Grief obliterates the scaffolding of who we once were and we all ask this basic question in the aftermath of a profound loss: what is left of me after you are gone?

This is the topic of this week's conversation with Dr. Nikki Paul, a paediatrician, grief coach, and widowed mother—about the profound identity shift that follows the loss of a partner. From the sudden death of her husband just days after moving into their “forever home” to navigating life with three young children, Nikki shares how grief reshaped every part of who she thought she was.

Together, they explore:

The silent struggle of widowed parents

How grief impacts professional identity and purpose

The role of the body in unprocessed grief

Why coaching and therapy matter in rebuilding life after loss

Resources:

I'm Nikki, a mum, a widow and a doctor. My husband Fletch died in a car crash driving to work in 2018. My life changed instantly. Shattered. Grieving, isolated away from my support network in a renovation project house in the country, whilst on maternity leave. I am not sure I could have felt more lost and alone. Surrounded by packing boxes with our youngest just 3 months old along with his 2-year-old sister and 4-year-old brother. I had to rebuild my life. It was not easy, but I did it and I am truly happy.

Alongside my real-life experience as a widowed mum, I am a doctor with 20 years of experience working in the NHS, an accredited coach and an Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist.

Connect with Nikki:

https://thegriefcoach.co.uk/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-nikki-paul-grief-coach

https://www.instagram.com/the_grief_coach/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557172545932