Widow 180 The Podcast with Jen Zwinck
When you become a widow, the heartache can be overwhelming. You feel lost. You feel broken. You feel alone. And you find yourself trying to pick up the pieces of your life and function. But I believe that every widow has the capacity to endure, that every widow has the power to overcome and the determination to create a new life filled with meaning and purpose. The Widow 180 Podcast is about turning tragedy, loss and fear into strength and creativity and a new passion for life. It's about self-reflection and realizing that we only have this one precious life to live and that a new life and a new you is achievable.Each week I will be interviewing widows, incredible survivors of loss. These women have taken the lessons they've learned and the insights they've gained and used them to grow and transform themselves. Some have started businesses, went back to school, run marathons, lost 100 pounds, and moved across the world! They made a choice not to be held down.How did they do it? How did they get through their grief? What's their secret? What lessons can we learn from them that will transform our own lives? How can we write our own story because our story isn't over yet? How can we begin our Chapter 2? I hope that you are as inspired by these women as I am. And maybe hearing even just one story will be life-changing for you.
Widow 180 The Podcast with Jen Zwinck
237. How To Create A 2.0 Version of YOU! - Interview With Linda Davis
I hope you're ready to listen in on an honest conversation about grief, growth, and finding new footing after profound loss! I had the privilege of interviewing Linda Davis this week. This chat was rich in wisdom — not just about surviving widowhood, but about rebuilding yourself in the years that follow.
Linda dropped more than a few gems that anyone moving through monumental change might want to tuck away for later. Here are the five that most spoke to me:
- Baby Steps Are Legit Steps
She let herself take things minute by minute. She honored what her instincts and emotions needed, one afternoon or evening at a time. You get to move slowly. That’s not failing; that’s surviving. - It’s Okay to Change Up Your World
Guilt about rearranging your physical space? Let it go. Linda realized she needed her surroundings to reflect this new phase of her life. - Pour Out Your Grief (In Whatever Medium You’ve Got)
For Linda, collage became a unique lifeline — a way to track the rollercoaster of emotions after loss, visually and creatively. - Follow Your Instincts, and Let Spiritual Growth Surprise You
Linda described how loss cracked her open spiritually — even when she hadn’t thought a lot about such things before. Unexpected “signs” from her late husband, new feelings of connection, and a deeper sense of presence in the world around her emerged. - Give Yourself Permission to Rebuild — and Love Again
You are allowed to create a 2.0 version of yourself! Rebuilding takes confidence, but also courage to be a beginner. Don’t pressure yourself to know all the answers, and don’t apologize for whatever timeline, efforts, or interests emerge as you rebuild.
It’s a complicated, deeply personal road — but if Linda’s experience holds anything universal, it’s that healing and possibility co-exist. If you or someone you know needs encouragement after loss, please pass this episode along! There’s wisdom in every step!
Check out Linda's collage pieces in the Widow 180 Facebook group!
Check out our widow resources and Widow 180 Workbook Series at https://www.widow180.com/workbooks
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For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com