Every Widow Thing

Mother’s Day might be a single Sunday on the calendar, but for us widowed moms, the balancing act never stops. In this episode of Every Widow Thing, we are pulling back the curtain on our recent Mother's Day experiences and diving deep into the beautiful, chaotic reality of solo parenting.

From the laugh-out-loud madness of last-minute school projects to the sheer panic of discovering a missed final exam, we share the raw, unfiltered moments that define our day-to-day.

• The Chaos of Co-less Parenting: Our hilarious and stressful tales from the frontlines of raising kids without a co-captain.

• The Mental Load: An honest look at the heavy cognitive and emotional weight we carry as mothers, and how that burden intensifies after losing a partner.

• Navigating Widow Guilt: Breaking down the unique guilt that comes with parenting through our grief.

• The Power of Our Circle: Why community isn't just nice to have—it's a survival mechanism. We share how leaning on each other keeps us grounded.

Grief changes you, but as we wrap up, we reflect on the unexpected growth and positivity we've found along the way. Tune in for a heavy dose of solidarity, a lot of laughs, and a gentle reminder that you don't have to walk this path alone.

Join the Conversation!We want to hear from you. What does the mental load look like in your house? Share your stories, your survival tips, or your ideas for future episodes with us.

Listen now, and if you love the show, please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review!

Time stamp:

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to Every Widow Thing

• 00:00:29 - Mother's Day Reflections & Parenting Challenges

• 00:01:39 - Last-Minute School Projects & Stressors

• 00:03:20 - The Mental Load of Widowed Motherhood

• 00:04:14 - Navigating Solo Parenting Without a Partner

• 00:06:36 - The Vital Importance of Support Systems

• 00:08:29 - Hard Parenting Decisions & Finding Balance

• 00:10:58 - Transitioning Older Kids into Adulthood

• 00:12:06 - Mother's Day: Expectations vs. Reality

• 00:13:12 - Celebrating the Small Motherhood Wins

• 00:14:34 - Reflecting on the Early Years of Grief

• 00:16:15 - Finding True Community and Connection

• 00:18:34 - Thriving and Building a Life After Loss

• 00:19:11 - Gaining a Broader Perspective on Grief

• 00:22:09 - Surrounding Yourself with Positivity

• 00:24:16 - Encouragement to Live Life Fully

• 00:26:02 - Practicing Gratitude for Small Joys

• 00:27:08 - Growth & Learning to Manage Alone

• 00:28:39 - Facing Major Social Situations Solo

• 00:30:22 - Integrating Grief into Daily Life

• 00:32:40 - The Healing Power of Open Conversations

• 00:35:21 - Leaning on Community in Tough Times

• 00:37:37 - Navigating Big Life Events Through Loss

• 00:40:20 - Anticipating Future Family Milestones

• 00:41:11 - Reframing Grief as a Companion

• 00:42:27 - Book Recommendations & Self-Help

• 00:48:46 - Looking Ahead & Closing Thoughts

What do you do when the life you spent decades building burns to the ground in just 21 days? For Julie Halbert, the "fire" started in 2018 with her husband Jim’s sudden cancer diagnosis. By the time the smoke cleared, Jim was gone at just 51, and Julie was left standing in the ashes of her "old" life with their two sons.

Instead of trying to rebuild what was lost, Julie chose to reflect, reinvent, and rise. She traded the courtroom for the bedside, becoming a death doula and transformational soul coach. Today, she is the living definition of our mission to survive and thrive. Listen in as Julie shares her love, her loss, and some helpful tips on how you can rise out of the ashes and live life fully awake.

Resources & Links:

• Divine Ashes Ascending - Coming October 2023
• Rising Phoenix Life
• Meditation PDF
• A Butterfly Has Been Released Documentary
• Blue Butterfly Grief Therapy Program
• The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

Connect with Julie Halbert:

• Email
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Connect with Every Widow Thing:

• Email
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Insider's Group
• Youtube

Meet Tammy. Her widow journey is only five months in, but she is already leading with a healing perspective. Inspired by her husband Kim’s eight-year battle with cancer and his refusal to 'take a break' from living, Tammy is determined to honor his legacy by embracing life with purpose.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Tammy discovered our podcast through a chance encounter in an antique store.

