How do we find the strength to keep going when the life we built with someone we love is suddenly gone?

In this poignant episode, host Nina Rodriguez speaks with Tina Fornwald, an empowerment coach, podcast host, and retired Chief Warrant Officer, about her journey through grief after a miscarriage, surviving breast cancer, and losing Mark, her beloved husband of 32 years.

Through her story, Tina illuminates the complexities of grief, the importance of community support, and the unique challenges faced by widows and widowers. 

This episode is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability, the importance of honoring every facet of grief, the need for open conversation, and the enduring power of love.

Tina discusses the challenges of redefining her identity, embracing grief, and the duality of love as she moves forward in life, emphasizing the importance of community support, the validity of one's feelings in grief, and the ongoing connection to lost loved ones. Her insights provide hope for others experiencing similar losses.

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Takeaways:

• Widowhood encompasses a unique set of challenges and emotions.
• Grief is a complex and multifaceted experience.
• It's important to allow individuals to express their pain.
• The language of grief is often difficult to articulate.
• Coping with loss requires understanding and patience from others.
• Being present for someone grieving is a powerful gift.
• Grief can manifest in various forms beyond the loss of a loved one.
• There is no hierarchy in grief; each person's experience is valid.
• Sharing stories about the deceased can help in the healing process. 
• You have to redefine your role as a mother after loss.
• Grief is a journey that requires honesty and openness.
• You can still have a purpose and a story after loss.
• Community support is crucial in the grieving process.
• There are no timelines for grief; it's a personal journey.
• Remarriage does not diminish the love for a deceased spouse.
• It's okay to seek help and talk about your feelings.
• You can create new traditions while honoring your loved one.
• Your love story continues even after loss.

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Connect with Tina Fornwald:

• IG: @widowhood_real_talk_with_tina
• Facebook
• widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org

Related episode: Forever my brother: a journey through grief and light

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

• IG: @griefandlight
• Website: griefandlight.com
• 1:1 Grief Support
• Join Grief and Light: The Community

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How can we ensure that the legacies of our loved ones are not forgotten?

In this episode, I speak with Matt Jacobson, a young entrepreneur whose father passed away unexpectedly, leaving a void in his life. He decided to create Lifebooks, a platform that allows families to collaborate on creating beautiful, high-quality legacy books that tell the stories of their loved ones.

Matt's story is one of resilience and hope. He is an inspiration to anyone who has lost a loved one. His work is helping to ensure that the legacies of those we love will never be forgotten.

This episode is for anyone who has lost a loved one or who wants to learn more about how to preserve family memories.

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Takeaways:

• The idea of encapsulating timeless memories with family is crucial.
• Grief often brings isolation, but shared experiences can unite us.
• Lifebooks was inspired by the desire to honor a loved one's legacy.
• Creating a memorial book can be a therapeutic process.
• Quality and durability in memorial books are essential for lasting memories.
• The collaborative aspect of Lifebooks allows families to share diverse memories.
• Grief can lead to profound insights about family and legacy.
• The manufacturing process of Lifebooks ensures high-quality products.
• Sharing memories can help heal the wounds of loss.
• Honoring loved ones through storytelling keeps their essence alive. 
• It's rewarding to revisit memories in a joyful manner.
• Creating a family legacy can be a healing process.
• The journey of building Lifebooks was filled with challenges and growth.
• Finding purpose after loss is essential for healing.
• Engaging in routines helps redefine what you love.
• Being kind to yourself is crucial during difficult times.
• Embracing life's challenges can lead to personal growth.
• Honoring a loved one's legacy can take many forms.
• Community support is vital in the grieving process.
• Life is a beautiful journey, even amidst hardships.

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Join THE COMMUNITY by Grief and Light | A virtual home for grievers. Access support anytime, anywhere.

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Call to action:

1. Watch / listen to this episode.
2. Visit lifebooks.io to learn more about how you can create your own Lifebook.

Connect with Matt Jacobson:

• lifebooks.io
• @lifebooks.io
• [email protected]

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

• IG: @griefandlight
• Website: griefandlight.com
• 1:1 Grief Support
• Subscribe to my newsletter
• View upcoming events
• Join Grief and Light: The Community

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This is the threshold of grief—we’re no longer the person we were before loss, and we haven’t yet discovered who we’re evolving into. So how can we stay true to ourselves as we get to know who we are becoming?

In this episode of the Grief in Life podcast, host Nina Rodriguez explores the concept of liminality in grief, emphasizing the importance of giving oneself permission to feel and operate from a place of becoming. She discusses the challenges of navigating identity shifts after loss, the tools of heart-centered curiosity, boundaries, and self-compassion, and the significance of community and creative expression in the healing process. The conversation highlights the beauty of vulnerability and the ongoing journey of personal growth amidst grief.

