Dina Gachman, Pulitzer Center Grantee and award winning journalist discovered grief when her family lost the lives of her mother and her sister. For Dina, she found comfort in putting pen to paper and in 2023 she wrote a book of essays about grief, SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. Dina shares her story of grief, love, loss and even humour as she navigated her way through the passing of two family members and how the rest of the family came together for support. Listen as we talk about: Navigating your way through multiple losses Anticipating grief and the challenges of supporting a sister battling addiction Supporting parents through grief Humor as a source for healing How grief has become a part go her life and her work Dina Bachman: Website: https://www.dinagachmanwrites.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dgachman/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/dinagachman Resources: Join The Widows Membership: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Website: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/

In this episode, I want to give you a widow pep talk. I want to give you some words of encouragement to help you see how courageous, inspiring and incredible you are. In our journey through grief, acknowledging the things that we've done since our person has died can be challenging. Some people find this a little easier while others may feel disloyal. It can be hard to acknowledge the things that we're doing and giving ourselves credit for that. Listen as we discuss: Why we can’t compare ourselves to others and we can’t judge ourselves How there is room in our grief for growth How to take a moment to acknowledge what you are doing Resources: Join my Free Facebook Group ‘Widowed and Rising’ https:// www.facebook.com/groups/widowedandrising Find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ karensuttonwidowcoach Find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ karensuttonwidowcoach/ TikTok http://www.tiktok.com/@karensuttonwidowcoach Twitter https://twitter.com/KarenWidow LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/karensuttonwidowcoach/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNgKpAqSpEdQV2zYJIPaHvg My website https://www.karensutton.co.uk/

How do we find hope during the holiday season when there’s grief? In a season that can be filled with emotional challenges, I hope you find solace and peace in this special Christmas episode. With the help of some of the members in my community we have brought together tips to honour the memories of your loved one, carry on with holiday traditions and practice self-care during the holidays. Join me on a journey of rediscovering joy while honoring the memories of our loved ones. Listen as I talk about: How to prioritise your wellbeing during the holiday season Handling the potential for judgement of others during this time Embracing Joy during a time of grief Navigating conflicting emotions during Christmas Honouring your loved one with holiday rituals and keeping their memory alive Practical tips for self-care to feel good during the holiday season Resources: Join The Widows Membership: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Website: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/

In this episode of The Widow Podcast I discuss three important factors to guide you on your grief journey. These factors haven’t been scientifically proven, they’re just from my own experience and from the experience of the people I help in one to one sessions, and in groups. In my experience, the three most important factors are: Rely on your support system, don’t say no to help. It’s important to remember that accepting help isn’t weakness, it doesn’t make you a burden or a bad person. People WANT to help, they want to be there for you, so let them in. Change the narrative. Don’t let your loss define you. Don’t let it impact you negatively for the rest of your life. I had a burning desire to not become a victim, to believe life could be good again. I had no idea how to do it, or even if I fully believed it, but it was a belief and a desire within me, and it can be within you too.  And finally, have an open heart and an open mind. Your life isn’t over, even if in that moment and moments to come it feels like it is. It hurts, and it’ll carry on hurting, but don’t close yourself off to new opportunities. Instead of saying no, never, say not right now, maybe in the future, maybe soon. Allow yourself to be open to the possibility of a happy future.

What would life look like to be widowed twice? Clare and Moira are two incredible women in my community who have both been widowed twice.  They share their stories of loss, love and the journey of what it’s like to  go through widowhood for a second time.  Listen as we talk about:  How to find love again after the loss of a partner When your children have difficulty accepting your new partner The vulnerability that comes with life after the loss of your person The importance of self-care and self-awareness Reaching out for support from your community and friends Resources: Join my Free Facebook Group ‘Widowed and Rising’ https://www.facebook.com/groups/widowedandrising Find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ karensuttonwidowcoach Find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ karensuttonwidowcoach/ TikTok http://www.tiktok.com/@karensuttonwidowcoach • Twitter https://twitter.com/KarenWidow LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ karensuttonwidowcoach/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCNgKpAqSpEdQV2zYJIPaHvg My website https://www.karensutton.co.uk/

David Kessler, one of the world’s foremost experts on grief shares his wisdom and his experience of working with thousands of people on how to move past grief and loss. He’s been featured by The New York Times, Unlocking Us with Brene Brown, TODAY Show, GQ, and more. He's written six bestselling books and has just released the workbook, Finding Meaning: Grief Workbook: Tools for Releasing Pain and Remembering with Love. In this companion workbook to David’s bestselling book Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief, you’ll begin to understand your unique and personal experience with grief and learn how to work through your loss with more love than pain. Listen as we talk about: David’s journey through personal tragedy and the events that inspired his new workbook, Finding Meaning: The Workbook Insights from David on how we can begin to remember our loved ones with more love than pain The power of community support in facing fears and overcoming self- doubt Practical steps for finding peace and meaning even in life’s most painful moments Resources: Join The Widows Membership: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Website: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/ For more information on David Kessler and live events, www.Grief.com

