DiscoverWidow 180 The Podcast with Jen Zwinck245. The Hidden Downside of Being A Strong Widow: Why Vulnerability Matters in Healing After Loss
245. The Hidden Downside of Being A Strong Widow: Why Vulnerability Matters in Healing After Loss

245. The Hidden Downside of Being A Strong Widow: Why Vulnerability Matters in Healing After Loss

Update: 2025-10-27
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Today we dive deep into the often-unspoken "downside" of being too strong after the loss of a spouse. This episode explores what happens when widows feel pressured to always put on a brave face for their families—and the hidden costs of doing so. We talk about the importance of letting go of the constant need for strength and to make space for true healing.

3 Main Takeaways from today are:

  1. It's Okay to Show Vulnerability: Many widowed moms are always trying to be strong for the children, but need to realize that allowing them to see pain could help their healing, too. Modeling vulnerability gives permission for others—especially children—to process their own feelings.
  2. The Cost of Suppressing Grief: How striving to "just endure" and pushing down emotions is not sustainable. Carrying unprocessed feelings can lead to numbness and anxiety, making true healing much harder.
  3. Strength Isn’t Always What Heals: While resilience is important, authentic healing comes from allowing yourself to grieve, mourn, and feel—instead of simply performing strength for others. It's crucial to make time to face grief, ask for support, and let go of the guilt that so many widows carry.

Tune in for this honest conversation that reminds us strength doesn’t mean ignoring our own pain—and that real healing begins with permission to be vulnerable.

Get the latest workbook in the Widow 180 Workbook Series, The Let Go Of Guilt Workbook today and start releasing the burden and weight of the guilt you've been carrying. Go to https://www.widow180.com/guilt

Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927

Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/

Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ

For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com

Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com




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245. The Hidden Downside of Being A Strong Widow: Why Vulnerability Matters in Healing After Loss

245. The Hidden Downside of Being A Strong Widow: Why Vulnerability Matters in Healing After Loss

Jen Zwinck