Discover the moving story of Tracy Quinn, a Widow Squad community member, who faced the unimaginable grief of COVID loss when her husband died suddenly at the beginning of a global pandemic. Tracy reflects on the unpredictable nature of grief, the enduring love for a lost spouse, and the gradual journey towards healing.Key topics in this episode:The sudden and devastating impact of COVID-19The complexities of healing and starting anew after a spouse’s deathThe personal growth and insights gained from coping with significant lossGet the full transcript and more at: https://widowsquad.com/covid-loss

Jody LaVoie's life changed drastically when her husband was shot by a disgruntled employee, propelling her from stay-at-home mom to CEO of their $50 million company. Turning her pain into purpose, Jody now advocates for improved bereavement support in the workplace, aiming to create a more empathetic work environment for those dealing with loss.Key topics in this episode include:Balancing personal grief with professional responsibilitiesThe need for organizations to understand and support employees dealing with lossFinding new meaning and purpose after a significant life changeGet the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/grief-in-the-workplace

Melissa gets real about the rollercoaster of healing after losing your partner, sharing five heartfelt tips that cover everything from being kind to yourself to finding light in the dark. It's like sitting down with a friend who's been there, offering a helping hand and some wise words to help you find your feet again.Key topics in this episode: The importance of self-talk Prioritizing self-care over self-sacrificeEmbracing and processing emotionsGet the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/healing-strategies-for-widows

It's difficult to move forward after a profound loss, but following the death of her husband, Susan Hannifin-MacNab transformed her deep pain into a healing toolbox for others going through the rough journey of grief.  Her book, A to Z Healing Toolbox: A Practical Guide for Navigating Grief and Trauma with Intention  has reached and aided people worldwide.Key topics in this episode include:The need for a diverse set of tools to address the multifaceted nature of lossThe importance of community and peer supportInnovative approaches to healingGet the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/healing-toolbox

One of the most profound struggles many widows face involves distinguishing between being alone and feeling lonely. Being alone is simply the absence of others. But the feeling of loneliness is a call to action. It's a nudge to reach out and connect, whether that's with others who understand, with new hobbies, or even with parts of yourself you've neglected. Key topics in this episode:Understanding the difference between the being alone and feeling lonelyHow reaching out, engaging in self-care practices, and finding support groups can provide comfort during the grieving processThe significance of self-care and engaging in activities that promote personal growth and emotional healingGet the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/loneliness-after-loss

Kim explores coping with grief through the metaphor of life as a stage play, positioning you as the director who shifts grief from a leading role to a supporting one. She offers insights on how to keep your life story dynamic and engaging, ensuring that grief, while present, dosn’t consume the storyline or restrict the potential for joy and new adventures.Key topics in this episode: The power and agency widows have in directing the course of their lives, even in the face of griefThe importance of maintaining a balanced emotional cast, including happiness, resilience, and other feelings Embracing the creative freedom to adapt life's script as needed, allowing new characters, scenes, and plot twists to unfoldGet the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/coping-with-grief

When you're a widow, it's not often you think of grief and self-compassion in the same sentence. Guest Elizabeth Rose's candid conversation about her widow journey sheds light on the often overlooked aspect of empathy in the midst of grief, offering a fresh perspective that mixes the pain of loss with the healing power of being kind to yourself. Elizabeth, a performer and widow based in Charlottesville, Virginia opens up about her path to finding herself again following the devastating losses of her dad and husband.Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/grief-and-self-compassion

In your quest for some semblance of understanding in the crazy, confusing, and chaotic grief world you've landed in, you'll find some real gems tucked away in the pages of a few special books. These are the books we've read, passed on to friends, and flipped back through whenever we needed to remember that we're not going it alone, and that it's totally okay, and normal, to feel the way we do. Key topics in this episode include:The value of learning how other people overcome significant battlesThe therapeutic and healing effect of reading and sharing storiesHow reading fosters personal growth, perspective shifts, and a deeper understanding of life’s bigger questionsGet the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/book-recommendations-for-widows

We’ve curated a list of must-read books for widows that shine a light on the complexities of grief and the power of literature in healing. These aren’t just stories or guides; they’re companions for those of us finding our footing in a world that’s been turned upside down. Whether you’re in the thick of grieving or years down the road, there’s something in these pages for you.Key topics in this episode include:How books can provide real, tangible help through the difficulties of grief and lossThe value of books offering reflections of your own experiencesHow books validate your feelings and struggles as part of a larger, collective journey of healingGet the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/books-for-widows

CJ Infantino became a widower after losing his wife to Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.  His honest talk about the tought stuff - grief, the struggles of being a young widower, and raising kids as a widowed father really hits home for everyone going through similar experiences.Key topics in this episode include:The multifaceted nature of grief and how isolation is often misunderstoodThe transformative power of creativity as a means of processing emotions and healingThe significance of sharing stories to foster empathy and a sense of communityGet the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/widowed-father/

