BONUS EPISODE: 48 Life Lessons from 48 Years on This Earth
"Every year, every challenge, and every joy has shaped me into the woman I am today. Life after loss isn't about just surviving - it's about finding the courage to live, love, and dream again." - Rebecca Ann
Introduction:
Today, I turn 48. Birthdays, especially after loss, are a mix of gratitude, reflection, and sometimes, a little sadness. But this year, I'm choosing to celebrate the lessons, the growth, and the journey that has brought me here.
So, in honor of my 48 years, here are 48 important things I've learned along the way - about life, love, grief, resilience, and the beautiful process of rediscovering joy.
Life & Perspective
Life is short. Don't wait for the "perfect" time - it doesn't exist.
You are stronger than you think. Even when life knocks you down, you will rise again.
Happiness is not a destination - it's a daily choice.
You don't have to have it all figured out. No one does.
The little moments matter more than the big ones.
Growth happens in discomfort. Lean into it.
Perfection is a myth. Give yourself permission to be messy.
Gratitude changes everything. Find one thing to be grateful for every day.
The only opinion that truly matters is your own.
Let go of what no longer serves you - physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Love & Relationships
People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Let them.
Not everyone will understand your journey, and that's okay.
The people who truly love you will show up for you - even in your messiest moments.
Boundaries are love - both for yourself and others.
Your late spouse would want you to live, not just exist.
It's okay to love again, in whatever form that takes.
True friendships don't require constant contact - just a deep connection.
You deserve love, joy, and a life that lights you up.
Forgiveness isn't about the other person - it's about freeing yourself.
Your relationship with yourself is the most important one you'll ever have.
Grief & Healing
Grief is love with nowhere to go. Let it flow.
There's no timeline for healing. Go at your own pace.
You are allowed to miss them and still build a beautiful future.
Moving forward doesn't mean forgetting - it means carrying love with you.
Some people won't understand your grief. That's their journey, not yours.
Healing isn't linear. Some days will be harder than others, and that's okay.
Tears are not a sign of weakness - they are proof of deep love.
You don't have to do it alone. Let people support you.
Talking about your late spouse is a way of keeping them alive.
One day, joy will sneak back in when you least expect it.
Health & Wellbeing
Your body hears everything your mind says - speak kindly to yourself.
Sleep, water, and movement are the foundation of feeling good.
Mental health is just as important as physical health.
Saying "no" is a form of self-care.
Listen to your intuition - it knows what you need.
You are never too old to start something new.
Healing isn't just about your grief - it's about reclaiming yourself.
Laughter truly is the best medicine (even when it's dark).
Your worth is not tied to your productivity.
Taking care of yourself isn't selfish - it's necessary.
Purpose & Growth
You can rewrite your story at any time.
It's never too late to dream again.
Helping others heal & redesign their life is part of my purpose - and maybe part of yours, too.
Fear is just excitement in disguise - don't let it stop you.
Life after loss can be beautiful, even if it looks different than before.
Your past does not define your future.
The best investment you can make is in yourself.
No matter what life throws at you, you will always find a way through.
Thank you for being here with me on this journey. If you're reading this, I hope you take at least one of these lessons with you. And if you're navigating a new chapter, know this: you are not alone, and your best days are still ahead.
Here's to 48 years of lessons - and a future filled with love, joy, and new beginnings!
Resources I Know You'll Love
Resource #1 | Redesign Your Life Membership Program - a transformative, supportive community designed specifically for women navigating life after loss. This membership, is a space for growth, healing and transformation. You receive exclusive audio workshops and special episodes where we dive deeper into the 10 pillars of widowhood, including emotional wellbeing, financial stability, rediscovering identity, and more. Each workshop (6-7 episodes) is paced with actionable tools, compassionate guidance, and strategies to help you release what no longer serves you and redesign your life with hope and purpose.
