Welcome back to a very special episode of the Wake the F*ck up Podcast. Our hosts Alix and David sat down to record this episode barely a week before Alix’s due date with their baby girl. It has been a very emotional month as they prepare to welcome this new life, while Alix also marks the five year anniversary of the death of her first husband Carl.
Throughout this episode Alix shares her personal experiences with grief. She kicks off the episode with an insightful metaphor comparing coffee to grief. The metaphor illustrates how much can unknowingly occur in loss, and how your routines and habits, both big and small, get completely disrupted after loss. As Alix points out, grief affects even the simplest daily activities.
Alix and David also share their experiences with the difficulties involved in making end-of-life decisions, and the guilt and regret that can come during the final days of a loved one’s life, and persist long after they are gone.
Later in the podcast Alix and David explore the topic of legacies left by loved ones, and the choice to live and rebuild life after loss. The idea of legacy is not just about your professional life or your work, but also about the influence you may have on your friends and family.
Every person’s grief experience is different. This podcast episode takes a deep look at grief as a complex journey of self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of self-love. If you are a regular WAKE podcast listener then you know challenges like guilt and anger are common, and it’s incredibly important to seek out resources, self care, and support for your grief journey.
As Alix marks 5 years since Carl’s death, the key takeaway of this episode is that while grief evolves and integrates into life, honoring the memory of those we've lost remains a vital part of moving forward. Alix wraps up the episode by encouraging our podcast listeners to cherish every moment with the people you love.
Are you healing from loss or grief? Join us on the WAKE Wellness Rebirth Retreat in Puerto Vallarta November 2-9. This retreat is dedicated to guiding individuals out of life's autopilot by helping them break free from the wounds that have held them back. Embrace this opportunity to take back your power, gain practical tools, and leave with a newfound sense of purpose and authenticity. Experience heart-opening ceremonies like the cacao ceremony and breathwork sessions that will leave you feeling renewed and empowered. Spots are filling up fast. Click here to learn more: https://www.thewakewellness.com/retreats/puerto-vallarta-2024
Download the WAKE app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
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Follow Alix on Instagram: @alixlongwinded
More resources:
On Coffee & Grief (article) by John Onwuchekwa
Grief Is Like a Cup of Coffee (article) by Kim Libertini
Stay for the Cup of Coffee: How to Support Others in Grief (book) by by Alan D. Wolfelt PhD