"I choose to embrace laughter, even in the darkest moments, knowing that every smile lights my path to healing and joy.” - Rebecca Ann

Introduction:

Widowhood is tough - there's no getting around that. But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that laughter is medicine (even when it's dark). Yep, even the kind of humor that feels a little inappropriate or makes you wonder, "Is it okay to laugh at this?" The answer is yes, it absolutely is. Trust me, if I couldn't find something to laugh about in this widow journey, I don't know how I'd keep going some days. So, let's chat about why laughter really is the best medicine, especially when things get dark.

Episode 5: Laughter is Medicine (Even When It's Dark)

The Healing Power of Laughter

There’s no denying that widowhood brings heavy, painful moments. But you know what can lighten the load, even just for a second? Laughter. Laughter is medicine (even when it’s dark) because it helps us cope, release tension, and find a little joy in the absurdity of it all. Grief and joy can co-exist, and sometimes, the best way to survive the hard stuff is to laugh through the tears.

Take, for example, the time I was trying to talk about my late husband in the past tense and completely fumbled. It was one of those awkward “we... I mean... I” moments in front of a group of people. I felt so uncomfortable! But looking back, it’s kind of hilarious how the brain works—or doesn’t work—when you’re grieving. Moments like that remind me that laughter is medicine (even when it’s dark) because sometimes, you just have to laugh at the chaos of it all.

Finding Humor In Widow Life

Let’s be real: widow life is full of situations that, while heartbreaking, can also be hilariously absurd. Like the time I found myself talking to my late husband out loud while mowing the lawn, ranting about how he left me with all this work to do. I’m sure my neighbors thought I’d lost it! But honestly, it felt normal in the moment. These are the things that make widowhood both hard and strangely funny.

That's why I always say laughter is medicine (even when it's dark). It's not about avoiding your grief or pretending everything is fine - it's about finding a way to cope. Humor helps us get through those awkward, tough moments, and reminds us that it's okay to feel joy, even in the darkest times.

Permission to Laugh

If you’ve ever felt guilty for laughing while you’re grieving, let me tell you something: laughter is medicine (even when it’s dark), and it’s "not" a betrayal of your grief. In fact, it’s a tool to help you manage it. We laugh because sometimes that’s all we can do when the tears don’t cut it. You’re allowed to find humor in the ridiculousness of this widow journey, and you deserve to laugh as much as you need to.

This Weeks Actionable Step: Find Your Laughter Today

So, what can you do today to bring a little humor into your life? My challenge for you is simple: find something that makes you laugh. Whether it’s a silly meme, a funny movie, or just the ridiculousness of your own widow life, seek out the joy. Because at the end of the day, laughter is medicine (even when it’s dark).

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 is a private podcast, 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.

Resource #2 | Widow Warrior Wear - Widow wear designed just for widows in this season of life. Our shop celebrates the strength and humor of widows with sassy slogans and empowering designs. Laugh, love, and wear your warrior spirit proudly as you journey through grief and re-design your life!

Resource #3 |Widow Wellness Kit- My Widow Wellness Kit is filled with handpicked products I've personally tried and tested as a widow navigating grief and healing. Each item has been chosen to help release stress, promote relaxation, and create moments of calm, offering practical tools I've found invaluable on my own journey - and now I'm sharing them with you.