There’s a time for everything
Hello,
There’s an emotion we don’t often like to talk about. It’s not a favourite, and it’s certainly never going to be someone’s word of the year. Yet it’s something we all experience—probably more often than we realise.
Loss.
Loss, along with its more seasoned companion, grief, would definitely not be first-pick emotions if they were up for selection. I’d choose joy, happiness, and peace every time—wouldn’t you?
But the reality is, whether we choose it or not, life contains moments of loss, and there are seasons that are defined by grief.
In today’s episode of the podcast, I have a *DMC with my friend Zoe Clark-Coates MBE. I wanted to talk to Zoe because I know her perspective on loss and grief will resonate with every one of you—whether you are currently going through a time of loss, supporting someone through it, or preparing yourself for it (and let’s be honest, that covers us all).
Zoe is a grief expert and a five-time bestselling author on the subject. After experiencing her own seasons of heartache and loss, Zoe turned that pain into purpose by co-founding a charity with her husband. Their organisation enables people to navigate times of loss with the support and resources they need.
This is an important subject—one I felt we couldn’t touch on lightly. So, this podcast episode is a little longer than usual. It’s filled with stories, honest reflections, and practical support to help you see loss for what it truly is and allow you to grieve as you need to. Together, Zoe and I discuss:
Why our culture struggles to handle grief
The importance of recognising what loss is and how it impacts us
How to rediscover purpose after times of loss
How pain can unlock purpose
How to support people experiencing loss and letting go
I know this conversation is going to be so useful to so many of you, please feel free to share with friends and family who you know are in this season.
1 quote: “Whenever I see someone with an abundance of empathy, I want to ask what heartbreak they have endured, for compassion is often birthed in the valley of despair.”
― Zoe Clark-Coates
1 stat: According to YouGov, two in five people say the death of someone has made them appreciate life more
1 question: If you could speak to a past version of yourself going through loss, what advice or encouragement would you give them?
Love,
Hannah x
P.S. Here’s how to connect with Zoe’s work:
*DMC = Deep and Meaningful Conversation