56. How to let yourself be happy again after loss: Moving forward when you didn't choose the ending

What happens when life ends a chapter in a way you didn’t choose?Hi Muses,In this incredibly honest and moving conversation, I’m joined by Hollywood based critically acclaimed author Zara Barrie to talk about grief, loss, healing, and what it really means to let the light in again when life breaks you apart. Zara is former senior writer for Elite Daily & Go Magazine, once described to ABC News as ‘Sex and the City’s grittier younger sister,’ and has featured in The Cut, The Skinny Confidential, Cosmopolitan, The View, and more.We’re exploring how endings - whether through bereavement, divorce, career loss, or identity collapse - can leave us simultaneously craving a fresh start and terrified of opening our hearts again.This episode isn’t just about grief after losing someone you love. It’s about any ending that changed you - and how healing doesn’t always look the way we were taught it would…and that’s ok.We’re talking about:* Why grief often makes us close ourselves off from joy, love, and connection* The fear of loss that can develop after heartbreak, bereavement, or trauma* Why healing isn’t linear - and why you’re not doing it “wrong”* Letting go of the version of you that existed before everything changed* Why Western culture struggles so much with grief and endings* How creativity, storytelling, podcasts, and art can quite literally save us* The power of sharing your story before you’ve “figured it all out”* Learning to hold grief and gratitude, pain and hope, at the same timeWe also talk about surrender, control, and why trying to micromanage life after loss can actually keep us stuck - plus the practices that help us feel safe enough to open again, including writing, visualization, and EFT tapping.If you’ve ever felt afraid to let joy back in…If you’re navigating an ending you didn’t choose…If you’re in the messy middle and wondering how to move forward without betraying what you’ve lost…This conversation will make you feel seen, understood, and far less alone.Get comfortable. This one is exactly what you’ve been needing.Until next time XRESOURCES + LINKS:* Connect with Zara on Instagram HERE and Substack HERE* GET YOUR FREE GUIDED VISUALISATION: Sign up HERE to join the MuseLetter list and receive a FREE 10-minute guided visualisation to help you release old identities and step into your most powerful era yet* SUBSCRIBE to my free Substack community HERE to join the conversation and receive new episodes straight to your inbox* CONTACT ME: If you’d like to explore how we can work together you can get in touch HERE* Make sure you’re subscribed on your favourite podcast platform!Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify Get full access to Muse Yourself at gemmaj.substack.com/subscribe