Host: J.R. Sparrow

Guest: Marie Alessi, Author, Speaker, and Grief Coach

Episode Description: In this powerful and deeply moving episode, host J.R. Sparrow sits down with Marie Alessi, a grief coach, author, and global movement leader based in Sydney, Australia. Marie shares her inspiring journey of navigating life after the sudden loss of her husband, Rob, to a brain aneurysm. This episode dives deep into themes of grief, resilience, and the conscious decision to choose joy in the face of unimaginable loss.

Marie opens up about the pivotal moments in her life, including moving from Austria to Australia, her initial struggles with grief after losing her father at a young age, and the life-changing decision she made with her husband to live life to the fullest, no matter what. She discusses the concept of "two choices," a guiding principle she and her late husband embraced, and how it has shaped her approach to life and grief.

Marie also talks about her bestselling book, Loving Life After Loss, which has touched countless lives and sparked a global movement. She shares how the book came to be, the intense personal journey of writing it, and the unexpected impact it has had on readers around the world.

Listeners will also hear about Marie’s TEDx Talk, where she challenges traditional perceptions of widowhood and encourages others not to let labels define them. Her message is one of hope, empowerment, and the incredible power of perspective.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of having the "what if" conversation with loved ones before tragedy strikes.
• The concept of "two choices" and how it can guide you through life's toughest moments.
• How to shift from victimhood to empowerment in the grieving process.
• The story behind Marie's book Loving Life After Loss and its impact on the global grief community.
• Insights from Marie's TEDx Talk on redefining widowhood and breaking free from societal labels.

Quotable Moments:

• "Life won’t ever be the same, yet what it’s going to be like is still up to you."
• "Grief can be a source of empowerment when we choose to see it that way."
• "Love just wants you to be happy."