Have you ever wondered how to find hope again and the resilience to carry on after experiencing a profound loss? Pete Cohen is an expert in human behaviour and performance, business consultant, coach, motivational speaker and the founder of Mi365. Pete has dedicated his life to helping others discover their true passions, living life intentionally and become the best versions of themselves. The author of 20 published books, the Host of the Mi365 Daily Intentions podcast, the resident and life coach on GM TV for 12 years and the coach to numerous world-class sporting stars and teams, Pete has helped inspired and empowered so many people to live their lives with purpose and meaning. Pete also recently lost his wife, Hannah who had been diagnosed with a brain tumour and given 18 months to live. When she passed Pete went on his own journey to find inner strength and resilience. Listen as we talk about: Pete's journey of grief after the loss of his wife, Hannah. Finding resilience and the possibility of rebuilding one's life after loss. Honoring the memory of loved ones by sharing stories about them and keeping their presence alive. Stopping to appreciate each moment and the value you bring to the world. The importance of embracing and evolving who you become after loss. Resources: Join The Widows Membership: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Website: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/

How soon is "normal" enough for a widow to start craving intimacy? Is it even possible to have a genuine desire for someone new after the death of a loved one? The simple answer is yes. But unfortunately, widowhood has traditionally been constructed as an asexual period. A widow may look to move forward, but not without the risk of being judged. A widow may crave intimacy from another, but not without feeling guilty.  So, how can widows find space in their hearts to be intimate with somebody else and still love and grieve their person?  In this episode, we'll discuss sexual desires and the loss of intimacy in widowhood. We'll also go through some practical tips to help you reconnect with your desires and rediscover your sexuality. What You'll Learn: The loss of intimacy after the loss of the loved one Understanding sexual desires in widowhood Insecurity and the thought of being with someone else The tragic traditions of widowhood The guilt of wanting to explore intimacy with someone else Why having your needs met is the key to happiness How to create meaningful connections with those around you Be aware of your feelings and actions during grief Resources:  Join my Free Facebook Group ‘Widowed and Rising’ https://www.facebook.com/groups/widowedandrising  Find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/karensuttonwidowcoach  Find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/karensuttonwidowcoach/  TikTok http://www.tiktok.com/@karensuttonwidowcoach  Twitter https://twitter.com/KarenWidow  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/karensuttonwidowcoach/  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNgKpAqSpEdQV2zYJIPaHvg  My website https://www.karensutton.co.uk/ 

Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance. Almost everyone has heard about the five stages of grief. However, these 5 stages were first proposed in 1969, which is why many people question their relevance in today's world. Plus, despite their popularity, grief researchers have continuously demonstrated that everyone handles grief in their own distinct way. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, the creator of the 5 stages of grief, herself said it was never meant to be prescriptive; it was meant to be descriptive.  So why are people still following a framework that is obviously not correct? In this episode, we'll talk about the five stages of grief and the controversy around them. We'll also discuss frameworks to help you explore your emotions the best way you see fit after the passing of a loved one. What You'll Learn: The 5 stages of grief explained Controversy and myths around the 5 stages of grief The evolution of grief Understand that grief isn't linear Why it's impossible to understand somebody else's grief The thin line between grief and clinical depression Do people experience all five stages of grief? Mindset shifts to help you ride the waves of grief Resources:  Join my Free Facebook Group ‘Widowed and Rising’ https://www.facebook.com/groups/widowedandrising  Find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/karensuttonwidowcoach  Find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/karensuttonwidowcoach/  TikTok http://www.tiktok.com/@karensuttonwidowcoach  Twitter https://twitter.com/KarenWidow  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/karensuttonwidowcoach/  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNgKpAqSpEdQV2zYJIPaHvg  My website https://www.karensutton.co.uk/ 

How can you find hope and create a meaningful life after losing your life partner? The reality is grief is not a linear process and feelings will shift from sorrow, to anger, to confusion to frustration. Give yourself permission to grieve, to heal and know it is possible to move towards a positive and meaningful life after loss. Listen as I talk about: Seeking support during the grieving process and how it can positively impact your journey. Finding hope even in the darkest moments. Creating a life filled with purpose and meaning post-loss. Giving yourself permission to grieve in your own way. Resources: Join The Widows Membership: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Website: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/

Widowhood has taught me so much about grief, loss and life, things I didn't know when I first came into this chaotic world and things I wish I had known. I'm sharing these learnings with you so hopefully you can feel less like you're going mad and more like what you are feeling is normal in the world of grief. Resources: Join The Widows Membership: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Website: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/

What does life look like when love is intertwined with loss and grief? Melissa Gallagher shares how her world was turned upside down in 2020, when soon after learning she was pregnant with their third child, her previously healthy husband James was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with cancer at the age of 39. In the months that followed her young family faced unimaginable adversity trying to navigate pregnancy, cancer treatment and raising young boys in the middle of the pandemic. Although James fought bravely, he succumbed to his illness on his 40th birthday in July 2021 leaving Melissa and 3 young sons completely devastated. Over two years on Melissa has gone from wanting to only survive for her boys, to slowly learning to love life again, even if it doesn’t look how she thought it would. She has worked through her early grief whilst dealing with the demands of a newborn baby and recently qualified as a life coach. She is currently undertaking further studies, in the hope that she can somehow take her experience and help others by showing them what she has finally started to see is true, the pain remains but only because love does too, and that laughter really does return. In this interview, we explore: Melissa's personal journey of coping with the loss of her husband, James, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The emotional rollercoaster of Dealing with cancer and pregnancy during the Covid restrictions. Coping with early grief with a newborn baby. The challenges of raising children who are learning how to grieve the loss of their father. Resources: Join my Free Facebook Group ‘Widowed and Rising’ https://www.facebook.com/groups/widowedandrising My website https://www.karensutton.co.uk/

