Episode #5: La La Land - Escaping Reality, Grief Fog, & the Messy Middle of Midlife cover art

Episode #5: La La Land - Escaping Reality, Grief Fog, & the Messy Middle of Midlife

Episode #5: La La Land - Escaping Reality, Grief Fog, & the Messy Middle of Midlife

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In today’s episode of WTF Just Happened — Life Is Messy, Let’s Talk About It, we dive deep into what we lovingly call La La Land — the emotional space you slip into when real life feels too heavy, grief is suffocating, or adulthood is simply too much.

If you’re a widow, a divorcée, a woman in midlife, a burned-out mom, or someone trying to hold it all together while your heart is quietly falling apart… this conversation is for you.

This episode unpacks:

💛 Escapism during grief — why travel, distractions, spending, and staying “busy” become survival tools
💛 The emotional crash of re-entry — that moment you walk back into your house and reality hits like a freight train
💛 Grief fog + decision fatigue — when even choosing dinner feels impossible
💛 Widowhood + identity loss — rebuilding yourself after losing the person who knew you best
💛 Living alone for the first time ever — navigating quiet, loneliness, routines, and rediscovering who you are
💛 The universal midlife meltdown — how even people who haven’t experienced death still find themselves living in their own version of “La La Land”
💛 The guilt around joy — what it’s like to love travel, adventure, sunshine, and freedom… while grieving
💛 Widow’s Fire — YES… we go there 👀🔥 (and it’s a real thing)
💛 Why community matters — friends, family, and the people who won’t let you disappear into the couch
💛 Redefining adulthood — hobbies, purpose, self-discovery, and figuring out who the hell you are now
💛 Self-compassion through transition — why it’s okay to have cheese + wine for dinner, skip the grocery store, or not brush your teeth for a day

We talk honestly about grief, loss, trauma, escapism, resilience, and the messy, beautiful, confusing transformation that happens in midlife. Whether you’re navigating widowhood, divorce, a breakup, empty nesting, burnout, mental health struggles, or a massive identity shift — this episode will make you feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.

Grab a cocktail, mocktail, Stanley cup, or emotionally supportive snack… because La La Land is a wild ride — and we’re talking about all of it.

Thank you for joining us for another real, raw, and healing conversation on WTF Just Happened — Life Is Messy.

Connect with us on the socials:


🎙 Podcast: @wtf.lifeismessy

💛 Hilary: @hilary.mode

💛 Sada: @simplysadajames

If you’re walking through grief, midlife transitions, healing, or the messy middle and want deeper support, Sada offers RISE, an intimate 8-week mentorship container for women ready to feel held, seen, supported, and less alone. It’s for anyone craving community, clarity, connection, and a softer place to land through the hard.

We love you for being here. Subscribe, share, and stay messy with us. 💛

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views shared are based on personal experience and do not constitute medical, legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your individual situation. Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or this podcast.

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