Have you ever felt like the weight of grief could define your entire existence? In this episode, I'm here to shake things up and challenge the traditional narrative of widowhood. It's time to reclaim the journey as our own and recognize that being a widow doesn't solely revolve around our deceased husbands. Yes, we honor their memory, but we also have a life to live. Widowhood is a chapter, not the entire book of your life and being a widow doesn't define us; it propels us forward i...
Join me on the Season 5 premiere as we finally get down to business on what it means to "Widow Your Way"In this episode we are going to talk about the Widow Journey, emphasizing one crucial truth: You are not dead, just your husband! It's time to embrace your loss, your life, and your purpose! Whether you're still in the depths of grief or ready to explore new possibilities, this episode is a reminder that the widow journey is about YOU. It's about evolving into the person you were always mea...
The microphone feels different this time! As I struggle with my ongoing battle against cancer, I'm reflecting on this podcast and direction it's taking. I feel the need now more than ever to be more clear with my message and purpose.So far Widow Your Way has been more of an expression or feeling of empowerment for Widows, but not put into clear words. I have never wanted to be someone who gives Widow advice. There are no step-by-step guides here, no one-size-fits-all remedies—just the ho...
Growing up, I struggled with the concept of gratitude, feeling pressure to be thankful without truly understanding its depth. As a widow, this struggle intensified when faced with societal pressure to be grateful.I share personal experiences of downplaying my grief and masking my emotions to appear strong. This is a common struggle among widows – feeling the need to put on a facade while silently battling with our grief.Reflecting on my journey, I realized the importance of finding balance be...
In this deeply personal episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on a relationship journey that's been anything but easy. Over the past few years, I've stumbled, learned, and grown through the rollercoaster of love, loss, and self-discovery. From swiping right to clinging onto hope, I'm sharing the raw, unfiltered moments of navigating romance amidst grief. It's a candid look into the messy reality of dating after loss, where red flags are waved, boundaries are blurred, and self-worth is te...
A Valentine's Day Special ✨💖Today's episode is all about love, laughter, and a little bit of magic – because sometimes, love finds us in the most unexpected of places. Join me as I share a heartwarming love story that holds a special place in my heart.In a two part series, I'll take you on a journey through my experiences navigating the complexities of dating and relationships as a widow. Though the road may have been bumpy at times, each encounter has taught me invaluable lessons about love,...
My recent trip to Podfest has ignited a shift in my perspective!Podfest, a haven for podcasters, exposed a truth—I've been holding back. I believe fear of rejection has tempered my honesty, and it's time to change that.I'm recalibrating the way I fuel our conversations from behind the mic. Expect to hear the unvarnished truth, the kind that might ruffle feathers or challenge comfort zones, as I commit to a podcast that's as real as the life I'm living.As we move forward, I'm thrilled to unvei...
When dreams are deferred, what does it take to revive them amidst life's harshest trials?Embark on a journey with me in the latest episode as I share the twists and turns of my life!From sidelining dreams as a wife to discovering my own strength as a widow, and now navigating a Stage IV cancer diagnosis. All the while trying to make a difference in the world of grief, one widow at a time!My story isn't just about survival—it's a masterclass in crafting a legacy that dances with hope, touching...
You know that feeling when you give the best advise but don't take your own?Well, I've been struggling with my recent cancer diagnosis and how I'm supposed to be handling it. I'm just going to take my own advise and tell people how I feel and do what's going to make me happy!This podcast makes me happy and I want to dedicate as much time as I possibly can to it. I want it to be a positive reminder that life after loss can be beautiful and you should always, always widow your way!Because...
Ever thought about what it's like facing your own mortality while dealing with the loss of a loved one? In this emotional episode, I share my personal journey as a Widow battling an incurable cancer. Join me as I navigate the ups and downs of grief, denial, and acceptance, shedding light on how tough it is to share this heartbreaking diagnosis with family and friends. This episode is a testament to my friendships and a reminder of the delicate beauty of life and the strength we have...
