In Episode 287 of Widow 180: The Podcast, we take on one of the most challenging and emotionally charged topics for widows: navigating those significant dates on the calendar after loss.

Whether it’s wedding anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, or family milestones like graduations, facing them without your spouse can feel overwhelming and isolating.

Drawing from my own recent experiences (my daughter Claire is about to graduate high school!), I address the unique anxiety and grief that anticipation brings.

This key insight is echoed by members of the Widow 180 Community Facebook group: the dread leading up to these hard days is often worse than the day itself!

But that doesn’t mean the actual day is easy. Feeling hit hard or temporarily set back is entirely normal, not a sign of failure or regression.

This episode offers hope and practical strategies for surviving those big milestone days, with three actionable tips:

1. Pick one intentional way to feel connected to your person (00:04:31).
2. Tell one or two people exactly what you need for support on that day (00:04:58).
3. Give yourself permission to say no to anyone else’s expectations or plans (00:05:35).

Ultimately, this is about self-compassion and flexibility.

There is no wrong way to mark these days—each year may feel different, and that’s okay (00:06:25).

Whether you spend the day in quiet remembrance or surrounded by others, this episode will leave you feeling seen, understood, and a little more prepared to get through the hard days ahead.

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Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com