Season 2 Reflections

We've reached the end of Season 2! Over these past six months, we've heard from 23 incredible voices - psychologists, artists, fellow widows, writers, parents, and researchers. Each person brought their unique perspective on grief, reminding me (and hopefully you) that grief has many faces and touches every aspect of our lives.

If there's one message I want you to take from this season, it's this: pay attention to how your grief shows up in your body, your choices, your relationships, and your vision for the future.

The Many Faces of Grief

Grief doesn't always look like despair. Often, it wears the mask of rage, exhaustion, numbness, burnout, or physical pain. Our bodies remember even when our minds try to forget. If you're experiencing stomach pain, headaches, or getting sick constantly, please check in with your doctor. Grief can seriously impact both your physical and mental wellbeing.

I believe grief is something we learn to live with, not something that should take over our entire lives. There's room for both grief and life, and with the right support, you can rebuild after devastating loss.

"Letters to Forever" Exhibition

In our final episode, I spoke with Natalia Millman about her moving art exhibition "Letters to Forever," based on letters sent to her from people around the world. The exhibition opens August 7th for about three weeks in St. Albans, just a short train ride from London.

You can learn more about this powerful project at https://www.nataliamillmanart.com/griefletterproject

I'd love to meet you there! I'll be at the exhibition on August 13th from 12-4PM. This immersive experience is filled with stories of loss that I think you'll find deeply inspiring. There are workshops and activities planned throughout the three-week run, so check the program and sign up. If you're planning to come, please email me at [email protected] so I know to look for you!

What's Coming Next

Thank you for sharing this Season 2 journey with me. If you're new here, welcome! I encourage you to check out our previous episodes.

I'm excited to share some news about what's coming next. One topic that repeatedly emerged this season was how to navigate relationships after loss. I've noticed this question comes up frequently in our community, often loaded with guilt, fear, pressure, and conflicting feelings.

Some of you feel pushed to move forward with life, while others can't imagine a future with someone new. You might worry about judgment from others (or yourself), feel guilty for thinking about new relationships, or fear opening your heart again.

New Mini-Course: Relationships After Loss

If you've been feeling stuck or uncertain about relationships after loss, I've created something special for you. This September, I'm launching a free six-part audio mini-course all about relationships after loss. We'll cover:

• Navigating modern dating as a widow/widower

• Handling judgment from family, friends, and yourself

• Preparing your children for your dating life

• Breaking the news that you're seeing someone

• Managing grief while building new relationships

As always, everything will be grounded in psychology, packed with practical tips, and informed by lived experience. Visit https://www.guidetoafterlife.com/dating to join the waiting list and be first to know when it launches. You'll also receive my grief-friendly dating guide filled with exercises to help you reflect and prepare.

Stay Connected

It's been such an honor to share this journey with you. I hope you have a restorative summer break, and I look forward to seeing many of you in St. Albans on August 13th!

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @guide_to_afterlife for more grief tips and resources. And don't forget to visit guidetoafterlife.com to send me your questions and access the grief MOT, your free first aid program for grief.

Thank you for being part of our community. Season 3 begins in September with our special focus on relationships after loss.