I hope you're ready to listen in on an honest conversation about grief, growth, and finding new footing after profound loss! I had the privilege of interviewing Linda Davis this week. This chat was rich in wisdom — not just about surviving widowhood, but about rebuilding yourself in the years that follow.

Linda dropped more than a few gems that anyone moving through monumental change might want to tuck away for later. Here are the five that most spoke to me:

1. Baby Steps Are Legit Steps
   She let herself take things minute by minute. She honored what her instincts and emotions needed, one afternoon or evening at a time. You get to move slowly. That’s not failing; that’s surviving.
2. It’s Okay to Change Up Your World
   Guilt about rearranging your physical space? Let it go. Linda realized she needed her surroundings to reflect this new phase of her life.
3. Pour Out Your Grief (In Whatever Medium You’ve Got)
   For Linda, collage became a unique lifeline — a way to track the rollercoaster of emotions after loss, visually and creatively.
4. Follow Your Instincts, and Let Spiritual Growth Surprise You
   Linda described how loss cracked her open spiritually — even when she hadn’t thought a lot about such things before. Unexpected “signs” from her late husband, new feelings of connection, and a deeper sense of presence in the world around her emerged.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Rebuild — and Love Again
   You are allowed to create a 2.0 version of yourself! Rebuilding takes confidence, but also courage to be a beginner. Don’t pressure yourself to know all the answers, and don’t apologize for whatever timeline, efforts, or interests emerge as you rebuild.

It’s a complicated, deeply personal road — but if Linda’s experience holds anything universal, it’s that healing and possibility co-exist. If you or someone you know needs encouragement after loss, please pass this episode along! There’s wisdom in every step!

Check out Linda's collage pieces in the Widow 180 Facebook group!

Check out our widow resources and Widow 180 Workbook Series at https://www.widow180.com/workbooks

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Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

Having now circled marriage, dating, and second chances at love on Widow 180: The Podcast, I thought I’d finally share a handful of my favorite pieces of advice—many pulled directly from my chat with my now husband Doug for Episode 236!

Widows have so much stress and concern over dating again, so I wanted to share a guy's point of view about it all.

Did he have any concerns? Was there any hesitation about dating a widow?

We also talk about his experience and advice about online dating! He'll give some tips and strategies about getting back out there with confidence!

Real talk, real stories, real hope: all from a place of compassion, experience, and support. If you’re beginning to contemplate dating after widowhood, remember—there is no right way, only your way. And you don’t have to do it alone.

The Dating Again After Losing Your Spouse Workbook is here!

Get the downloadable workbook here and get started today!

https://widow180.kit.com/products/dating

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For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com

Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

Debbie Weiss originally joined us for this interview on episode 140 of the podcast. In today's episode we hear her story of losing her husband George to cancer after a 4 year battle. Debbie recounts the loneliness and isolation she struggled with and talks about what she did to overcome those struggles, including turning to writing as a way to heal through grief.

With writing as a passion and outlet, Debbie decided to return to school to pursue her Master's Degree!

She then published her book, Available As Is: A Midlife Widow's Search For Love.

Debbie will be hosting a 4 week grief writing program that starts August 26, 2025!

If you're interested in joining the program click here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/writing-through-loss-with-rachel-blatt-and-debbie-weiss-registration-1482082411389?aff=oddtdtcreator

Interested in dating? Don't know where to start? START HERE! The newest workbook in the Widow 180 Workbook Series is out soon! The Dating Again After Losing Your Spouse Workbook is here:

https:www.widow180.com/dating

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For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com

Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

Sleep deprivation is a major problem for those of us who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Sleep disorder insomnia after loss is more common than you may think, so if this is affecting you, you're not alone!

In this episode we are talking about some strategies for coping with sleep disorders and getting better sleep while grieving.

Some of these include:

~Sleep sounds or sleep music

~Using a sleep mask

Listen here for more suggestions!

Want to share your own "widow success story" on the pod? Let's talk! Email me at jen@widow180.com

Join thousands of other widows and get our FREE weekly newsletter! Go to https://www.widow180.com/newsletter

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For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com

Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

What does it mean to truly start over after unimaginable loss? From learning how to ask for help in her "season of yes," to the strength it took to finally take off her wedding ring, Christie Salava's story is raw, honest, and inspiring—and a powerful reminder that you’re never alone, even in your darkest moments!

