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Widowed 2 Soon; Advice on Faith, Mental Health, and Dating Again
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Widowed 2 Soon; Advice on Faith, Mental Health, and Dating Again episodes
- 254- When Grief Came Twice in One Day with Sharmen McCollum
Sharmen McCollum lost her husband, Rob, and her mother on the same day. In this episode of Widowed 2 Soon, Michelle Bader Ebersole talks with Sharmen about the life she and Rob built together, the day everything changed, and the long road of healing that followed.
Sharmen shares honestly about recovering from her own injuries while grieving, the people who showed up for her, and the loneliness and questions that came afterward. She also talks about how journaling, grief support, and Scripture have helped her take the next step.
If you are wondering how to keep going when life changes in an instant, Sharmen’s story offers a reminder that you do not have to walk through grief alone.
In this episode:
The life Sharmen and Rob shared
Losing her husband and mother on the same day
Recovering physically while grieving
Accepting help from family and friends
Finding support through journaling, counseling, and faith
Book a free coaching consultation call with Michelle HERE
Join the Widow Goals Online Community and get Michelle’s Widow Goals Course use code podcast for a free month
Learn More About Michelle’s Widow Coaching Program Here
Click Here to Register for the Widow Goals Fall Retreat
Click HERE to learn about the Widow Goals Support Program
Click HERE to order Michelle’s book Widow Goals: Steps to Finding Peace When You Lose Your Spouse
Click HERE to order the Widow Goals Workbook
Click HERE to order the Widow Goals Workbook Leader Guide
Click HERE to apply to be a Widow Goals Group Leader
Follow Hayley's Parent Loss Goals Ministry Here on IG
Here on FB
Click here to be sent an email on the anniversary of your spouse's passing, wedding anniversary, and more
Click HERE to review Widow Goals on Amazon
Go here to see a list of all the areas we have Widow Goals Groups
Follow Michelle on TikTok
Follow me on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/widowed2soon_/
https://www.instagram.com/widowgoals
See my videos on Youtube
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
49 min - 253- Widow Goal #6: Re-enter Social Spaces with Confidence
Re-entering social spaces after losing your spouse can feel incredibly vulnerable. Places and gatherings that once felt completely normal can suddenly feel awkward, overwhelming, or even painful.
In this mini-episode of Widowed 2 Soon, Michelle Bader Ebersole walks through Goal 6 from her book, Widow Goals: Steps to Finding Peace When You Lose Your Spouse: Re-enter Social Spaces with Confidence.
Michelle shares honestly from her own experience of stepping back into the world after Luke died—from a large family gathering where she suddenly felt very aware of being “the widow,” to an everyday trip to Walmart, to a girls’ night that became unexpectedly painful.
She also talks about something people who haven’t experienced deep loss may not understand: acknowledging someone’s grief is almost always better than pretending it isn’t there.
And re-entering the world doesn’t mean your grief is over. Grief doesn’t disappear because time has passed, because you're smiling again, or even because you've begun a new relationship or remarried.
The goal isn’t to force yourself to be “back to normal.” It’s to begin taking small, intentional steps toward community again.
Join the Widow Goals Online Community and get Michelle’s Widow Goals Course use code podcast for a free month
Learn More About Michelle’s Widow Coaching Program Here
Click Here to Register for the Widow Goals Fall Retreat
Click HERE to learn about the Widow Goals Support Program
Click HERE to order Michelle’s book Widow Goals: Steps to Finding Peace When You Lose Your Spouse
Click HERE to order the Widow Goals Workbook
Click HERE to order the Widow Goals Workbook Leader Guide
Click HERE to apply to be a Widow Goals Group Leader
Follow Hayley's Parent Loss Goals Ministry Here on IG
Here on FB
Click here to be sent an email on the anniversary of your spouse's passing, wedding anniversary, and more
Click HERE to review Widow Goals on Amazon
Go here to see a list of all the areas we have Widow Goals Groups
Follow Michelle on TikTok
Follow me on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/widowed2soon_/
https://www.instagram.com/widowgoals
See my videos on Youtube
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
15 min - 252- Widow Goal #5: Don't Be Surprised by Anxiety
Anxiety can show up in grief when you least expect it—even if you’ve never struggled with anxiety before.