• The challenges and triumphs of being a caregiver during Kim's illness.

• The importance of having open conversations about love and loss.

• Tammy's experience with a medium that helped her connect with Kim after his passing.

• The support system she found in friends and fellow widows, and how they have helped her cope.

Tammy's story is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of community. Whether you're a widow or simply seeking inspiration, this episode is filled with wisdom, humor, and hope.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below!

Follow us on social media:

• Instagram: @EveryWidowThing

• Facebook: Every Widow Thing

#EveryWidowThing #WidowSupport #GriefJourney #Inspiration #Podcast

In this episode, Holly and Whitney are joined by a very special guest: Holly's close friend and former business partner, Kym. Together, they step into one of the most intimate and daunting spaces of the grieving process—the closet.

Years ago, Kym stood by Holly’s side to help reorganize her home after Toby passed away. Recently, the duo tackled the garage, proving that decluttering after loss isn't a one-time event, but a continuous journey of healing.

Drawing on their shared history as professional organizers, Holly and Kym bridge the gap between the practical and the emotional. They share personal stories and compassionate strategies for navigating the items that hold the most weight.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Where to Begin: How to overcome the "paralysis" of getting started.

• Transition Spaces: Creating physical areas that allow you to process items at your own pace.

• The Sentiment Filter: Tips for honoring memories while deciding what truly belongs in your future.

• The Power of Partnership: Why having a "Kym" in your corner makes all the difference.

Whether you are weeks or years into your journey, this conversation offers a gentle roadmap for clearing physical space to make room for your heart to breathe.

• Marie Kondo's KonMari Method
• Salvation Army
• Goodwill
• Yellow Bike Project (Austin)
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Deathversary. Angelversary. Reunion Day. Why are we naming it? How do we navigate it every year? The widows sit down to talk about this jarring anniversary. From going to the cemetery, to having an adventure, to not acknowledging at all. There is no wrong way to handle it. We all just do the best that we can.

#death #grief #anniversary #griefsupport

Follow us on instagram, Facebook and Youtube! @everywidowthing

Like and Subscribe!

Join our Facebook Every Widow Thing Insider's Group

Get in touch with us: [email protected]

After 29 years with Todd, Marybeth’s life changed in an instant. Now two years out, she is navigating the 'after' with incredible courage—including traveling solo to find connection in our community and leaning into the yes of life. While she spends her career as a therapist, Marybeth speaks from the heart about the gap between logic and loss. We discuss the tragic fall that changed everything, the signs Todd sends her today, and the brave steps she’s taking to figure out what comes next. A must-listen for anyone finding their way through the quiet moments of grief.

Takeaways

• Marybeth's story highlights the importance of community support during grief.
• The unexpected nature of loss can lead to profound emotional challenges.
• Making decisions during a crisis can be overwhelming and complex.
• Living wills can provide clarity and guidance in difficult times.
• Grief is a journey that varies for each individual.
• Maintaining routines can help provide stability in times of upheaval.
• It's important to balance saying yes to support and knowing when to say no.
• Sharing experiences with others who have faced similar loss can be healing.
• Signs from loved ones can provide comfort and connection after loss.
• Therapy can be both a challenge and a source of strength during grief.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:01 Marybeth's Journey with Todd

06:10 The Family Life and Todd's Personality

08:55 The Tragic Accident

12:03 Emergency Response and Hospital Experience

15:02 The Uncertainty and Waiting

17:57 The Final Days and Decisions

20:57 Coping with Loss and Moving Forward

23:28 The Medical Journey Begins

26:32 Confronting Harsh Realities

30:34 Navigating End-of-Life Decisions

32:01 The Role of Living Wills

33:47 Saying Goodbye

36:17 The Honor Walk and Organ Donation

39:32 The Aftermath of Grief

40:08 Therapy and Personal Healing

44:23 Navigating Grief on Significant Days

47:20 Signs from Beyond: A Personal Connection

51:09 Finding Routine in Grief

54:17 The Complexity of Moving Forward

57:15 The Healing Power of Shared Stories

Follow us on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook @everywidowthing

Join our Facebook Every Widow Thing Insiders Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cc3vkLneJ/

Like and subscribe!

