Widow 180 The Podcast with Jen Zwinck

This is Part 2 of my interview with Eva Still, widow, author, yoga therapist, and retreat leader. In this episode, Eva walks us through some helpful breathing exercises to calm and regulate our nervous system when we feel anxious. She also mentions several books that she recommends for grief and mindfulness. Here's a list: Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief (David Kessler) Writing to Heal the Soul: Transforming Grief & Loss Through Writing (Susan Zimmerman) Anxious Grief: A Clinician's Guide to Supporting Grieving Clients Experiencing Anxiety, Panic & Fear(Claire Bidwell Smith) Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory (Deb Dana) When Life Hits Hard: How to Transcend Grief, Crisis & Loss with Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (Russ Harris) The Chakras in Grief & Trauma (Karla Helbert) In Spanish... El Duelo Duele... y eso está bien (grief hurts... and that's ok) (Camilo Russi) Breath techniques: Physiologica sigh - two sips in through the nose, filling the lungs, long slow exhale through the mouth Lengthen the exhale - inhale for four, exhale for five, six or seven Box breathing - inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4, inhale 4... etc. Grounding/self-soothing Butterfly hug - bilateral stimulation, hands crossed on the chest or to the opposite shoulder, gently tapping while breathing deeply Orienting - look around your space and name three things you see 5 senses orienting - name something you can see, hear, smell, feel touch You can reach Eva at: Instagram @evastillyoga Website: https://www.evastill.com Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

Today's podcast guest, Eva Still, has an incredible story to share! Her life has taken her down so many different, unexpected paths and I can't wait for you to hear all about her adventures! This interview is broken up into 2 parts, so you will hear the first half today, where Eva talks about: ~visits from her late husband and the conversations they had! ~Her take on how the universe is always guiding you in the right direction. ~ how she turned to yoga as a "safe place" to grieve ~ how she spent over a month in Bali getting her yoga training. ~how she quit her job and spent 7months backpacking in South America before settling in Colombia! I hope you find her story inspiring! I know I did! I hope this motivates you to go out and have your own adventures because life is too short to miss out! Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

Feeling isolated and lonely can be one of the most challenging parts of widowhood. But, that's actually putting it lightly, right? I know that loneliness is not just a "challenge". It's all-encompassing. It's life-altering. It's anxiety-inducing and triggering. I also know that a really good quote has the power to to get you through a really bad day. So, today on episode 187 of Widow 180: The Podcast, I am sharing a selection of quotes that will hopefully strike a chord with you, help bring some self-awareness to your situation, cause some perspective shifts, and give you something to hold onto during this difficult time in your life. If you would like more help and support with loneliness, be sure to sign up for The Overcoming Loneliness Workshop for Widows. The LIVE Zoom session will be held on Sunday April 21, 2024 at 8pm EST! Join us at https://www.widow180.com/lonely Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

You know that awful feeling when you find out after the fact that there was a party or a get-together thrown by a friend or family member? It's the dreadful, gut-wrenching feeling of being left out. It stings. Today, I want to offer you 7 tips on how to deal with feeling left out. These are some things you can do to help soothe the sting of rejection. For more help and guidance with loneliness, be sure to sign up for our upcoming workshop, Overcoming Loneliness Workshop for Widows. It's happening on Sunday April 21, 2024 at 8pm EST. This LIVE 60-90 minutes Zoom session will cover ways to help you stop feeling lonely. Sign up at https://www.widow180.com/lonely Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

"Stay open to the universe and the void gets filled." These are the wise and brilliant words of advice from this week's guest, Julie Hanrahan. Julie lost her husband Paul suddenly and unexpectedly on October 27, 2021 at only 33 years old. Julie's life went into a tailspin. In today's episode she shares: ~how she was struck with PTSD, panic attacks, and breathing problems following the loss of her husband. ~how she decided immediately to sell her house and move to the next town over to start a new life. ~how she had to pivot from her high-stress career in social work to now teaching yoga classes. ~ how she was able to boost her confidence by travelling the world. ~ how her relationship with her dad strengthened after living with him for 6 months. ~how she was able to open her heart to a new love with a new partner! ~ how she is still struggling with the fact that Paul passed away on the same day as her birthday. ~how she is paving her own way in her new life! Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

