Consider Yourself Lucky

In this episode, Melissa discusses the importance of having difficult conversations about end-of-life wishes, legal preparations, and financial planning to reduce stress and ensure wishes are respected during emergencies. Be Prepared Checklist

In this episode, Melissa Yakaback shares her personal journey through early grief, highlighting three key strategies that helped her cope. She emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to feel emotions, finding community support, and embracing self-care routines. Melissa reflects on her experiences as a widow with young children and how connecting with others in similar situations has been transformative. She also discusses the significance of maintaining routines and self-care practices to foster resilience and healing during difficult times.

In this episode, Melissa reflects on her journey through grief in the second year after her husband's passing. She shares insights on the emotional shifts from survival to embracing a new reality, the complexities of finding joy amidst guilt, and the importance of living life fully despite loss. Melissa emphasizes that everyone's grief journey is unique and encourages listeners to focus on happiness and gratitude as they navigate their own experiences.  

In this episode, Melissa Yakaback discusses the complexities of early grief, particularly focusing on what not to say to a widow and how to provide meaningful support. She emphasizes that grief is a unique journey for everyone, often lasting longer than societal norms suggest. Melissa shares common phrases that are unhelpful to grieving individuals and offers practical advice on how to support them effectively, including the importance of showing up, listening, and remembering the deceased. She highlights the need for long-term support and practical help, especially for young widows with children.  

In this episode, Melissa Yakaback shares her personal journey of navigating grief as a widow with three children. She discusses the unique ways each child processes loss and offers practical advice for other parents facing similar challenges. From honest communication about death to maintaining routines and creating safe spaces for grief, Melissa emphasizes the importance of emotional honesty and community support in helping children cope with the loss of a parent.  

In this episode, Melissa Yakaback delves into the complexities of dating as a widow, addressing the emotional challenges, societal judgments, and personal growth that accompany this journey. She shares her experiences, insights, and advice on navigating the dating landscape while honoring past relationships and embracing new possibilities.  

In this episode of 'Consider Yourself Lucky', Melissa Yakaback shares her commitment to being more consistent with her podcast, reflecting on her journey through grief and the importance of community support.  

Sharing the good, the bad, and everything in between and how we commemorated my husbands 1 year anniversary.

On top of our first Christmas without my husband, a whole layer of triggers has been added and I wasn't anticipating that.

Sharing with you how I am approaching my first holiday season as a widow.

Sharing the speech I wrote for my husband's Celebration of Life.

Sharing my story today about how my husband died and I became a widow.

Talking about grief, loss and what happens after. This intro episode is sharing what you can expect from the podcast moving forward.