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Join THE COMMUNITY | A virtual home for grievers. Access support anytime, anywhere.

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Click here to watch on YouTube

***

Takeaways:

• Grief is a response to loss and life-altering change.
• Liminality represents the in-between space of who you were and who you are becoming.
• It's essential to give yourself permission to feel.
• Heart-centered curiosity helps in navigating grief.
• Boundaries shift after loss and need to be communicated.
• Being gentle with yourself is crucial during grief.
• Grief can lead to anxiety and depression if unattended.
• Creative expression is a vital tool for processing grief.
• Community support is essential in the grieving process.
• Embracing vulnerability can lead to profound personal growth.

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

• IG: @griefandlight
• Website: griefandlight.com
• 1:1 Grief Support
• Hire Nina as a guest speaker
• Subscribe to my newsletter
• View upcoming events
• Join Grief and Light: The Community

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Have you ever felt like you're grieving "wrong"? Is there a "right" way to grieve?

In this episode of the Grief and Light podcast, host Nina Rodriguez talks with licensed therapist and grief coach, Shea Wingate aka. "The Grief Girlie," about the many faces of grief. 

Shea shares her own experience of profound loss and compounded grief, offering insights and wisdom gained from navigating the deaths of her parents and sister in a two-year span, and her calling to work with grievers.

They address common myths surrounding grief, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and validating individual experiences. 

This conversation offers a message of hope and practical strategies for finding support, processing emotions, and rediscovering joy after loss.   

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Takeaways:

• Grief is not just about death; it encompasses various forms of loss.
• Moving on from grief does not mean forgetting the loved ones we lost.
• Grief can change our identity and how we view ourselves.
• The acute phase of grief can feel overwhelming and disorienting.
• Each loss has a unique 'tone and flavor,' affecting how we grieve.
• Grief work involves integrating loss into our lives, not just getting over it.
• Finding a grief-informed therapist can provide essential support.
• Social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with others in grief.
• Sharing personal stories of loss can help others feel less alone.
• Grief is a lifelong journey that evolves over time. 
• It's important to take grief one day at a time.
• Each loss is unique and affects one's identity.
• Positive experiences are essential for healing.
• Rest is a crucial part of processing grief.
• Talking about grief helps in its integration.
• Societal pressures can complicate the grieving process.
• There is no timeline for grief; it's a personal experience.
• Seeking help early can prevent overwhelming grief.
• Finding balance between grief and joy is vital.

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Join THE COMMUNITY | A virtual home for grievers. Access support anytime, anywhere.
***

Connect with Shea Wingate:

• thegriefgirlie.com
• @thegriefgirlie

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

• IG: @griefandlight
• Website: griefandlight.com
• 1:1 Grief Support
• Hire Nina as a guest speaker
• Subscribe to my newsletter
• View upcoming events
• Join Grief and Light: The Community

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2025: It's a year of big changes, big feelings, and maybe even a little bit of big grief.  Feeling a little lost in the chaos of 2025? You're not alone. 

On this episode of Grief and Light, host Nina Rodriguez dives deep into what it means to show up meaningfully in "unprecedented" times. She explores the idea of the "pendulum redux," the power of our individual callings, and why connection and joy are non-negotiable. Join Nina for an honest and reflective episode about meeting life as it is, personal stories, and actionable tools to help you cultivate connection, compassion, and hope in the face of whatever life throws your way. 

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Takeaways:

• 2025 marks a significant shift in collective experiences.
• Grief is not just about death; it's about life-altering changes.
• We all have a role to play in supporting each other.
• We go from thesis, to antithesis, then synthesis.
• Mindfulness and self-care are essential during difficult times.
• Building community and empathy is crucial for healing.
• Sharing our stories can empower others and foster connection.
• Finding joy is a key ingredient for resilience.
• It's important to acknowledge and validate each other's experiences.
• We are moving from a culture of individualism to collectivism.
• You are not alone in your grief; seek out support.

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Join THE COMMUNITY | A virtual home for grievers. Access support anytime, anywhere.
***

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

• IG: @griefandlight
• Website: griefandlight.com
• 1:1 Grief Support
• Hire Nina as a guest speaker
• Subscribe to my newsletter
• View upcoming events
• Join Grief and Light: The Community

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Thank you for listening! Please share with someone who may need to hear this.

