Greetings From

Ember & Bloom

Hi friend,

Today I want to talk about the guilt that shows up in a surprising place. Not when things fall apart. When they start, just barely, to feel okay again.

The first time I laughed after Gary died, I caught myself and stopped cold. How could I laugh? How could anything be funny? He's gone.

Maybe you've been there. The coffee tastes almost right again. You catch yourself humming. And for one second, something in you feels almost normal. Then the guilt lands hard, and turns that good little moment into proof you're doing something wrong.

This week's blog is about that exact moment, and I don't just sit with it. I give you three small things to actually do the next time the guilt chases a good feeling.

Read it here: When a Good Day Brings Guilt​

And on the podcast this week, I tell you about a joy I never in a million years saw coming, and what it taught me about who we become after loss. Come listen to Widow's Permission Slips on my website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, and wherever else you listen.

Something to Try

This week, catch one good moment and let it stay.

When something small feels good,
a warm mug, a real laugh, an easy hour,
don't rush to apologize for it.

Let it sit with you one beat longer than feels comfortable.
Notice that the love didn't go anywhere.
It's right there, in the good moment and the missing, both at once.

One good moment. Let it stay.

I'll meet you here again next Monday.
Until then, take one small breath and know that it is enough.

Hugs 💜💚
— Gladys