Grief specialist Ashley Olivia Nelson joins us on Widow 180: The Podcast. Ashley shared her deeply personal journey as a two-time widow before 35, and her transition into helping others navigate grief.

There were so many powerful insights, but here are the top 3 takeaways:

🔹 Your identity is ever-evolving.
Ashley reminds us that after a significant loss, our sense of self changes—not just once, but many times. Grief challenges us to get intimate with who we are now, and that evolution is both necessary and empowering.

🔹 Feeling "stuck" often means you don’t feel safe, not that you’re failing.
Ashley reframes the sensation of being stuck in grief as a protective response. It’s not a lack of progress—it's your body and mind searching for safety after the world shifts beneath your feet. Finding small ways to regain a sense of security is key.

🔹 Grieving your old life and desires is valid.
You don’t have to “stop wanting what you had.” Ashley encourages us to honor those attachments, validate our yearning, and recognize that healing doesn’t mean erasing your grief, but rather learning to carry it with more ease.

Whether you’re navigating grief yourself or supporting someone who is, Ashley’s wisdom is a must-hear.

Find Ashely at https://www.learningaboutgrief.com

Join us for the upcoming interactive video series, 60 Days of Summer Healing Quest For Widows and Widowers starting June 1.

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Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com