Brave Widow Show by Emily Tanner

September 23, 2025 BW 169: The 5 Scores That Tell You What To Do Next (Widow Self-Audit + Free Consult Sheet)

Most widows aren’t “stuck”—they’re undecided on their next step. In this episode, I walk you through the exact 10-minute self-audit I use on consults so you can see where you are (and what to do next) today.

What You’ll Learn

A simple 5-question audit to pinpoint your next step (not your “forever plan”).

How to rate yourself 1–10 in Routine, Relationships, Confidence, Purpose, and Direction.

The “8–10 test”: name the one change that would move your number up, then do just that.

Why “little-p” purpose (coffee, calls, tiny kindnesses) rebuilds meaning faster than waiting for a lightning-bolt calling.

How to use the free Consult Sheet to see progress in black-and-white.

Find the free download at www.bravewidow.com/consult

Chapters:

00:00 — Welcome + why this episode is different (watch with a pen!)

01:00 — What actually happens on a Brave Widow consult (no pressure, real clarity)

04:00 — How the 5-Bucket Self-Audit works (score 1–10, gut check > perfection)

06:00 — Bucket 1: Routine (from “always behind” → predictable rhythms)

11:00 — Bucket 2: Relationships (friendships, family, community, dating readiness)

12:00 — Bucket 3: Confidence (decisions without second-guessing; fear under the surface)

18:00 — Bucket 4: Purpose (“little-p” purpose you can do daily; meaning after loss)

21:00 — Bucket 5: Direction (near-term plan, next right step, momentum map)

25:00 — Turn scores into action: close your gap (what would make it an 8–10?)

26:00 — How to use the free Consult Sheet to track progress over time

28:00 — Inside Brave Widow Academy: live-taught curriculum + step-by-step supports

30:00 — Is Grief Recovery Method or Academy the better starting point for you?

31:00 — Wrap + invitations (download, consult, programs)

✨ Work with Emily: Ready to stop just surviving and start rebuilding? Book a free consult at bravewidow.com.

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📩 Share it with someone who needs encouragement

“What was your lowest score and why? Comment it below, and I’ll reply with one tiny step you can take this week.”

Ready for more support?

Book a free consult here: https://calendly.com/bravewidow/widow-consult-call

Download the Brave New Widow Starter Kit: A free guide to help you navigate the first steps of widowhood. → https://bravewidow.com/start

Grief Recovery Method Group: Tuesdays 12–2 pm CT, Sept 30–Nov 18, $400 (credited toward Brave Widow Academy or 1:1).

Brave Widow Academy: Next cohort starts in November.

I’m Emily Tanner. I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have four beautiful children together, and my world was turned completely upside down when I lost him.

Now, I love my life again! I’m able to experience joy, achieve goals and dreams I thought I’d lost, and rediscover this next version of me.

I did the work.

I invested in coaching for myself.

I learned what I needed to do to move forward and took the steps.

I implemented the tools and strategies that I use for my clients in my coaching program.

This is for you, if:

You want a faith-based approach to coaching

You want to move forward after loss, and aren’t sure how

You want to enjoy life without feeling weighed down by guilt, sadness, or regret

You want a guide to help navigate this journey to the next version of you

You want to rediscover who you are

Schedule a consult with Emily: https://calendly.com/bravewidow/widow-consult-call?month=2024-08