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

Welcome to another heartfelt episode of Embracing Life Again! Host Catherine Kaufer is joined once again by the inspiring Xuan-Thu T. Failing—an orofacial myofunctional therapist,registered dental hygienist, and owner of Breathe Wellness Boutique. With her passion for wellness, Xuan-Thu dives deep into the nuances of self-love, emphasizing that it’s more than just a buzzword—it’s a lifelong journey of nurturing your mind, body, and soul. In this candid conversation, Catherine and Xuan-Thu discuss the small yet impactful habits that contribute to genuine self-care. Xuan-Thu shares the significance of drinking half your body weight in water, fueling your body with nutritious foods, and being intentional about the information you consume. The duo also addresses the often-overlooked mental component of self-love, such as the power of affirmations, mindfulness, and the courage to face your true emotions. Vulnerability becomes a focal point as Xuan-Thu opens up about her personal battle with breast cancer and how it shaped her understanding of strength and authenticity. Catherine echoes the sentiment, reflecting on the courage it takes to accept compliments and confront negative self-talk. Together, they highlight the importance of asking yourself the tough questions, listening to your body, and embracing the power of breathwork, movement, and even simple acts like smiling. Whether you’re looking for practical self-care tips or need a reminder of your innate worth and value, this episode is filled with relatable insights and heartfelt wisdom. Grab a cup of tea, take a deep breath, and join us as we dive into the beautiful complexity of embracing life again—one loving step at a time. #SelfLove #WellnessJourney #MindfulnessMatters #EmbracingLife #PositiveAffirmations #MentalHealth #EmotionalHealing #WellnessTips #VulnerabilityIsStrength #BodyPositivity #PodcastCommunity #HealingThroughMovement #NourishYourSoul #Empowerment #MindBodyConnection

On this deeply personal episode of Embracing Life Again, Catherine opens her heart about managing grief, loss, and the complex emotions that come with losing two spouses—one to divorce and the other to death. A realtor by trade, Catherine reveals the challenges she faced when her clients didn’t return her calls after her husband's passing, unsure of what to say. Some competitors in her industry took advantage of her vulnerability, leveraging her pain forpersonal gain. With grace and wisdom, Catherine reminds us that life is too short to hold grudges and encourages us to teach others how to approach those in mourning. She shares her struggle with asking for help, acknowledging how grief can leave people in a fog, making it hard to express what they need. Letting go of old relationships, while building new ones, was key to her healing journey. In this episode, Catherine reflects on finding herself again after loss, discovering new joys like walks and connecting with new friends in church. She talks about the importance of self-care, music, and dancing as she reclaims her sense of self. Navigating milestones without a spouse, like the first Christmas, Catherine found comfort in creating new traditions with her daughters, such as decorating a tree in memory of her late husband. Catherine’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience, love, and the strength it takes to heal. She emphasizes the importance of learning how to receive love and support, not just offer it. In future episodes, Catherine plans to invite her daughter to share their journey of grieving, offering even more insights on healing through loss. #GriefJourney #EmbracingLifeAgain #WidowSupport #HealingAfterLoss #NewBeginnings #ManagingGrief #FindingYourself #SelfCare #LettingGo #SupportInGrief #GriefAndLoss #FamilyHealing #CopingWithLoss