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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
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.
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
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
In this solo episode, Michelle Bader Ebersole shares a personal update on where she is more than six years after losing her husband, Luke, why she's feeling called to shift her focus, and what's next for Widow Goals and beyond. She talks about the reality that grief doesn't disappear—it changes. And while healing isn't about "getting over it," it is about learning to move forward with hope.
Michelle also shares a few recent moments that caught her off guard emotionally, why community matters so much, and why she believes authenticity is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and others.
Why Michelle is feeling called to focus more on rebuilding life after loss
The story behind her new podcast, Out of the Fog and Into the Light
Why authenticity has become one of her biggest priorities
The unexpected ways grief can still show up years later
A powerful church moment that reminded her grief is never completely finished
The emotions surrounding her daughter's recent car accident and how quickly old fears can resurface
Why it's healthy to feel your emotions instead of stuffing them down
The importance of finding your people and building a supportive community
How widows can start a local Widow Goals support group in their own community
If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs hope today. Every review helps more people discover that while grief changes us, it doesn't have to define the rest of our story.
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
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
What happens when your greatest loss becomes the foundation for helping others heal?
In this episode, Michelle Bader Ebersole sits down with Patti Comeau-Simonson to talk about her journey through the loss of her husband, David, and how that experience led her to dedicate her life to serving those who are grieving. From volunteering in hospice to becoming a grief educator and author, Patti shares the lessons she's learned about healing, hope, and finding purpose after loss.
They also talk about her unique book, Recipes for Healing: Working Through Loss One Plate at a Time, which beautifully weaves together personal stories, grief insights, and meaningful recipes that connect us to the people we love.
Whether you're newly widowed or years into your grief journey, this conversation is a reminder that while grief changes us, it doesn't have to define the rest of our lives.
Get Patti's Book Here
Visit Patti's Website 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
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
What if gratitude isn't something you force—but something that naturally grows out of experiencing God's love?
In this encouraging conversation, Wendy Bower shares how walking through divorce, family estrangement, and breast cancer transformed her faith. Rather than simply surviving life's hardest seasons, Wendy discovered a deeper relationship with God that changed the way she viewed suffering, gratitude, and hope.
Together, we discuss how renewing your mind with God's truth, embracing your identity in Christ, and focusing on heaven's perspective can help you rebuild your life with purpose and peace.
Visit Wendy's website to learn more about her ministry, speaking, and resources. https://www.authorwendybower.com
Search for her book, Gratitude Attack on Amazon or wherever books are sold.
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
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
In this episode of Widowed 2 Soon, Michelle Bader Ebersole sits down with Jennifer DeMatteo to talk about her journey through grief after losing her husband to sepsis, heart disease, and cancer.
Jennifer shares what it was like to walk through her husband's illness, the emotions of becoming a widow, and the tools that helped her begin healing. One of those tools was journaling, which eventually inspired her to create her guided grief journal, Still Loving, Still Living. She also shares why traditional grief support groups weren't the right fit for her and how she found healing through faith, running, writing, and meaningful relationships.
Every grief journey is unique, and Jennifer's story is a reminder that there is no right or wrong way to heal. Whether you are newly widowed or years into your journey, this conversation offers encouragement, practical ideas, and hope for the road ahead.
Jennifer's Book
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
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
In this heartfelt solo episode, Michelle Bader Ebersole reflects on one of life's most bittersweet moments—watching her son, Payton, graduate high school without his dad there to witness it. As she navigates the mixture of pride, joy, and grief that often accompanies major life milestones after loss, Michelle shares personal stories, lessons from a recent women's retreat, and encouragement for anyone learning to carry both sorrow and hope.
Drawing from her message on "Water Walking Faith," Michelle explores what it means to trust God when the future feels uncertain, allow grief to come in waves without fighting it, and embrace the beauty of life's meaningful moments even when they bring tears. Whether you're a widow, widower, or simply facing a season of change, this episode offers honest conversation, faith-filled encouragement, and a reminder that healing doesn't mean leaving your loved one behind—it means learning to move forward while carrying their love with you.
For coaching, speaking, retreats, support groups, and grief resources, visit Michelle's Linktree and connect through the Widow Goals community.
If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need hope today
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
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
In this heartfelt episode, Michelle welcomes longtime friend, mentor, and fellow widow Marlys Lawry Johnson. Before Michelle was widowed, Marlys walked alongside her, offering practical guidance, encouragement, and hope during one of the most difficult seasons of her life. Marlys shares her beautiful love story with her first husband, Gary, their journey through his ten-year battle with cancer, and how they chose to use their experience to help others facing serious illness. She also opens up about the challenges of widowhood, the importance of finding purpose after loss, and how writing became a powerful part of her healing journey.
The conversation also explores dating and remarriage after loss. Marlys shares how she met her husband Dan, the fears she had about opening her heart again, and how God gently helped her move forward into a new chapter. Together, Michelle and Marlys discuss why healing, purpose, and joy must come before looking for someone else to fill the void, while also celebrating the beauty of love after loss. Whether you're newly widowed, wondering what comes next, or simply looking for hope, this episode offers encouragement that life can be meaningful, joyful, and full again—even after profound loss.
Marlys' Website
Marlys' Book and Grit and Grace Website
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
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
Dating after the loss of a spouse can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even impossible. How do you know when you're ready? What red flags should you watch for? And is it really possible to love someone new without taking away from the love you still have for your late spouse?
In this episode of Widowed 2 Soon, Michelle sits down with internationally recognized matchmaker, dating coach, author, and star of Netflix's Jewish Matchmaking, Aleeza Ben Shalom. Together they discuss the unique challenges widows and widowers face when considering dating again and offer practical, encouraging advice for navigating this new chapter.
Aliza shares why dating should move slower than most people think, how to recognize emotional readiness, and why rejection may actually be protection. She also explains how grief, faith, and new love can coexist—and why finding love again never means replacing the person you lost.
Whether you're thinking about dating someday, actively dating now, or simply wondering if love is possible after loss, this conversation is filled with wisdom, hope, and practical guidance.
In This Episode:
• How to know if you're emotionally ready to date again
• Why love expands rather than replaces previous love
• The importance of taking relationships slowly
• Red flags, deal breakers, and avoiding online dating scams
• Creating a list of core values and non-negotiables
• Why delayed physical intimacy can lead to better decisions
• Building healthy boundaries while dating
• The role of faith and grief in new relationships
• How to handle rejection and disappointment
• Meeting potential partners online and in your community
• Why authenticity matters on social media and dating profiles
• The importance of leaving room for God's plan
Connect with Aleeza:
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
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
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