how that burden intensifies after losing a partner.Navigating Widow Guilt: Breaking down the unique guilt that comes with parenting through our grief.The Power of Our Circle: Why community isn't just nice to have—it's a survival mechanism. We share how leaning on each other keeps us grounded.Grief changes you, but as we wrap up, we reflect on the unexpected growth and positivity we've found along the way. Tune in for a heavy dose of solidarity, a lot of laughs, and a gentle reminder that you don't have to walk this path alone.Join the Conversation!We want to hear from you. What does the mental load look like in your house? Share your stories, your survival tips, or your ideas for future episodes with us.Listen now, and if you love the show, please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review!Time stamp:00:00:00 - Welcome to Every Widow Thing00:00:29 - Mother's Day Reflections & Parenting Challenges00:01:39 - Last-Minute School Projects & Stressors00:03:20 - The Mental Load of Widowed Motherhood00:04:14 - Navigating Solo Parenting Without a Partner00:06:36 - The Vital Importance of Support Systems00:08:29 - Hard Parenting Decisions & Finding Balance00:10:58 - Transitioning Older Kids into Adulthood00:12:06 - Mother's Day: Expectations vs. Reality00:13:12 - Celebrating the Small Motherhood Wins00:14:34 - Reflecting on the Early Years of Grief00:16:15 - Finding True Community and Connection00:18:34 - Thriving and Building a Life After Loss00:19:11 - Gaining a Broader Perspective on Grief00:22:09 - Surrounding Yourself with Positivity00:24:16 - Encouragement to Live Life Fully00:26:02 - Practicing Gratitude for Small Joys00:27:08 - Growth & Learning to Manage Alone00:28:39 - Facing Major Social Situations Solo00:30:22 - Integrating Grief into Daily Life00:32:40 - The Healing Power of Open Conversations00:35:21 - Leaning on Community in Tough Times00:37:37 - Navigating Big Life Events Through Loss00:40:20 - Anticipating Future Family Milestones00:41:11 - Reframing Grief as a Companion00:42:27 - Book Recommendations & Self-Help00:48:46 - Looking Ahead & Closing Thoughts

What do you do when the life you spent decades building burns to the ground in just 21 days? For Julie Halbert, the "fire" started in 2018 with her husband Jim’s sudden cancer diagnosis. By the time the smoke cleared, Jim was gone at just 51, and Julie was left standing in the ashes of her "old" life with their two sons.Instead of trying to rebuild what was lost, Julie chose to reflect, reinvent, and rise. She traded the courtroom for the bedside, becoming a death doula and transformational soul coach. Today, she is the living definition of our mission to survive and thrive. Listen in as Julie shares her love, her loss, and some helpful tips on how you can rise out of the ashes and live life fully awake.Resources & Links:Divine Ashes Ascending - Coming October 2023Rising Phoenix LifeMeditation PDFA Butterfly Has Been Released DocumentaryBlue Butterfly Grief Therapy ProgramThe Artist's Way by Julia CameronConnect with Julie Halbert:EmailLinkedInInstagramConnect with Every Widow Thing:EmailInstagramFacebookInsider's GroupYoutube

Meet Tammy. Her widow journey is only five months in, but she is already leading with a healing perspective. Inspired by her husband Kim’s eight-year battle with cancer and his refusal to 'take a break' from living, Tammy is determined to honor his legacy by embracing life with purpose. In this episode, we discuss:How Tammy discovered our podcast through a chance encounter in an antique store.The challenges and triumphs of being a caregiver during Kim's illness.The importance of having open conversations about love and loss.Tammy's experience with a medium that helped her connect with Kim after his passing.The support system she found in friends and fellow widows, and how they have helped her cope.Tammy's story is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of community. Whether you're a widow or simply seeking inspiration, this episode is filled with wisdom, humor, and hope.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below!Follow us on social media:Instagram: @EveryWidowThingFacebook: Every Widow Thing#EveryWidowThing #WidowSupport #GriefJourney #Inspiration #Podcast

In this episode, Holly and Whitney are joined by a very special guest: Holly's close friend and former business partner, Kym. Together, they step into one of the most intimate and daunting spaces of the grieving process—the closet.Years ago, Kym stood by Holly’s side to help reorganize her home after Toby passed away. Recently, the duo tackled the garage, proving that decluttering after loss isn't a one-time event, but a continuous journey of healing.Drawing on their shared history as professional organizers, Holly and Kym bridge the gap between the practical and the emotional. They share personal stories and compassionate strategies for navigating the items that hold the most weight.In this episode, you’ll learn:Where to Begin: How to overcome the "paralysis" of getting started.Transition Spaces: Creating physical areas that allow you to process items at your own pace.The Sentiment Filter: Tips for honoring memories while deciding what truly belongs in your future.The Power of Partnership: Why having a "Kym" in your corner makes all the difference.Whether you are weeks or years into your journey, this conversation offers a gentle roadmap for clearing physical space to make room for your heart to breathe.Marie Kondo's KonMari MethodSalvation ArmyGoodwillYellow Bike Project (Austin)Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Deathversary. Angelversary. Reunion Day. Why are we naming it? How do we navigate it every year? The widows sit down to talk about this jarring anniversary. From going to the cemetery, to having an adventure, to not acknowledging at all. There is no wrong way to handle it. We all just do the best that we can. #death #grief #anniversary #griefsupportFollow us on instagram, Facebook and Youtube! @everywidowthingLike and Subscribe!Join our Facebook Every Widow Thing Insider's Group Get in touch with us: [email protected]