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In this reflective episode of Grief and Light, Nina Rodriguez delves into the process of embracing a new sense of self after experiencing loss and life-altering change, offering insights and encouragement as we transition into 2025. As the new year approaches, she reflects on the ways grief reshapes our identity and forces us to confront changes we may not have chosen, emphasizing how it shapes identity, perspective, and priorities. Drawing from her own experiences and those of her clients, Nina offers insights on how to honor who you were before the loss while making space for growth and self-discovery. She shares practical tips for navigating change with compassion and highlights the importance of hope, curiosity, and hope as guiding forces in the healing process. This episode serves as both a comforting companion and an empowering reminder to invite harmonious change amidst life's most difficult transitions.

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Takeaways:

• When we experience life altering loss, a new version of ourselves is born.
• Show yourself grace as you learn who you are becoming.
• Grief can be confusing to navigate; honesty is essential.
• The pain of loss is unchangeable, but suffering can be adjusted.
• Community support is vital in the grief journey.
• The Forever a Sister program provided a safe space for sharing.
• Grief is not limited to physical loss; it's everywhere.
• Life is change, and with loss, it's accelerated change.
• It's important to honor your own timeline in grief.
• Resources are crucial for those in early grief.

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Join THE COMMUNITY | A virtual home for grievers. Access support anytime, anywhere.
***

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

• IG: @griefandlight
• Website: griefandlight.com
• Hire Nina as a guest speaker
• 1:1 Grief Support (Use code GRIEFMAS25 for a 25% discount on any 1:1 grief support service. Valid until January 30th, 2025.)
• Subscribe to my newsletter
• View upcoming events
• Join Grief and Light: The Community

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In this episode of the Grief and Light podcast, host Nina Rodriguez discusses the complexities of experiencing grief during the holiday season. She emphasizes the normalization of grief, especially during times that are typically associated with joy and celebration. Nina shares various coping strategies, the importance of acknowledging one's feelings, and the healing power of creating new traditions, reclaiming a sense of agency, communicating our needs, and setting boundaries.

She encourages listeners to lean into their grief and joy, and to give themselves permission to pivot, as needed. The episode serves as a resource for those navigating the difficult emotions that arise during the holidays.

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Click here to watch on YouTube
•••   

Takeaways

• Grief can feel heavier during the holidays.
• It's normal to feel a contrast between grief and holiday joy.
• Acknowledge and honor your grief; don't push it down.
• You have the power to create new traditions.
• Setting boundaries is crucial for emotional well-being.
• It's okay to not feel merry and bright during the holidays.
• Lean into moments of joy when they arise.
• Grief needs to be witnessed, not fixed.
• Give yourself permission to pivot and change plans.
• Self-care practices are essential during this time.

Referenced in Episode:
Holiday Scripts for Grievers: What to say when the season doesn't feel merry or bright


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Join THE COMMUNITY | A virtual home for grievers. Access support anytime, anywhere.
***

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

• IG: @griefandlight
• Website: griefandlight.com
• Hire Nina as a guest speaker
• 1:1 Grief Support (Use code GRIEFMAS25 for a 25% discount on any 1:1 grief support service. Valid until January 30th, 2025.)
• Subscribe to my newsletter
• View upcoming events
• Join Grief and Light: The Community

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Buy me a Coffee

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Thank you for listening! Please share with someone who may need to hear this.

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In this episode, host Nina Rodriguez engages in a heartfelt conversation with Brian D. Smith, a certified grief educator, life purpose coach, author, speaker, and host of the Grief2Growth Podcast. They explore the profound themes of grief, loss, and the journey towards healing. Brian shares his personal experience of losing his daughter Shayna and how it transformed his understanding of life, death, and the afterlife. The discussion delves into the significance of signs and synchronicities in the grieving process, the concept of lucid dreaming as a means of connecting with loved ones, and the reconciliation of scientific and spiritual perspectives on grief.

•••
Click here to watch on YouTube
•••

Through their dialogue, they aim to provide comfort and insight to those navigating their own journeys of loss. In this conversation, the speaker explores the profound themes of grief, healing, and the interconnectedness of our journeys through life. They discuss the concept of viewing life as a 'team effort', where experiences and challenges are shared among your spiritual 'team'. Brian shares his GEMS framework, which provides four practical steps for healing. The conversation also touches on the significance of gratitude and the ongoing connection with loved ones who have passed, highlighting that they remain a part of our lives in spirit.

Takeaways:

• Grief is a personal journey that varies for everyone.
• Understanding that loved ones continue to exist can provide comfort.
• Signs and synchronicities can be powerful indicators of connection with our loved ones in Spirit.
• Lucid dreaming can facilitate connection and communication.
• It's important to remain open to different perspectives on grief.
• Grief can lead to personal growth and rediscovery of purpose.
• The mind and consciousness can affect the physical world.
• Reconciliation of science and spirituality is possible.
• Setting specific signs can help in recognizing connections.
• Grief can open us to new realities and understandings.  
• We come into life with a team, not just for ourselves.
• Grief can lead to personal growth and understanding.
• Finding meaning in loss is a personal journey.
• Gratitude can shift our perspective during grief.
• Healing is not about getting over loss, but moving through it.
• The GEMS framework offers practical steps for healing.
• Our loved ones want us to thrive, not remain sad.
• Every experience, even painful ones, can lead to growth.
• We can choose the meaning we assign to our experiences.
• The connection with those we've lost continues in spirit.