In this solo episode, Michelle Bader Ebersole continues her Widow Goals: Steps to Finding Peace When You Lose Your Spouse mini-series with a conversation about anxiety after loss. Michelle shares how anxiety showed up for the first time after her husband Luke died and how trauma can cause our bodies and minds to react to situations years later as though the loss is happening all over again.
Through personal stories, practical tools, and Scripture, Michelle reminds widows that anxiety after loss isn’t something to be ashamed of or surprised by. She shares grounding techniques, the importance of having trusted people to call, and ways to recognize the fearful thoughts that can quickly spiral into worst-case scenarios.
Michelle also talks about the fear that can come with loving again—including her own fear of becoming widowed a second time when she became engaged to Joel.
At the center of the conversation is Philippians 4:6–7 and the reminder that when fear feels overwhelming, we can bring what we’re carrying to God.
Why anxiety can appear for the first time after losing your spouse
How trauma can make a fear feel physically real
Michelle’s first experience with anxiety after Luke died
How witnessing death can affect the nervous system long afterward
A later experience in downtown Portland that unexpectedly brought Michelle back to the trauma surrounding Luke’s death
Grounding techniques for bringing yourself back into the present
How automatic negative thoughts can turn one fear into an entire worst-case story
Why health concerns and fears surrounding our children can become especially intense after loss
The importance of identifying people you can call when anxiety spikes
Philippians 4:6–7 and using prayer and thanksgiving when fear takes over
The fear of loving again after widowhood
Michelle’s fear of being widowed twice when she became engaged to Joel
Practical steps for responding to anxiety instead of allowing it to control you
Join the Widow Goals Online Community and get Michelle’s Widow Goals Course use code podcast for a free month
Learn More About Michelle’s Widow Coaching Program Here
Click Here to Register for the Widow Goals Fall Retreat
Click HERE to learn about the Widow Goals Support Program
Click HERE to order Michelle’s book Widow Goals: Steps to Finding Peace When You Lose Your Spouse
Click HERE to order the Widow Goals Workbook
Click HERE to order the Widow Goals Workbook Leader Guide
Click HERE to apply to be a Widow Goals Group Leader
Follow Hayley's Parent Loss Goals Ministry Here on IG
Here on FB
Click here to be sent an email on the anniversary of your spouse's passing, wedding anniversary, and more
Click HERE to review Widow Goals on Amazon
Go here to see a list of all the areas we have Widow Goals Groups
Follow Michelle on TikTok
Follow me on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/widowed2soon_/
https://www.instagram.com/widowgoals
See my videos on Youtube
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
14 min - 251- You Can’t Go Back, But You Can Live Again
In this deeply personal episode, Michelle Bader Ebersole shares what it was like to experience her 23rd wedding anniversary after the death of her husband, Luke—and how she has learned that honoring the love and life they shared does not prevent her from embracing the beautiful life she has now.
She reflects on a recent personal retreat at Menucha, overlooking the same Columbia River Gorge where Luke’s celebration of life was held. What began as time set aside to unplug, pray, and seek God became a powerful moment of clarity about the next chapter of her calling.
Michelle also introduces AGAIN, a new retreat, podcast, and framework created to help people rebuild after life-altering loss and change. Whether you have experienced death, divorce, betrayal, abandonment, trauma, or the loss of the future you imagined, this message is for you:
You can’t go back—but you can live again.
