280. Finding Joy Again: A Widows Unfiltered Interview with Jenny Douglas

I explore the profound lessons about grief, sadness, and joy from the beloved Disney Pixar movie, Inside Out, and share how they mirror our own experiences with loss and grief. Learn valuable insights about allowing our emotions to work together, rather than forcing one to dominate.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.coachingwithkrista.com/289

Have you ever shared something difficult about your grief, only to have someone respond with a dismissive comment like, “They're in a better place” or, “At least you had the years you had together?” This instinct to fix or "right" a situation is known as the righting reflex. It’s a common response to seeing someone in pain that’s usually well-intentioned… but it doesn’t feel good.   I explore the concept of the righting reflex, how it shows up in our interactions with others and ourselves, and strategies for responding to it in a way that honors our feelings and needs.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.coachingwithkrista.com/288

I sit down with my client, Amy Krill, who shares her story of love, loss, and resilience after the unexpected passing of her husband four years ago. Hear Amy’s journey of embracing grief wholly, making bold decisions, and ultimately creating a life she loves on the other side of tragedy.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.coachingwithkrista.com/287

I share a powerful philosophy that has transformed my approach to personal growth and decision-making: we learn by doing.    Hear examples of how learning by doing can help you navigate this chapter with greater ease and resilience, and how to apply this mindset to your journey as a widow to create the life you desire.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.coachingwithkrista.com/286

Are you dreading the holidays as a widow? Do certain sights, smells, or sounds trigger painful memories and emotions during this festive season?   The holidays can be an incredibly challenging time when you're grieving the loss of a loved one, but being prepared and having a plan can make the experience more manageable. I explore practical strategies for handling holiday triggers with more ease and grace, and share tips for creating your personalized holiday resilience plan.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.coachingwithkrista.com/285

Do you ever feel pressured to find a romantic partner in order to be truly happy? What if being single was actually an opportunity to build a rich, fulfilling life on your own terms? I talk with Meghan Keane, founder of NPR's Life Kit podcast, about her new book Party of One: Be Your Own Best Life Partner.   Meghan shares her personal journey of losing her father at a young age and supporting her widowed mother, how societal expectations around marriage and partnership have evolved over time, and why it's important to prioritize all types of love and connection in our lives.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.coachingwithkrista.com/284    

Are you holding on to your late partner’s belongings, unsure of when or how to let them go? It’s a tricky balance isn’t it - the desire to keep their memory close while also wanting to move forward, or maybe you simply aren’t ready to begin thinking about the future yet.   Explore why releasing your partner's belongings after a loss can be so difficult. Hear a helpful reframe for this struggle that can guide you in determining whether you're honoring your loved one or simply holding on, along with a reminder that there is no right or wrong timeline for this process.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.coachingwithkrista.com/283

From the Industrial Revolution to the modern-day superwoman ideal, women in grief especially have internalized the belief that our worth is tied to our output, but at what cost?   Learn how the pressure to be productive can be harmful during grief. You'll also explore questions to help you examine your current relationship with productivity, allowing you to redefine success and give yourself permission to rest and feel.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.coachingwithkrista.com/282

Have you ever felt that deep ache or yearning after losing your person? While it’s a normal part of the grieving process, our minds often make the presence of this ache mean something negative about ourselves or our grief.   Hear why you feel this ache in the first place, why it’s not a problem to solve, and how to rethink the ache so you can begin moving towards the experience you want to have.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.coachingwithkrista.com/281    

Jenny Douglas is an amazing widow who has been through the trenches of grief and come out the other side. We discuss how Jenny rebuilt her life and rediscovered joy, even in the midst of sadness, and why investing in yourself is one of the best things you can do for your well-being.   Jenny shares her powerful story of love, loss, and finding herself again after her husband John passed away.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.coachingwithkrista.com/280