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What happens when life as you know it suddenly shatters? Kristine Carlson, New York Times bestselling co-author of the "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" series, found herself facing this question when her husband Dr. Richard Carlson died unexpectedly at just 45 years old.

In this deeply moving conversation, Kristine shares her remarkable journey from devastating grief to renewed purpose. With raw honesty, she reveals how she navigated raising teenage daughters alone while processing her own heartbreak, and the surprising spiritual connections that sustained her through the darkest days. "I had this conversation with myself where I could see myself doing this grief thing two ways," Kristine explains. "I chose to embrace what is, knowing I would have the inner guidance to teach me how to go through each day."

Kristine's story isn't about quick fixes or toxic positivity. She acknowledges the profound pain of loss while illuminating how tragedy can become the doorway to a more authentic life. Most powerfully, she challenges the myth that grief must last forever, offering a liberating perspective on giving ourselves permission to experience joy again after loss. "Missing them and being in grief are two very different things," she shares. "You get used to missing them, but holding yourself to living a life of grief versus choosing light, love and joy - that becomes a choice."

For anyone facing life's inevitable heartbreaks - whether from death, illness, or profound disappointment - Kristine offers practical wisdom on present moment awareness, gratitude practice, and following what she calls "breadcrumbs of joy." Her story demonstrates how we can transform our deepest wounds into our greatest gifts, emerging not diminished but expanded by our pain.

Share this episode with someone navigating their own hero's journey through loss. Rate, review, and subscribe to support these conversations

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