Join the Widow Goals Online Community and get Michelle’s Widow Goals Course use code podcast for a free month
Learn More About Michelle’s Widow Coaching Program Here
Click Here to Register for the Widow Goals Fall Retreat
Click HERE to learn about the Widow Goals Support Program
Click HERE to order Michelle’s book Widow Goals: Steps to Finding Peace When You Lose Your Spouse
Click HERE to order the Widow Goals Workbook
Click HERE to order the Widow Goals Workbook Leader Guide
Click HERE to apply to be a Widow Goals Group Leader
Follow Hayley's Parent Loss Goals Ministry Here on IG
Here on FB
Click here to be sent an email on the anniversary of your spouse's passing, wedding anniversary, and more
Click HERE to review Widow Goals on Amazon
Go here to see a list of all the areas we have Widow Goals Groups
Follow Michelle on TikTok
Follow me on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/widowed2soon_/
https://www.instagram.com/widowgoals
See my videos on Youtube
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
25 min - 250- Widow Goal #4: Remember to Take Care of Yourself
In this episode of Widowed 2 Soon, Michelle Bader Ebersole continues the Widow Goals series by exploring Goal #4: Remember to Take Care of Yourself. After the loss of a spouse, self-care often feels unimportant—or even impossible. When you're simply trying to survive, things like rest, nutrition, movement, and joy can easily fall to the bottom of the list.
Michelle shares practical ways to begin caring for yourself again, even in small steps. From creating a simple morning routine to making time for activities that bring joy, she reminds listeners that taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's necessary. Just as flight attendants instruct passengers to put on their own oxygen mask first, widows and widowers must learn to refill their own cup before they can effectively care for others.
In the second half of the episode, Michelle welcomes attendees to the upcoming Widow Goals Fall Retreat and shares what they can expect throughout the weekend. From inspiring speakers and breakout sessions to line dancing, pool time, worship, and meaningful conversations, this retreat is designed to provide healing, encouragement, and opportunities to build lasting friendships with others who truly understand the grief journey.
Why self-care is essential during grief recovery
How survival mode can impact your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being
Simple daily habits that can help you begin caring for yourself again
The importance of creating a life-giving morning routine
Why journaling can be a powerful tool for healing and reflection
How scheduling self-care increases the likelihood that it actually happens
Ways to identify and prioritize activities that bring you joy
What attendees can expect at the Widow Goals Fall Retreat
How community and connection play a vital role in healing after loss
What is one area of self-care you have neglected recently?
What activity brings you joy and helps you feel refreshed?
What is one small step you can take this week to better care for yourself?
How can you create space in your schedule for rest, healing, and connection?
Create a simple morning routine that includes time with God.
Schedule one self-care activity on your calendar this week.
Focus on nourishing your body with water and healthy food.
Start a journal and write about where you are today in your grief journey.
Reach out to another widow or widower and make a connection.
Join the Widow Goals Online Community and get Michelle’s Widow Goals Course use code podcast for a free month
Click Here to Register for the Widow Goals Fall Retreat
Click HERE to learn about the Widow Goals Support Program
Click HERE to order Michelle’s book Widow Goals: Steps to Finding Peace When You Lose Your Spouse
Click HERE to order the Widow Goals Workbook
Click HERE to order the Widow Goals Workbook Leader Guide
Click HERE to apply to be a Widow Goals Group Leader
Follow Hayley's Parent Loss Goals Ministry Here on IG
Here on FB
Click here to be sent an email on the anniversary of your spouse's passing, wedding anniversary, and more
Click HERE to review Widow Goals on Amazon
Go here to see a list of all the areas we have Widow Goals Groups
Follow Michelle on TikTok
Follow me on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/widowed2soon_/
https://www.instagram.com/widowgoals
See my videos on Youtube
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
15 min - 249- Widow Goal #3: Let The Tears Flow Freely
In this episode of the Widow Goals series, Michelle Bader Ebersole talks about Goal #2 from Widow Goals: Let the Tears Flow Freely.