Is social media slowing down your grieving process? Find out here! Do you LOVE Facebook? Are you obsessed with Instagram? Social media has changed everything about the way we interact with each other. You may see on Facebook that you have hundreds, maybe even thousands of Facebook "friends". But how many of those people really know you? Do they know the struggles you're going through? Social media can give us a false sense of connection to others. Find out in this episode how social media could be hindering your healing process. Key takeaways from this episode: ~ Start noticing how social media is making you feel. Is it uplifting? Or is it bringing you down? ~ Make an intention to have more face-to-face interactions with those Facebook friends! That's where the true connection happens! Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

Maybe you've heard some phrases like "You have to feel in order to heal" or "Feel your feelings, don't try to escape them." As a person who helps widows figure out this whole "widowhood mess", I know there is so much truth to these statements. But what if those feelings pop up right before a big work presentation? What if those emotions well up in the middle of a parent-teacher conference? Join me this week for a realistic conversation around putting strong feelings ON HOLD until the time is appropriate to release them. This means, YES, you do have to feel the feelings, but NOT RIGHT NOW! Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

Becky Long joins us on the podcast today for a candid interview about how she is rebuilding her life after losing her husband Don in 2022. My favorite quote from this episode: "This new chapter in my life...I'm gonna play the hell out of it." ~Becky Long Becky shows so much strength and resilience in this raw and honest interview. We talk about: ~ how she started hiking, journaling, and listening to podcasts to help her cope with the loss. ~ How we should educate ourselves on grief to get a better understanding of what we're going through. ~ How NOT to stay stuck! ~ How you can't rush through the grieving process. ~ How moving to a new condo and making new friends is helping her re-identify with her new self. ~ How we should not put the burden of our own healing on our grown children. ~How it helped her so much to have a vision of who she wanted to be. ~How your healing is your responsibility and no one else's. Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

Today on the podcast Tiffany Coleman shares her story of loss, but it's also a story of strength and how she was able to power through and prevail, how she is raising her children, and how she is choosing joy despite the pain of losing her husband. Tiffany and I talk about: ~ how her husband Dwight passed away from a pulmonary embolism in their home on her daughter's birthday. ~ How she grappled with her faith, but ultimately leaned on God for healing and hope. ~ How she and the kids are celebrating the "heaven day" each year. ~ How to schedule "grief time" as a busy mom. ~ How year 2 was not as bad as year 1 for her! ~ How people say the most awful things, with the best intentions! ~ how a change in her environment/ redecoration project helped her to step into her new life You can find Tiffany on Insta: @tiffanycoleman316 Her website is www.tiffany-coleman.com Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

Kali Sakai's husband Ken was diagnosed with glioblastoma and ultimately passed away in 2021. In this heartfelt, honest interview, Kali shares: ~ Ways to celebrate your loved one (quilts, special ceremonies, etc.) ~ How to talk to your kids about the hard things in life. ~ Forming a "Wellness Team" to keep you sane! ~ Changing friendships and NEW friendships ~ Ways that grief changes us as a person ~ Dating long distance as a widowed mom (Hint: It works!) Kali is an author who writes for an online parenting magazine called parentmap.com. She also has a blog called evidentlyblog.com Be sure to sign up for The Miracle Month group coaching program starting Monday March 4, 2024 at 8pm EST! Get all the info at https://www.widow180.com/miraclemonth Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

Are you feeling stuck? Having trouble believing that you will ever be able to move forward? Stuck in a place of fear and indecision? Let's talk. Mentioned in this episode: Grab your spot in the Miracle Month 4 week group coaching program! We kick off Monday March 4, 2024! For more info go to www.widow180.com/miraclemonth Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

Kim Seewald is our special guest this week on the podcast! She is sharing her story of losing her husband to cancer and how she has navigated the changes that came along with widowhood, including building a house, selling a car, moving, selling property, and learning how to manage her new life without her husband. Kim's positive attitude and motivation to make her husband proud are what keep her going every day. We chat about: ~ making big changes in the first year of widowhood (and that it's ok!) ~ strange physical effects of grief on the body ~ how moving was the best thing she ever did ~ when she took off her wedding ring ~ how she is filling up her calendar with trips and dates with grandbabies! If you found this episode to be inspiring, we would love to hear the feedback! Email me at jen@widow180.com Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

