277. "I'm Not the Mom I Used to Be": Grief, Identity & Solo Parenting After Widowhood - What Widows Are Really Thinking with Priya Menon

Losing a spouse doesn't just take your partner - it can take your identity, too. In this deeply honest post-interview chat, guest Priya opens up about what it really means to rebuild your life as a widowed mom: the loneliness of making every decision alone, the guilt of not being the same parent you used to be, and the quiet grief of watching your kids adjust to a version of you that's stretched between every role as mom, dad, caregiver, provider.Priya shares how her work and her children became her anchors when everything else felt uncertain, why surrounding yourself with positive people is non-negotiable after loss, and the moment her own daughter told her therapist that losing her mom's old self was harder than losing her dad. It's a raw look at self-doubt, resilience, and learning to trust yourself again when the person you used to lean on is gone.If you're a widow struggling with identity loss, solo parenting, or rebuilding confidence after the death of a spouse, this episode will remind you that you're not alone — and that you already know how to make the right decisions for your family.In this episode:Why losing a spouse means losing your built-in "sounding board"How grief changes your identity as a parentLearning to trust your own decisions againWhy your social circle often shifts after loss  and why that's okay!What kids really feel when a widowed parent changesWhere are you on this widow journey? Not sure?  We have identified 5 common stages of healing, from the thick of early grief to truly thriving again. Wherever you are, there's a name for it, and there are other widows who've been exactly there too. Find your stage and get personalized grief support that meets you exactly where you are at https://www.widow180.com/stages Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQFor more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.comQuestions? Email me at [email protected]