There is one thing that can be difficult to talk about after becoming a widow and yet it is one of the most important topics to discuss. How anxiety about your own heath can occur after losing your life partner. This is a common challenge that many widows face and it’s important to know that you are not alone. Listen as Karen talks about: Noticing and understanding the heightened health anxieties that often follow the loss of a loved one Listening to your body's signals and reaching out for support when needed Tools & strategies to work through health anxieties Learning how to embrace self-compassion and self-care for healing Resources: Join The Widows Membership: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Website: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/

Grief and the process of healing after loss is a journey. So many of us wonder, how do we navigate through the complexities of losing a life partner? In this heartfelt episode, you’ll hear how the power of community can help you to find hope and find your way once again. Listen as Karen talks about: The unique challenges of losing a life partner and how it impacts every aspect of your life. The importance of finding a supportive community to help you through your grief. How to create a meaningful and fulfilling life after loss. How grief evolves over time and how to embrace your journey. Resources: Join The Widows Membership: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Website: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/

In this special episode, we return with a part 2 of Words of Wisdom as eight widows share their stories of loss and of love. Join us for stories of resilience from a community of women who have walked the path of widowhood. The widows share their experiences to show you the power of connection and support in navigating grief. Listen as the widows talk about: Finding comfort in nature, gratitude, and support groups Feeling less alone in grief and finding a sense of belonging through community Learning to live without your loved one and making plans for the future Finding solace and support while going through the stages of grief Resources: Join The Widows Membership: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Website: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/

Did you know that your personality plays a role in the way you grieve? Lindsay Wright, the founder of Link Engagement, joins us on the podcast to share her knowledge on personality traits and the reasons behind people's behaviours as key to transformation. As a widow, this knowledge and insight is something Lindsay has reflected on deeply as part of her own journey through her own grief. Listen as we talk about: The influence of personality types on grieving and coping mechanisms How people respond to grief differently Finding joy and happiness after profound loss through human interaction and self- awareness. How personality types and life experience can help cope with grief

What role does community play in the process of healing and recovery? Join us as I talk about finding hope after loss and creating a meaningful life with the support of others. Discover the significance of sharing to help yourself and to help others in their darkest times. Listen as I share: How grief can have both emotional and physical impacts on the body How self-care practices help alleviate physical and emotional symptoms Why community and sharing experiences can be therapeutic in your road to healing Resources: Join The Widows Membership: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership My website https://www.karensutton.co.uk/

How do we find joy after the loss of our person? Debbie Weiss, a former lawyer & author shares her experience through grief after the loss of her husband, George. Debbie turned to writing with essays published in The New York Times’ “Modern Love” column, HuffPost, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, Elle Decor, and Reader’s Digest. Debbie has also taken her journey through grief and written the book, Available As Is, which is a memoir about searching for love after loss and finding yourself. Listen as we talk about: How Debbie coped with the initial shock of her husband’s passing Dating after loss & navigating your way through grief while dating Practical tips to ease back into dating The self discovery and awareness that occurs on your healing journey Learn more about Debbie Weiss: Website: Debbie Weiss Author Facebook: Debbie Weiss Instagram: Debbie Weiss Author LinkedIn: Debbie Weiss Writer Resources: Join The Widows Membership: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Website: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/

How do you celebrate a loved one's birthday after they've passed? Join me for a very special episode as I talk about my late husband's birthday and how I've navigated the eight years since his passing. You'll hear about the pain, the healing, and the importance of community support. Listen as I talk about: The emotional journey of celebrating our loved one's birthday after they’ve passed The support from family and friends to help you cope with the grief The evolution of your grief over the years and its impact on your life My reflections on life, love, and the legacy of my late husband Resources: Join The Widows Membership: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Website: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/

It’s never easy talking about, planning, or attending a funeral. Jess May, fully accredited and double Award-Winning Funeral Celebrant joins us as we open up the discussion around funerals and how we can approach funerals in a way that celebrates life. Jess is a specialist in Living Wakes and Memorials with a passion for telling your stories in meaningful ways. From unconventional funeral practices to living wakes, there are more options to explore that you may have not yet considered. Listen as we talk about: Exploring unconventional funeral practices like living wakes and the importance of open conversations. Understanding options and navigating end-of-life care for both those grieving and those caring for someone at the end of life. Jess's own unique story and how it informs her work as a funeral celebrant. The significance of approaching funeral planning with an open heart and mind to create meaningful ceremonies. Resources: Join The Widows Membership: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/the-widow-membership Website: https://www.karensutton.co.uk/