You’re Not Broken: Why Grief + Joy Can Coexist
Tue Dec 16 2025
Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Pregnancy Loss and Motherhood Podcast, Vallen explores the complex relationship between grief and joy, particularly in the context of motherhood and loss. She emphasizes that feeling joy does not mean forgetting about a lost child and that grief is a natural response to loss that evolves over time. Vallen shares personal experiences and insights on navigating guilt, shame, and the duality of emotions, encouraging listeners to embrace both grief and joy as part of their healing journey. She also offers practical advice on finding moments of joy amidst grief and highlights the importance of support and community in the healing process.
Takeaways
You are not broken; you are hurting.
Grief and joy can coexist.
Grief doesn't have an expiration date.
It's okay to take a vacation from your grief.
Experiencing joy does not mean forgetting your loss.
Your love for your child does not disappear.
You can find ways to parent beyond the grave.
Grief evolves over time; it doesn't vanish.
Finding meaning in loss is a personal journey.
You are never alone in your grief.
Chapters
00:00 Embracing Grief and Joy
02:05 The Nature of Grief
04:11 Finding Moments of Joy
06:18 The Complexity of Grief
08:17 Navigating Guilt and Shame
10:12 Duality of Emotions
12:27 Creating Meaning from Loss
14:57 Practicing Presence and Joy
17:08 Support and Resources for Healing
What You’ll Hear:
Links + Resources:
💌 Visit the Evelyn James Shop on Etsy! 🧡 Follow us on TikTok!! @pregnancyloss.motherhood
More
Episode Summary: In this episode of The Pregnancy Loss and Motherhood Podcast, Vallen explores the complex relationship between grief and joy, particularly in the context of motherhood and loss. She emphasizes that feeling joy does not mean forgetting about a lost child and that grief is a natural response to loss that evolves over time. Vallen shares personal experiences and insights on navigating guilt, shame, and the duality of emotions, encouraging listeners to embrace both grief and joy as part of their healing journey. She also offers practical advice on finding moments of joy amidst grief and highlights the importance of support and community in the healing process. Takeaways You are not broken; you are hurting. Grief and joy can coexist. Grief doesn't have an expiration date. It's okay to take a vacation from your grief. Experiencing joy does not mean forgetting your loss. Your love for your child does not disappear. You can find ways to parent beyond the grave. Grief evolves over time; it doesn't vanish. Finding meaning in loss is a personal journey. You are never alone in your grief. Chapters 00:00 Embracing Grief and Joy 02:05 The Nature of Grief 04:11 Finding Moments of Joy 06:18 The Complexity of Grief 08:17 Navigating Guilt and Shame 10:12 Duality of Emotions 12:27 Creating Meaning from Loss 14:57 Practicing Presence and Joy 17:08 Support and Resources for Healing What You’ll Hear: Links + Resources: 💌 Visit the Evelyn James Shop on Etsy! 🧡 Follow us on TikTok!! @pregnancyloss.motherhood