Holly, Keira and Whitney sit down with a live audience on Valentine's Day! In this live podcast, the ladies discuss the complexities of grief, connection, and the journey of widowhood. Audience members share personal stories and explore the challenges and joys of dating after loss. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support, the healing power of laughter, and recognizing signs from loved ones. A reminder for everyone to embrace life and connection, even amidst grief.

takeaways

• Grief is a universal experience that needs to be openly discussed.
• Connection with others who understand grief is vital for healing.
• Valentine's Day can evoke both joy and sadness for those who have lost loved ones.
• Dating after loss is a complex journey that requires patience and self-discovery.
• It's important to recognize and honor the love languages of our partners.
• Finding joy and laughter is possible even in the depths of grief.
• Community support can provide strength and understanding during tough times.
• Signs from loved ones can manifest in unexpected ways, offering comfort.
• Becoming a 'yes' person can help in navigating life after loss.
• Hope and love can elevate our spirits and open us to new possibilities.

Chapters00:00

Introduction to Grief and Connection

06:05Valentine's Day Memories and Stories

19:26Navigating Dating After Loss

25:09Navigating Grief and Finding Joy

27:35Becoming a 'Yes' Person

28:57The Power of Community and Connection

31:08Finding the Podcast: A Lifeline

34:24The Importance of Support Systems36:10Discovering Resources and Relatability

38:35Hope and Healing Through Shared Experiences

41:29Signs and Connections in Grief

44:50Stories of Signs and Meaning

#griefsupport #youngwidow #signs #community #lifeafterloss

In this episode of Every Widow Thing, we are joined by Shelly —a school principal and mother of triplets who shares a story that challenges our understanding of timing and intuition. Shelly walks us through her life with her husband, Steve: from their unexpected journey into parenthood with triplets to the sudden loss that turned her world upside down.

At the center of her story is a moment of unexplainable clarity. Shelly shares the specific, haunting "gut feeling" that led her to make a last-minute change to the family’s plans—a decision that came straight from her soul and changed the landscape of her grief forever. Join us as we explore the power of the internal whisper that knows the way even when the mind isn't ready.

Connect with us:

• Instagram: @everywidowthing

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: https://everywidowthing.com

Keywords: Widowhood | Triplets | Intuition | Grief Support | Sudden Loss | Premonition

#EveryWidowThing #GriefJourney #Widowhood #Intuition #LifeAfterLoss #SoloParenting #PowerOfPremonition

The "January Blues" hit a little differently when you’re navigating life after the loss of a spouse. In this episode, we’re keeping it real about why the start of a new year can feel so heavy for widows and how to manage those tough emotional hurdles.

But it’s not all heavy talk—we’re also looking ahead! We’re diving into our upcoming Valentine’s Day events designed to bring us together. We talk about why having something fun on the calendar is so vital for healing, and how leanining into a community that "just gets it" can make all the difference. Come hang out with us as we chat about connection, shared stories, and finding a way forward together.

Link to Tickets!

https://every-widow-thing-valentines.eventbrite.com

Connect with us!

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/everywidowthing/

FB INSIDERS GROUP:

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17hYvAAdEK/

Takeaways

• It's hard to transition into a new year after loss.
• January can be particularly challenging for those grieving.
• Community events can provide support and connection.
• Planning events can help in coping with grief.
• Having something to look forward to is essential.
• The hosts are organizing Valentine's Day events for widows.
• Connection with others who understand is vital.
• The importance of humor and light-heartedness in healing.
• Raffles and community engagement can foster connection.
• It's okay to reach out for support during tough times.

#griefsupport #lifeafterloss #widow #Valentinesday #AustinTexasEvent #grief #widowhood #new year #community #support #events #healing #loss #friendship

Grief doesn’t take a break for the holidays, and neither do the demands of parenting. Today, we’re opening up about the emotional rollercoaster of being the "only" parent during the most wonderful (and sometimes hardest) time of the year. We explore how to create new joy when the old traditions feel heavy, the power of community, and the beauty of prioritizing experiences over things. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the weight of it all, this conversation is for you.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

01:18 Holiday Reflections and Family Traditions

04:25 Traveling During the Holidays

08:42 Experiences Over Material Gifts

12:00 Navigating Grief and Parenting Challenges

43:33 The Weight of Single Parenting

52:55 Creating New Traditions and Moving Forward