Season 335 Episode 10399
Ep 6 - Breaking Free from Perfectionism with Christa Rose
In this deeply moving episode of Embracing Life Again, Catherine welcomes best-selling author Christa Rose, who shares her powerful journey through grief and healing. Christa, who lost her first husband in her arms and battles a chronic illness, reveals how life’s challenges have shaped her understanding of grief, identity, and the process of moving forward. Christa opens up about the emotional weight of her parents’ early divorce and the lasting impact of hearing she was a "mistake." Her story takes another turn after a life-threatening car wreck, and she reflects on how these experiences affected her sense of self. On the anniversary of her husband's death, Christa discusses the struggle of reliving the pain as if it were yesterday, but she also shares her decision to continue living and not remain stuck in her widowhood. Catherine emphasizes the importance of holding loved ones in your heart while finding the courage to move on. Christa, once a perfectionist, talks candidly about the fluctuating emotions of grief and how society’s expected order of grieving didn’t fit her experience. Christa touches on the often-overlooked aspects of grieving, such as the loss of identity and how friendships can fade after losing a spouse. She offers an empowering message to those going through grief: don’t avoid talking about the person who passed. She also highlights the importance of checking your thoughts and staying in the moment with the acronym WAIT —"What Am I Thinking?" In addition, Christa opens up about her husband's permission to move on and her battle with imposter syndrome. She shares practical tools for stepping out of your comfort zone, finding your voice, and helping others. Christa’s acronym for HOPE—"Heck Over Pleasing Everyone"—is a reminder to prioritize your own healing and personal growth. With wisdom and vulnerability, Christa encourages listeners to practice gratitude and remember that their life is someone else’s dream. Tune in for an episode filled with actionable insights, hope, and inspiration for anyone navigating the grief journey. #GriefJourney #HealingThroughLoss #EmbracingLifeAgain #Widowhood #MovingForward#IdentityAfterLoss #OvercomingGrief #ChristaRose #SelfGrowth #MentalHealthAwareness#Gratitude #LivingFully #HOPE #Mindfulness #ImposterSyndrome #EmotionalHealing