Grief isn’t something you can skip over, stuff down, or outrun. Eventually, you have to go through it. Michelle shares why allowing yourself to feel the pain—rather than constantly trying to hold it together—is an important part of healing.
She shares a personal story about unexpectedly breaking down in the grocery store after Luke died and why she eventually stopped worrying about what other people thought when the tears came.
Michelle also talks about Psalm 56:8 and the beautiful reminder that God sees every tear we cry. Our tears aren't a sign that we're failing at grief. They are evidence that we loved, that we hurt, and that we are allowing ourselves to process what has happened.
You'll also hear why immediately trying to stop someone from crying isn't always helpful, how we can create space for children and teenagers to grieve honestly, and why healing deserves intentional time and attention.
- Why stuffing grief can actually delay healing
- What it means to go through grief instead of around it
- Why Michelle decided to treat healing like it was her job
- The grocery store moment that brought unexpected tears
- Why your healing matters more than what strangers think
- What Psalm 56:8 teaches us about how God sees our tears
- Why we don't always need to stop someone from crying
- Helping children and teenagers express grief in healthy ways
- Creating safe places where you don't have to pretend you're okay
- Using journaling and prayer to process the emotions you don't know how to say out loud
Book a free grief coaching consultation call with Michelle HERE
Join the Widow Goals Online Community and get Michelle’s Widow Goals Course use code podcast for a free month
Learn More About Michelle’s Widow Coaching Program Here
Click Here to Register for the Widow Goals Fall Retreat
Click HERE to learn about the Widow Goals Support Program
Click HERE to order Michelle’s book Widow Goals: Steps to Finding Peace When You Lose Your Spouse
Click HERE to order the Widow Goals Workbook
Click HERE to order the Widow Goals Workbook Leader Guide
Click HERE to apply to be a Widow Goals Group Leader
Follow Hayley's Parent Loss Goals Ministry Here on IG
Here on FB
Click here to be sent an email on the anniversary of your spouse's passing, wedding anniversary, and more
Click HERE to review Widow Goals on Amazon
Go here to see a list of all the areas we have Widow Goals Groups
Follow Michelle on TikTok
Follow me on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/widowed2soon_/
https://www.instagram.com/widowgoals
See my videos on Youtube
14 min - 248- Widow Goal #2: Call On Your Tribe
In this episode of the Widow Goals Series, Michelle Bader Ebersole talks about one of the most important things a widow can do after loss: build her tribe.
Michelle shares how she began creating a support system while her husband Luke was sick—and how that community became a lifeline after he died. From meals and rides to prayer, check-ins, and simply having someone willing to sit beside you in the hardest moments, the right people can help carry you when you don't have the strength to carry yourself.
She also talks about something many widows struggle with: actually asking for help. People often say, “Let me know if you need anything,” but when you're grieving, figuring out what you need—and then asking for it—can feel overwhelming.
Book a free grief coaching consultation call with Michelle HERE
Join the Widow Goals Online Community and get Michelle’s Widow Goals Course use code podcast for a free month
Learn More About Michelle’s Widow Coaching Program Here
Click Here to Register for the Widow Goals Fall Retreat
Click HERE to learn about the Widow Goals Support Program
Click HERE to order Michelle’s book Widow Goals: Steps to Finding Peace When You Lose Your Spouse
Click HERE to order the Widow Goals Workbook
Click HERE to order the Widow Goals Workbook Leader Guide
Click HERE to apply to be a Widow Goals Group Leader
Follow Hayley's Parent Loss Goals Ministry Here on IG
Here on FB
Click here to be sent an email on the anniversary of your spouse's passing, wedding anniversary, and more
Click HERE to review Widow Goals on Amazon
Go here to see a list of all the areas we have Widow Goals Groups
Follow Michelle on TikTok
Follow me on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/widowed2soon_/
https://www.instagram.com/widowgoals
See my videos on Youtube
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
15 min - 247- Widow Goal #1 : Get Out of Bed
Widow Goals Series Kickoff: Get Out of Bed
In this episode of Widowed 2 Soon, Michelle Bader Ebersole kicks off a brand-new Widow Goals series, going back to the heart of the message that started it all.
