How to move forward without closure

Many of us have a complicated understanding of the statement, “Things Were Meant To Be.” I know I do. So does Katie Hawkins-Gaar. It’s a concept that I long to take comfort in, but that’s not always helpful in processing grief.Katie started My Sweet Dumb Brain in 2018, a year and a half after her husband died while running a half marathon. He was 32. Suddenly she was a widow at the age of 31.My Sweet Dumb Brain is a newsletter about facing the ups and downs of life, all while being kind to yourself. It is like a dear friend checking in with you once a week to talk about what it feels like to be human right now.In this interview, Katie talks about making heart-centered decisions, what other people remember about us, and passive vs active processing. Katie says carrying grief is a superpower and how the concept of “getting over” grief was not helpful.Do you know someone processing intense grief right now?Grief reminds us of all the love we have, and if we listen to it, with time, we might find peace with the past. If you are a person trying to hold multiple truths at the same time and take comfort hearing about other’s healing journeys, I know you will love Katie’s caring candid writing. By offering her truth, she softly affirms the truth in all of our existence.Thanks so much for being here with me. As always, this is my favorite thing to do each week, and you make it possible. Love always, Carissa This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleiveloved.substack.com/subscribe