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What happens when you combine profound grief experiences with deep expertise in human relationships? Jonathan, a dating and relationship coach specializing in midlife relationships, shares how developing what he calls "emotional scaffolding" through self-love became his lifeline through multiple devastating losses.

Seven years ago, Jonathan lost his 19-year-old son in an accident. But that wasn't his first encounter with grief. Years earlier, he experienced the triple blow of divorce, job loss, and financial collapse during the 2008 market crash. More recently, he weathered the end of a treasured relationship with someone he had hoped to marry. Through these experiences, he discovered a powerful approach to healing: "We can grieve with suffering or we can grieve with love."

This conversation takes us deep into what self-love truly means. Jonathan explains that we all have an "emotional six-year-old" within us that needs nurturing, especially during times of loss. Rather than bypassing difficult emotions like anger or sadness, he encourages listeners to experience their feelings fully—just as children naturally do. This emotional honesty builds the foundation for moving forward after loss without denying our past.

For those considering dating after loss, Jonathan offers invaluable guidance. Drawing from his professional experience coaching midlife women, he describes today's dating landscape as "The Hunger Games" and shares what to look for in potential partners. Most importantly, he suggests seeking someone capable of genuine empathy—not just sympathy—for your past losses. Can they hold space for the reality that previous relationships remain part of your emotional landscape?

Whether you're navigating grief, considering new relationships, or simply seeking to build emotional resilience, this conversation offers compassionate wisdom about honoring our feelings while nurturing ourselves through life's inevitable losses. By extending the same care to ourselves that we would offer a hurting child, we create the emotional foundation needed to embrace new possibilities while honoring our past.

Contact:
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Credits:
Music by Kevin MacLeod

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Copyright 2020, by As I Live and Grieve

The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.