“Astoundingly, you find joy, and it coexists with the grief…It’s like the grief kind of moves over a little bit and lets joy in.”

If you’re doing life with a broken heart this holiday season, this episode is for you.

In this moving conversation, Donna talks with award-winning journalist and novelist Gwen Florio about what it means to keep showing up for life after loss.

Gwen shares her experience of losing her child, the suffocating early days of grief, and the small, stubborn acts of living—walking, traveling, noticing beauty in unexpected places—that helped her breathe again.

Together they explore:

• How people actually survive deep grief
• What helps (and what doesn’t) when every day feels impossible
• The surprising relief of being somewhere no one knows your story
• How creativity and movement open new pathways in the brain
• The unexpected moments of beauty that kept her afloat
• Why community matters more than perfect words

If you’re navigating the world with a tender or tired spirit, Gwen’s story offers truth, compassion, and the reminder that grit and grace can coexist.

To learn more about Gwen’s books, writing, and events, please visit gwenflorio.net.

If you found this episode helpful, you might want to listen to Episode 57 “Nevertheless She Persisted” with Jenny Lisk, Episode 13 “Finding Happiness After Loss” with Maria Sirois, and Episode 5, “Leave Guilt Behind” with Erin Byron. Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this podcast with others. Thank you.

If you are interested in guided meditations, visit donnayferris.com/meditations or insighttimer.com/donnayferris. To join our free weekly Centering Group, please email donna@donnayferris.com.

Donna’s latest book, Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. Click here to subscribe to, or read our latest newsletter. Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris.

And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here, or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline is 1-877-330-6366.

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