Melissa gets real about how tough it is for widows to take care of themselves without getting judged by others or feeling guilty. She shares stories and personal thoughts to remind listeners widowhood self-care is paramount, it's okay to grieve in your own way, and to find joy and healing, no matter what others might think.Get the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/widowhood-judgment

When we think of the Enneagram for widows, we think about how it's more than just about personality types; it's like a roadmap to your deepest fears and motivations.  Guest Tami Imlay discusses the Enneagram and how widows can find new ways to approach life challenges and understand their needs better using this ancient, yet ever-relevant self-awareness tool. Key topics in this episode include:The Enneagram as a powerful self-discovery tool, helping widows recognize their gut reactions, thought processes, and core fearsHow understanding your Enneagram type can help in processing loss more effectivelyThe transformative potential of neuro coaching and rewiring the brainGet the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/enneagram-for-widows

Welcome back to the second part of our journey into holistic approaches to healing for widows. In this episode, we explore meditation, creative art therapy, EMDR, and spirituality as guiding lights on your healing journey. We encourage you to embrace these holistic modalities with an open heart and an open mind, as they offer valuable tools for self-discovery and self-care, free from judgment or external influence.Key topics in this episode include:Why meditation isn’t what you think it isThe therapeutic benefits of EMDR, art therapy, and writing as a means of expression and healingThe role of spirituality in finding meaning during times of profound lossGet the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/holistic-approaches-to-healing

In this episode, we uncover various holistic approaches to healing for widows, offering alternative paths beyond traditional methods like talk therapy and support groups. We explore options like Reiki, acupuncture, and EFT tapping, emphasizing the importance of finding what resonates with you and prioritizing self-care without judgment. The diminishing stigma surrounding holistic practices makes it easier than ever to embrace these unique approaches to well-being.Key topics in this episode include:What alternative therapies are availableHow these holistic modalities help manage the physical and emotional toll of griefResources to help you incorporate practical self-help toolsGet the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/healing-for-widows

Embracing new challenges as a widow can be daunting, but it's also an opportunity for growth and rediscovery. In this episode we explore the theme of pivotal widowhood moments and finding your way through the emotional complexities and practical challenges of handling change. Key topics in this episode include:The transformative nature of embracing new beginningsManaging the emotional and real-world aspects of significant life choicesHow change can lead to unexpected opportunitiesGet the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/challenges-as-a-widow

In today's episode, we delve into the depths of self-compassion for grieving hearts.  We explore how there is a common tendency for widows to be overly critical of themselves, especially when faced with the overwhelming challenges of single parenthood, managing a household, and navigating the complex emotions of grief. Key topics in this episode:the components of self-compassion: explore mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness as essential elements in nurturing self-compassion.Learn a simple yet powerful practice to cultivate self-compassion in times of stress and sadnessOffer yourself the patience and understanding you truly deserveA little bit of self-compassion can go a really long way and significantly impact your emotional and spiritual well-being.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's the perfect time to address the added stress and anxiety that many of us experience during the holiday season. This episode explores the impact of grief triggers and how they can unexpectedly derail your day. Key topics in this episode:Self-awareness is the first step to managing anxietyReplace intrusive thoughts with kinder affirmationsEngage in repetitive actions to promote a calm and relaxed stateThese strategies are not limited to the holiday season but can be applied throughout the year whenever anxiety arises.

Sabine Horner is a widow, grief nutritionist, Ayurvedic health coach, and yoga therapist, who shares her deeply personal story of coping with the loss of her husband to leukemia. She discusses the emotional and physical challenges she faced during her husband’s illness, her transformation through Ayurvedic practices, and valuable insights into how grief affects our bodies, digestion, and sleep patterns.Key topics in this episode:The impact of grief on the bodyAyurvedic approach to healingHolistic coping strategiesGet the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/how-grief-affects-the-body-and-mind

Join us at the Holiday Hope Summit from November 16-18, 2023, for a transformative and FREE event designed specifically for widows. We've gathered 20+ grief and widow experts to empower widows with strategies and tools for navigating the emotionally challenging holiday season. For more information and to get your free ticket, head to www.widowsquadpresents.com.

We know that the holidays and grief can be particularly challenging and in this episode, we share our personal journeys through the holiday season as widows. Whether it was seeking solitude, going on a cruise, or simplifying holiday decor, we all found our own ways to navigate the emotions that come with grieving during a time that’s traditionally filled with joy. Self-compassion is particularly important during these challenging moments.Key topics in this episode:Emotional challenges during the holiday seasonEmpowerment and making personal decisionsBalancing grief and parenting during the holidaysGet the full transcript and more here: https://widowsquad.com/holidays-and-grief/