Before Widow Goals became a nonprofit, a book, retreats, support groups, and a growing community of widows, it started with one simple desire: to help widows take the next step when life feels impossible.
Over the coming weeks, Michelle will be revisiting the 30 goals from her book, Widow Goals: Steps to Finding Peace When You Lose Your Spouse, sharing what she has learned since writing them and offering practical encouragement for wherever you are in your grief.
And Goal #1 starts about as simple—and as hard—as it gets:
Get out of bed.
Michelle shares what those earliest days after losing Luke were really like, when even getting up in the morning could feel overwhelming. She talks about why grief can make the smallest things feel impossible and reminds widows that healing doesn’t happen in neat stages or on a predictable timeline.
This episode is especially for the widow who is still in survival mode. Michelle shares practical ways to make mornings a little easier, why having someone check in can help, the importance of sleep and caring for your body, and why putting even one small thing on the calendar can give you something to hold onto.
She also talks about one of the things that has made the biggest difference in her own journey: community with other widows who truly understand.
You don’t have to have the next year figured out. You don’t even have to have tomorrow figured out.
Sometimes the goal really is just to get out of bed.
And that counts.
Michelle also shares a glimpse of what’s ahead with Out of the Fog and Into the Light: Rebuilding Your Life When Everything Changes and how the lessons she first learned through widowhood are becoming part of an even bigger message about rebuilding after life doesn’t go the way you planned.
Book a free grief coaching consultation call with Michelle HERE
Join the Widow Goals Online Community and get Michelle’s Widow Goals Course use code podcast for a free month
Learn More About Michelle’s Widow Coaching Program Here
Click Here to Register for the Widow Goals Fall Retreat
Click HERE to learn about the Widow Goals Support Program
Click HERE to order Michelle’s book Widow Goals: Steps to Finding Peace When You Lose Your Spouse
Click HERE to order the Widow Goals Workbook
Click HERE to order the Widow Goals Workbook Leader Guide
Click HERE to apply to be a Widow Goals Group Leader
Follow Hayley's Parent Loss Goals Ministry Here on IG
Here on FB
Click here to be sent an email on the anniversary of your spouse's passing, wedding anniversary, and more
Click HERE to review Widow Goals on Amazon
Go here to see a list of all the areas we have Widow Goals Groups
Follow Michelle on TikTok
Follow me on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/widowed2soon_/
https://www.instagram.com/widowgoals
See my videos on Youtube
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
15 min - 246- Honoring Luke's Legacy at His 30-Year Class Reunion
In this solo episode of Widowed 2 Soon, Michelle Bader Ebersole shares the unexpected journey of attending—and speaking at—her late husband Luke's 30-year high school class reunion.
As soon as the invitation arrived, she wrestled with whether she should go. Would it be awkward? Would she know anyone? Would it stir up more grief than she was ready for? What she experienced instead was a beautiful reminder that courage often leads to unexpected blessings.
Michelle shares the emotions of walking into a room filled with people who loved Luke, the funny and awkward conversations that came with introducing herself as his widow, and the honor of standing before his classmates to share about the man they remembered and the incredible perseverance that defined his life long after high school.
This episode is an honest conversation about grief, courage, and choosing to step into difficult moments instead of avoiding them. Whether you're facing a reunion, a wedding, a family gathering, or another milestone after loss, Michelle hopes this episode encourages you to keep showing up—even when it's hard.
She also shares why having support matters, reflects on the many ways God met her throughout the evening, and gives an update on the upcoming Widow Goals Retreat in Dallas this October.
