BW 014: Learning to Live with Grief While Finding Joy in Life - with Jennifer Mullins

Jennifer Mullins became a widow in 2012 after her husband's sudden death from an accidental overdose. She was not prepared for the heartache that would follow. She found solace in support groups and other widows and reading stories of others who have traveled this path.

She has gradually learned to live with grief and find joy in life. She believes in paying it forward by being there for others who are experiencing grief. You can visit her and learn more more@beautifulbittersweetlife.com for her experience.

We talk about:

• The benefits of having a gratitude journal
• How its okay that traditions change
• The first year is hard but the second year can be harder
• The importance of joining community groups
• What grief looks like after 10 years
• Picking up hobbies that can help you feel connected to your loved one
• Giving yourself permission to allow change
• Living with uncertainty in life while still finding joy

Quotes-

“You're gonna hit a wall, it could be eight months, it could be 12 months. But you're gonna feel like, oh my gosh, I'm right back at the beginning again.”

“First year's hard, second year's harder.”

“It's finding those places where you can find that peace.”

“It's nice to be able to finally give yourself permission to just go, things have changed. I've gotta do what works best for me. it's being okay with letting things go.”

“And now what I've realized is I can live with the uncertainty of life and still find joy and hope in it and find friendship. And I always say that there's such a difference between joy and happiness. Joy is like that deep feeling that you can have regardless of what is going on in life.”

“Never give up hope because it does get better and you can find joy and purpose and still have them with you, and still have them be a part of who you are.”

“And it does get better. You will not always have that sad heartbreak. You'll always feel those moments and you'll get hit by waves and, but you'll also learn you can survive those waves, that they won't kill you in the beginning. You think this is going to kill you. And then what I've learned over time is, no, it won't.”

The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future. Learn more at bravewidow.com.

Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones

I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have four beautiful children together. My world was turned completely upside down when I lost him. With faith, community, and wisdom from others, I’ve been able to find hope, joy, and dream again for the future. I want to help others do the same, too!

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