Imagine life just starting to get good, feeling like things are finally falling into place. Seemingly worry free and looking forward to starting a new year off with a bang! And then the unexpected happens or should I say the unexpected returns! Just 6 weeks after my husband died in 2018, I was diagnosed with a rare eye cancer with no cure, Ocular Melanoma. As hard as the news was to accept then, it's even harder now with a new diagnosis of Stage IV Metastatic Uveal Melanoma.&n...
Life has a way of surprising us with unexpected twists that force us to reassess everything we once held close. Life just threw me a curveball – my Cancer has made a surprising return, taking me into an uncertain chapter of my life, a terminal diagnosis of Stage 4 Liver Metastatic Uveal Melanoma.I find myself grappling with the profound emotions that come with living with an incurable disease and the heart-wrenching realization that my journey has an impending end.As I step into this ne...
A year ago I announced I was starting a podcast. What some people don't know is that my brother Donnie gives me the courage to speak my mind. In this episode I'm baring my soul about losing my brother. As this grief is still fresh, I share the rollercoaster of our relationship, my guilt and regrets, realizing the very things that would drive me crazy are now cherished memories. This episode is a raw, unfiltered journey through sibling love, a tribute to the impact Donnie had on my l...
What if Thanksgiving doesn't have to be a full-throttle, joy-filled celebration? What if it's okay to shuffle the traditions, to feel a little less than festive, especially when you're wrestling with grief or loneliness? This episode is a heart-to-heart conversation, acknowledging that it's absolutely fine to have an 'Unhappy' Thanksgiving. We challenge the idea that gratitude must be monumental, instead, inviting you to celebrate the seemingly small things you are grateful for. And...
In honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month, lets shine a light on the often unspoken and deeply sensitive topic of abuse, especially concerning surviving Widows of domestic violence. We explore the intricate layers of grief and healing that these survivors go through, and how their journey to recovery differs from traditional widowhood.These brave women may experience relief and even happiness after their loss, emotions that can be challenging to understand from the outside. It's a reminder t...
When we lose someone we love, we're often told that the first year is the hardest. But what happens when that first year is over, and we're still grappling with the void that person has left behind? After the first year Widows may find themselves feeling increasingly alone in their grief. Yet amidst the pain, there is hope and healing. As always, Widow Your Way ❤️ Support the Show.Enjoying the podcast? I would love to here from you! Send me a message. Instagram: @loveisnotdead_just...
Grief is like an onion! There are so many layers!In this episode we unravel the multi-layered journey of a widow, and an often overlooked topic of widowhood: the grief for the loss of one's former self. It's not just about mourning a spouse; it's a journey of self-discovery and transformation.The message is simple: it's okay to embrace change and let go of who you once were. During grief and loss, there is also a chance for rebirth and growth.This episode celebrates the courage to redefine yo...
In this episode I have a candid conversation with Divorcee, Josie Falcon of the Heavy Pages Podcast, and what unfolded was truly eye-opening!We found ourselves marveling at the similarities between the journeys of Widows and Divorcees. The only difference was my husband is dead and hers is not!While the circumstances of widowhood and divorce are unique, the emotional rollercoaster that follows is surprisingly alike. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that loss is painful for everyone, ...
Are you ready to hear the unfiltered thoughts that often whirl in a widow's head? Lets talk about the cliché comments and thoughtless questions that are often thrown at widows. You know the ones: "How are you doing?", "They are in a better place", the list goes on. I'm going to give you authentic responses many widows may harbor and are just too polite to say outload.Just wait until you hear the most insensitive question asked! This episode is a gentle reminder that finding the righ...
Grief is a universal, yet deeply personal experience. Like many of you, I've had my fair share of losses and not just from people dying. So for me it's not about comparing losses, but about acknowledging that each loss hits differently for each person. They all hurt in their own way. So why do we compare our grief to others? We are not here to compare scars; we're here to learn how to cope with our feelings. We should be supporting each other through the pain, no matter what form the los...