- Why Michelle almost didn't attend Luke's 30-year class reunion
- The emotions of walking into a room filled with Luke's classmates
- Funny, awkward, and meaningful conversations from the evening
- The story behind the speech honoring Luke's life and legacy
- What the night taught Michelle about courage, grief, and healing
- Why bringing a trusted friend can make difficult events more manageable
- Details about the upcoming Widow Goals Retreat and the August 5 price increase
Click Here to Register for the Widow Goals Fall Retreat
Book a free grief coaching consultation call with Michelle HERE
Join the Widow Goals Online Community and get Michelle’s Widow Goals Course use code podcast for a free month
Learn More About Michelle’s Widow Coaching Program Here
Click HERE to learn about the Widow Goals Support Program
Click HERE to order Michelle’s book Widow Goals: Steps to Finding Peace When You Lose Your Spouse
Click HERE to
order the Widow Goals Workbook
Click HERE to order the Widow Goals Workbook Leader Guide
Click HERE to apply to be a Widow Goals Group Leader
Follow Hayley's Parent Loss Goals Ministry Here on IG
Here on FB
Click here to be sent an email on the anniversary of your spouse's passing, wedding anniversary, and more
Click HERE to review Widow Goals on Amazon
Book Michelle as a speaker
Go here to see a list of all the areas we have Widow Goals Groups
Click Here to apply to be a guest on Widowed 2 Soon
Follow Michelle on TikTok
Follow me on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/widowed2soon_/
https://www.instagram.com/widowgoals
See my videos on Youtube
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
20 min - 245- The Power of Widow Community: How Friendship, Faith, and Shared Grief Bring Hope
What happens when eleven widows spend a weekend together?
There are tears. There is laughter. There are stories only another widow could truly understand. And somewhere in the middle of it all, healing begins.
In this special episode of Widowed 2 Soon, Michelle Bader Ebersole sits down with several women during a Widow Goals retreat in Lincoln City, Oregon, to talk about the incredible power of widow community. Together, they share honest conversations about grief, rebuilding life after loss, and why no widow should have to walk this journey alone.
Whether you're newly widowed or years into your journey, this episode is a reminder that hope is real—and healing often begins when someone simply says, "Me too."
Why widow community can be one of the greatest gifts after loss.
How friendship helps replace isolation with hope.
The impact retreats and support groups can have on healing.
Why laughter isn't a sign you've forgotten your spouse—it's a sign you're living again.
How faith and shared experiences create lifelong connections.
Encouragement for widows who feel alone or aren't sure where to turn next.
If you've ever wondered whether community really makes a difference after the loss of a spouse, this episode is your answer. These women prove that while grief changes us forever, it doesn't get the final word. Healing is possible. Friendship is powerful. And there is still so much life to be lived!
Book a free grief coaching consultation call with Michelle HERE
Join the Widow Goals Online Community and get Michelle’s Widow Goals Course use code podcast for a free month
Click Here to Register for the Widow Goals Fall Retreat
Click HERE to learn about the Widow Goals Support Program
Click HERE to order Michelle’s book Widow Goals: Steps to Finding Peace When You Lose Your Spouse
Click HERE to
order the Widow Goals Workbook
Click HERE to order the Widow Goals Workbook Leader Guide
Click HERE to apply to be a Widow Goals Group Leader
Follow Hayley's Parent Loss Goals Ministry Here on IG
Here on FB
Click here to be sent an email on the anniversary of your spouse's passing, wedding anniversary, and more
Click HERE to review Widow Goals on Amazon
Book Michelle as a speaker
Go here to see a list of all the areas we have Widow Goals Groups
Click Here to apply to be a guest on Widowed 2 Soon
Follow Michelle on TikTok
Follow me on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/widowed2soon_/
https://www.instagram.com/widowgoals
See my videos on Youtube
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
36 min
About Widowed 2 Soon; Advice on Faith, Mental Health, and Dating Again
From the publisher's feed
Through raw stories and practical wisdom, widow Michelle helps others find healing and connection in the widow journey while raising teens.
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