Mother’s Day might be a single Sunday on the calendar, but for us widowed moms, the balancing act never stops. In this episode of Every Widow Thing, we are pulling back the curtain on our recent Mother's Day experiences and diving deep into the beautiful, chaotic reality of solo parenting.

From the laugh-out-loud madness of last-minute school projects to the sheer panic of discovering a missed final exam, we share the raw, unfiltered moments that define our day-to-day.

• The Chaos of Co-less Parenting: Our hilarious and stressful tales from the frontlines of raising kids without a co-captain.

• The Mental Load: An honest look at the heavy cognitive and emotional weight we carry as mothers, and how that burden intensifies after losing a partner.

• Navigating Widow Guilt: Breaking down the unique guilt that comes with parenting through our grief.

• The Power of Our Circle: Why community isn't just nice to have—it's a survival mechanism. We share how leaning on each other keeps us grounded.

Grief changes you, but as we wrap up, we reflect on the unexpected growth and positivity we've found along the way. Tune in for a heavy dose of solidarity, a lot of laughs, and a gentle reminder that you don't have to walk this path alone.

Join the Conversation!We want to hear from you. What does the mental load look like in your house? Share your stories, your survival tips, or your ideas for future episodes with us.

Listen now, and if you love the show, please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review!

Time stamp:

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to Every Widow Thing

• 00:00:29 - Mother's Day Reflections & Parenting Challenges

• 00:01:39 - Last-Minute School Projects & Stressors

• 00:03:20 - The Mental Load of Widowed Motherhood

• 00:04:14 - Navigating Solo Parenting Without a Partner

• 00:06:36 - The Vital Importance of Support Systems

• 00:08:29 - Hard Parenting Decisions & Finding Balance

• 00:10:58 - Transitioning Older Kids into Adulthood

• 00:12:06 - Mother's Day: Expectations vs. Reality

• 00:13:12 - Celebrating the Small Motherhood Wins

• 00:14:34 - Reflecting on the Early Years of Grief

• 00:16:15 - Finding True Community and Connection

• 00:18:34 - Thriving and Building a Life After Loss

• 00:19:11 - Gaining a Broader Perspective on Grief

• 00:22:09 - Surrounding Yourself with Positivity

• 00:24:16 - Encouragement to Live Life Fully

• 00:26:02 - Practicing Gratitude for Small Joys

• 00:27:08 - Growth & Learning to Manage Alone

• 00:28:39 - Facing Major Social Situations Solo

• 00:30:22 - Integrating Grief into Daily Life

• 00:32:40 - The Healing Power of Open Conversations

• 00:35:21 - Leaning on Community in Tough Times

• 00:37:37 - Navigating Big Life Events Through Loss

• 00:40:20 - Anticipating Future Family Milestones

• 00:41:11 - Reframing Grief as a Companion

• 00:42:27 - Book Recommendations & Self-Help

• 00:48:46 - Looking Ahead & Closing Thoughts

What do you do when the life you spent decades building burns to the ground in just 21 days? For Julie Halbert, the "fire" started in 2018 with her husband Jim’s sudden cancer diagnosis. By the time the smoke cleared, Jim was gone at just 51, and Julie was left standing in the ashes of her "old" life with their two sons.

Instead of trying to rebuild what was lost, Julie chose to reflect, reinvent, and rise. She traded the courtroom for the bedside, becoming a death doula and transformational soul coach. Today, she is the living definition of our mission to survive and thrive. Listen in as Julie shares her love, her loss, and some helpful tips on how you can rise out of the ashes and live life fully awake.

Resources & Links:

• Divine Ashes Ascending - Coming October 2023
• Rising Phoenix Life
• Meditation PDF
• A Butterfly Has Been Released Documentary
• Blue Butterfly Grief Therapy Program
• The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

Connect with Julie Halbert:

• Email
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Connect with Every Widow Thing:

• Email
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Insider's Group
• Youtube

Meet Tammy. Her widow journey is only five months in, but she is already leading with a healing perspective. Inspired by her husband Kim’s eight-year battle with cancer and his refusal to 'take a break' from living, Tammy is determined to honor his legacy by embracing life with purpose.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Tammy discovered our podcast through a chance encounter in an antique store.

• The challenges and triumphs of being a caregiver during Kim's illness.

• The importance of having open conversations about love and loss.

• Tammy's experience with a medium that helped her connect with Kim after his passing.

• The support system she found in friends and fellow widows, and how they have helped her cope.

Tammy's story is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of community. Whether you're a widow or simply seeking inspiration, this episode is filled with wisdom, humor, and hope.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below!

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