How will YOU be spending Valentine's Day this year? If you're dreading Valentine's Day this year, it's totally understandable. But, instead of making this a day of suffering and sadness, let's make it a day of treating yourself and doing something special! This is a list of 3 ways to celebrate Valentine's Day as a widow. Remember, you control this day. You have the power to take back and enjoy this day and celebrate whatever way you choose. How are YOU spending this Valentine's Day? If you have any other ideas on how to spend Valentine's Day, I would love to hear it! Email me at jen@widow180.com Please subscribe and leave us a rating and review! I would really appreciate it! It helps the podcast reach even more widows across the world! Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

It's already February. Valentine's Day is coming up. For many widows, it's a time when we start to think about new love and new relationships. Maybe you're at that point, and maybe you're not quite ready for that. Either way, you will want to listen to today's episode where we talk about WHY you want to start dating again. We will doing the work and asking some important questions to figure out the intent behind your decision to date again! If you're not sure if you're ready to start dating, you need to take THIS QUIZ, Are You Ready To Date? To get the list of the TOP 5 Online Dating Sites and Apps for widows, Click HERE Other podcast episodes about dating you will definitely want to check out... Episodes 31, 73, 99 101, 128, and 163! Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

What are you fed up with? What are you sick and tired of? Today, we're going to be getting really honest with ourselves and do a deep dive into our own habits, our own thoughts, our patterns that we've fallen into. Maybe there are some aspects of your life that you're not happy about. Are you unhappy at work? Are you holding onto things in your house, like items or clutter, that you're procrastinating parting with? Are you drinking too much wine at night to numb your feelings and pain? Let's get real in this episode. It may be time for you to make some necessary changes in order to grow and move forward. Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

This is such a special interview with our guest this week, Leila Salisbury, who lost her husband suddenly to suicide, leaving her to raise their daughter. Her story is one of courage and resilience and you don't want to miss it! Leila and I chat about: ~How to navigate through grief when the marriage wasn't so great. ~How she found help in unexpected places, as a solo-parent living in a city where she didn't have family around to support her. ~ How she had to find the right ways to support her daughter's grief, which was completely different from her own grief experience. ~ How her mother's sudden death shaped her decision to pivot her career into doing grief support work. ~ How she decided to open Kentucky's first and only family grief support center. ~ How she learned to recognize signs from the universe that give you nudges in the direction you're supposed to be going! ~ How her relationship with her daughter has formed over the years. ~ How finding purpose and meaning after loss is possible! You can reach Leila at https://www.kcgcf.org/ Please share this episode with someone who needs it! Please subscribe and leave us a review! Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

This is a short but sweet, Quick Tip Tuesday episode to serve as a reminder to you just how awesome you are! Widows will often say to me, "Am I going to feel this way forever? I thought I should be better by now. I don't see how things are getting better for me." Let's dig deeper into these questions and thoughts. You're doing so much better than you think you are! Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

Welcome back listeners! It's been a while since I posted an episode on Widow 180 and I am thrilled to be back! It's a new year, new changes, new direction, and tons of brand new interviews and episodes coming your way each and every week! Happy New Year to all of you! As we step into a new year, we always want to look forward with optimism, with hope that the new year will be brighter, better, happier than the prior one. How can we make next year better? How can I feel better in the coming year? Today I present to you 3 things to focus on in 2024 to make your life better! We will be talking about: ~getting back on track with your health ~asking for and accepting help ~finding hope in your journey of healing Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also, follow us IG for more hope and motivation! https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Got questions? I can help. Email me at jen@widow180.com Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

This episode was inspired by our Widow Squad group coaching discussion about how our relationships with others have changed since we lost our partner. We will sometimes notice a shift in our relationships with friends and family, at the time when we need them the most! So, ask yourself THIS ONE question to infuse some peace and calm into your life! You have the power to control your own happiness and attitude! If you would like to join us in the Rediscovery Through Writing - Creative Grief Writing Program for Widows, sign up today and save your seat! We're starting Monday April 3, 2023. Go to https://www.widow180.com/rediscovery Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com

This episode is one that was just too juicy to pass up! This is an episode from the Widow Squad Podcast, where we get the inside scoop on what it's like navigating the dating world as a widow. I hope you enjoy these stories of second chances at love. I hope this encourages you that there can be happiness, joy, and even unexpected love after loss. If you would like to join us in the 4 week Rediscovery Through Writing Program, click here: https://www.widow180.com/rediscovery This is 4 weeks of live Zoom group coaching sessions to help you move through grief and gain clarity on who you are and what you truly desire in life. To get info on becoming a Widow Squad member, go to https://www.widow180.com/membership Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/ Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com