Connect with Brian D. Smith:

• @grief2growth
• grief2growth.com
• Book | Grief2Growth: Planted, Not Buried

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

• @griefandlight
• griefandlight.com

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In this conversation, Dr. Monica Krishnan shares her profound journey through grief, self-discovery, and healing after losing her husband to brain cancer. She discusses her experiences with high-functioning depression, the importance of support systems, and her advocacy work in mental health. Dr. Krishnan emphasizes the need for open conversations about grief, especially among children, and the role of spirituality in healing. Her insights and personal stories provide listeners with hope and practical tools for navigating their own grief journeys. She discusses the importance of shedding societal labels, embracing one's true essence, and the transformative power of stillness. The dialogue emphasizes the unique nature of grief, the significance of finding joy amidst sorrow, and the importance of intentional rest and reflection. Dr. Krishnan also shares her new children's book, 'Finding Pockets of Sunshine,' which follows 8 year old Anisha as she discovers resilience and joy amidst grief, showcasing the transformative power of love and hope in the face of loss.

Takeaways:

• Support systems are crucial in navigating grief and loss.
• Children need to learn about grief and mental health early on.
• Dr. Krishnan's book aims to help children understand grief.
• Spirituality played a significant role in her healing journey.
• Grace is essential in the grieving process.
• Community and connection can help alleviate feelings of isolation.
• Advocacy for mental health awareness is vital for societal change. 
• There are many labels that are put on somebody who has experienced loss.
• Stripping off the labels and learning who we are without them is healing.
• It is so important to rest. Vipassana retreats are an excellent way to do so.
• Grief is an invitation to slow down.
• You can also have pockets of sunshine in your grieving journey.
• Your journey of grief is your journey.
• Stories keep our love alive and growing.

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Join THE COMMUNITY | A virtual space to navigate grief, together.
***

Connect with Dr. Monica Krishnan:

• @drmonicapharmd
• @pocketsofsunishine
• Book: Finding Pockets of Sunshine

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

• @griefandlight
• griefandlight.com
• 1:1 Grief Support

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This episode addresses the complex and sensitive topic of murder-suicide and its profound impact on survivors, which may be activating for some listeners. We aim to approach these topics with care and respect, highlighting the need for community support and open dialogue.

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide or in crisis, help is available:

• Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.)
• Visit 988lifeline.org or crisistextline.org for additional resources and support

Please prioritize your well-being, and listen only if you feel ready and supported.

Summary:

Joined by guests Michael Vinton and Tina Chevalier, two of the three co-founders of Impacted Survivors of Murder Suicide, this episode explores the complexities, layers, and stigma surrounding loss related to murder-suicide, the unique challenges faced by survivors, and the role of media in shaping public perception. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community support and the need for sensitive reporting on such tragedies, while also highlighting the healing power of sharing personal stories and experiences. They explore the non-linear nature of grief, the importance of support groups, and the challenges of reconciling emotions after such traumatic events. They discuss the meaning of "living forward" after loss, while also addressing the societal pressures and personal struggles that accompany grief.

Takeaways:

• Grief can encompass multiple truths and experiences.
• Murder-suicide is a complex and stigmatized form of loss.
• Survivors often feel isolated and misunderstood.
• Finding a supportive community can be crucial for healing.
• Media coverage of murder-suicides often lacks sensitivity.
• Survivors are left to navigate a complicated grief process.
• There is a need for better resources for murder-suicide survivors.
• The impact of sensationalized media can be re-traumatizing.
• Support groups can provide a safe space for sharing.
• Naming and discussing grief openly can aid in healing. 
• Grief is not a linear process and varies for everyone.
• Support groups provide essential understanding and shared experiences.
• The societal perception of grief can complicate personal healing.
• Each person's story of loss is unique and layered.
• Creating a framework for specific types of loss is crucial.
• Finding help and community is vital for healing.
• It's important to acknowledge the nuances of grief and loss.
• Reconciling the layers of loss in murder-suicide is a process.

Join THE COMMUNITY | A virtual space to navigate grief, together.

Connect with Impacted Survivors:

• impactedsurvivors.com
• @impactedsurvivorsofms

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

• @griefandlight
• griefandlight.com
• 1:1 Grief Support

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Thank you for listening! Please share with someone who may need to hear this.

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