Becoming widowed isn't just a loss—it's a complete lifequake that shatters your sense of self, your present reality, and the future you had planned with your person. The journey through this devastating upheaval requires intentional energy management and permission to reclaim life on your own terms.

• Preparing for milestone events like graduations means planning for both joy and grief to be present
• A "lifequake" coined by Bruce Feiler describes the massive disruption that forces you to reimagine your entire life after losing your spouse
• Widowhood affects every aspect of your identity—from parenting to managing finances to basic daily routines
• Shifting focus from "why did this happen?" to "what can I salvage today?" helps preserve limited emotional energy
• The "if I'd only" spiral and self-blame waste precious resources that are needed for survival and healing
• Reclaiming your life happens piece by piece, with permission to keep what serves you and release what doesn't
• The widow journey isn't linear—expect progress and setbacks as part of the natural process
• You're not rebuilding the life you had, but creating something new from the love you carry forward

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In this debut episode, host Jamie Ikebuchi—widow, mom of four, educator, and grief guide—shares her personal story of sudden loss and how it led her to create the Widowed Journey podcast. You'll hear about the moment everything changed, the challenges of solo parenting through grief, and the lessons she's learned in the years since. Jamie introduces the powerful mindset shift of using “AND” instead of all-or-nothing thinking, and lays the foundation for what this space will be: real, raw, and rooted in healing and hope. If you’re widowed and wondering how to carry it all—you’re not alone...and you're finding your way.