Here are 5 key takeaways:

1. The Power of Saying "Yes" to Support Christie shared valuable advice she received early in her journey: embrace a "season of yes." She learned to accept help from friends, community, and anyone offering support—even when it felt uncomfortable or humbling. By saying yes, she allowed others to be part of her healing and recognized the importance of not walking through grief alone.
2. Profound Shifts in Marriage and Caregiving Christie’s story illustrates how illness can transform a loved one and a marriage. She discussed the pain of watching her husband Andy’s personality change due to his brain tumor and treatments—moving quickly from the man she knew to someone unrecognizable, and the difficult task of protecting her children from those changes while navigating her own grief.
3. Reminders That Healing and Moving Forward Aren’t Betrayals The episode deeply explored the emotional complexity of moving forward—especially when it came to taking off her wedding ring and moving out of the family home. Christie expressed her internal tug-of-war between honoring Andy and embracing new chapters.
4. Honesty as a Cornerstone of Healing Christie emphasized the importance of being honest—with herself, her children, her support system, and with God. She explained that allowing herself to voice her true feelings, needs, and struggles enabled her to receive comfort and support.
5. Cultivating Hope for the Future While honoring her past, Christie shared her growing hope and openness to finding love again—without diminishing the love she still holds for Andy. She highlighted how both personal growth and the courage to tackle challenges (like solo road trips and relocating her family) have helped rebuild her confidence and inspire her children by example.

This episode is full of heartfelt, vulnerable moments and practical wisdom for anyone navigating loss and the journey toward healing.

Be sure to join us again for Part 2 with Christie in an upcoming episode!

Need support for feeling more confident moving into your Chapter 2? Check out the Boost Your Confidence Level After Loss Workbook! Go to https://www.widow180.com/confidence and get the instant download PDF today!

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For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com

Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

Brandi Abbott joins the podcast today. Brandi recounts the tragic Apache helicopter accident that claimed her husband Derek's life on what was supposed to be his retirement flight, and the wave of grief, faith, and unexpected blessings that followed.

Takeaways from the episode include:

• The Day Everything Changed: Brandi recalls the series of events leading up to Derek’s last flight, and the profound significance of a simple wrench left behind—a symbol that keeps mysteriously appearing, tying their story to a favorite family movie.
• Coping with “Death Words”: Brandi discusses how to redefine the words that trigger pain, transforming “widow” into a source of strength and identity.
• Solo Parenting Challenges: From navigating her kids’ grief to leaning on advice that “kids will flow from you,” Brandi shares her hardest moments and most helpful support systems.
• Finding Support Through Organizations: Brandy details the lifelines provided by groups like Snowball Express, TAPS, Tunnel to Towers, and A Soldier’s Child, and emphasizes the importance of not grieving alone.
• Honoring Derek’s Legacy: The family’s one-year remembrance at “The ABBA Site” (named for its meaning—Father) and the creation of “Becoming One Heart,” a foundation and blog dedicated to giving back.
• Signs, Songs, and a New Pup: Brandi shares the ways Derek sends signs—including the miraculous recovery of a flag, specific songs and their new puppy, Apache, who helps the family heal.
• Advice for Widows: Brandi encourages listeners not to do this journey alone, to share burdens, and to invite others into their story, no matter how hard it feels.

This episode is filled with grace, vulnerability, and practical advice for anyone navigating loss—or supporting someone who is. Listen for moments of laughter, honest tears, and the inspiring ways Brandi is choosing to move forward, one day at a time.

Learn more:

• Becoming One Heart — Brandy’s foundation and blog
• Resources mentioned: Snowball Express, TAPS, Gary Sinise Foundation, Tunnel to Towers, A Soldier’s Child

Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927

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For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com

Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

Today, I had the honor of sitting down with Kara Jordan Wright, a courageous widow who transformed unimaginable tragedy into real and lasting change.

After losing her husband Jesse in a workplace accident, Kara not only navigated grief with her daughter, Avery, but she also fought to change state laws—making life better for widows and children in Tennessee.

From surviving those darkest days to launching a new glampground business and inspiring a movement, Kara’s story is the ultimate example of resilience, purpose, and how one person can spark real impact!

If you’re seeking inspiration to turn adversity into fuel for your next big leap, this one’s for you!

For help and support finding YOUR purpose after losing your spouse, check out the latest workbook in the Widow 180 Workbook Series, The Finding Purpose And Meaning After Loss Workbook. Discover what's next for you! Discover what's POSSIBLE for you! Get the digital download instantly at https://www.widow180.com/purpose

Check out Rock Creek Retreat and Ventures here:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565213024619

Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927

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For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com

Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

One of the topics that we cover in the new Finding Purpose and Meaning After Loss Workbook is life's synchronicities. These are those seemingly random events that happen to us all the time. It's those little nudges from the universe pushing us in one direction and guiding us.

This happens to all of us. The key is just to pay close attention so you can recognize it when it happens!

In this episode I share a couple of examples of synchronicities. There is magic here. There is mystery here. It's truly fascinating!

For more help with Finding Purpose, grab a copy of the newest workbook, The Finding Purpose and Meaning After Loss Workbook!

Go over to https://www.widow180.com/purpose to download your copy today.

Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927

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Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ

For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com

Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com