Gratitude, Grief, and Growth: Reflections from the Messy Middle

On this episode of First Paso, Candace closes out Season 6 by reflecting on the grief, gratitude, and identity shifts that have shaped her in one of life’s most transformational transitions yet. From unexpected valleys to surprising mountaintops, she opens up about what it has meant to embrace the highs and lows of this current transition season — even the messy steps in between.

How do you stay grounded when transition is tugging you in all directions?

Listen as Candace unpacks—through a celebration of becoming in real-time—what she learned about honesty, identity, commentary, purpose, and choosing life even when you don’t feel ready.

Visit CandaceOlusola.com or follow @CandaceOlusola on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for insights on embracing wholeness, unlocking purpose, and living free—while navigating change with faith and clarity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why identity often gets tested in transition

✔️ What happens when commentary and comparison distort your purpose

✔️ Why choosing life is a daily, sacred decision

✔️ How grief, gratitude, and growth can coexist

Timestamps:

00:22 Introduction and Season Reflection

06:11 Lessons Learned: Honesty and Vulnerability

09:58 Repurposing Life’s Lessons

12:23 Gratitude and Joy

14:19 Navigating Commentary and Opinions

17:08 Embracing the Messy Middle

20:23 Choosing Life and Rest

37:19 Overcoming False Identities

40:03 Grief and Letting Go

43:12 Final Thoughts and Season Wrap-Up