Episode 82: Hope All the Way Through with Theo Boyd
Wed Jan 21 2026
In this episode of The Well-Tended Life podcast, I sit down with author and grief advocate Theo Boyd to talk about the kind of loss that changes everything—and the kind of hope that meets you there anyway.
Theo shares the story behind her books My Grief Is Not Like Yours and her follow-up USA Today best seller, Hope All the Way—including the tragic loss of her mother, the complicated layers that followed, and how she began journaling her way through the unthinkable. We talk about why grief shouldn’t be compared, why so many people feel pressure to “move on,” and what it looks like to hold sorrow and strength in the same hands.
We also explore the “signs” Theo began noticing in the darkest moments (including one unforgettable detail she calls Peanut Shells)—and how those sacred little reminders became anchors of comfort, faith, and healing. If you’ve ever wondered, Am I crazy for noticing this?, you are going to feel so seen.
This conversation is tender, honest, and deeply practical—full of permission to be sad, tools for walking alongside others, and encouragement to tend to your own heart first.
💛 Here are a few heart taps from this episode:
1️⃣ Grief is not a competition—the hardest loss is the one you’re living.
2️⃣ Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is simply show up and sit—no fixing required.
3️⃣ Don’t ask, “How can I help?” Offer something specific: groceries, laundry, a walk, a nap.
4️⃣ If you don’t deal with grief, it will deal with you—often later, and often louder.
5️⃣ Hope is still here… but we have to open our eyes to see it.
6️⃣ “My hobby is my health” might be the most life-giving reframe you’ll hear all week.
7️⃣ Healing often starts with one simple practice: breathe.
If you’re walking through loss—or loving someone who is—press play. This episode is a reminder that even in barren seasons, something beautiful can still grow.
Connect with Theo Boyd:
Website: thinktheo.com
Email: info@thinktheo.com
Social: @thinktheo (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads)
Thelizabeth “Theo” Boyd was born and raised on a farm in Whitney, Texas, named after her grandmothers Thelma and Elizabeth. Known as “Theo” since middle school, she began writing poems with her father and learning resilience from her mother. She pursued higher education later in life, becoming a high school English and Creative Writing teacher—earning “Roo
A Whole New Way To Journal
Interested in learning more about my life-tending journal process?
Click Here for Your Free Life-Tending Journal Template
Meet Me over at Modern Prairie
I am thrilled to announce that I have partnered with Melissa Gilbert of Little House on the Prairie fame’s and her company and community over at Modern Prairie.COM. Download the Modern Prairie App to Join Me the Journaling Circle, and Sign Up for my Free Journal Classe or to Join the Journaling Gems Club today! Can’t wait to see you there!
CULTIVATE U: A Life Changing 6-Week Virtual Masterclass
THIS IS YOUR SEASON. It’s time to CULTIVATE U: to water YOUR dreams, to unearth YOUR gifts, and finally tend to YOUR relationships, weeds, and needs.
Are you exhausted from watering everyone and everything else but you? Could your life, dreams, or relationships use some tending? Would you like to start living a life with less anxiety and more intention? Then click here for info on the next masterclass!
Speaking Of
Are you looking for a unique speaker? I would love to be a part of your next event! Let’s chat: keri@keriwilt.com
Let’s Get Connected
I want to cheer you on as you begin ...
More
In this episode of The Well-Tended Life podcast, I sit down with author and grief advocate Theo Boyd to talk about the kind of loss that changes everything—and the kind of hope that meets you there anyway. Theo shares the story behind her books My Grief Is Not Like Yours and her follow-up USA Today best seller, Hope All the Way—including the tragic loss of her mother, the complicated layers that followed, and how she began journaling her way through the unthinkable. We talk about why grief shouldn’t be compared, why so many people feel pressure to “move on,” and what it looks like to hold sorrow and strength in the same hands. We also explore the “signs” Theo began noticing in the darkest moments (including one unforgettable detail she calls Peanut Shells)—and how those sacred little reminders became anchors of comfort, faith, and healing. If you’ve ever wondered, Am I crazy for noticing this?, you are going to feel so seen. This conversation is tender, honest, and deeply practical—full of permission to be sad, tools for walking alongside others, and encouragement to tend to your own heart first. 💛 Here are a few heart taps from this episode: 1️⃣ Grief is not a competition—the hardest loss is the one you’re living. 2️⃣ Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is simply show up and sit—no fixing required. 3️⃣ Don’t ask, “How can I help?” Offer something specific: groceries, laundry, a walk, a nap. 4️⃣ If you don’t deal with grief, it will deal with you—often later, and often louder. 5️⃣ Hope is still here… but we have to open our eyes to see it. 6️⃣ “My hobby is my health” might be the most life-giving reframe you’ll hear all week. 7️⃣ Healing often starts with one simple practice: breathe. If you’re walking through loss—or loving someone who is—press play. This episode is a reminder that even in barren seasons, something beautiful can still grow. Connect with Theo Boyd: Website: thinktheo.com Email: info@thinktheo.com Social: @thinktheo (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads) Thelizabeth “Theo” Boyd was born and raised on a farm in Whitney, Texas, named after her grandmothers Thelma and Elizabeth. Known as “Theo” since middle school, she began writing poems with her father and learning resilience from her mother. She pursued higher education later in life, becoming a high school English and Creative Writing teacher—earning “Roo A Whole New Way To Journal Interested in learning more about my life-tending journal process? Click Here for Your Free Life-Tending Journal Template Meet Me over at Modern Prairie I am thrilled to announce that I have partnered with Melissa Gilbert of Little House on the Prairie fame’s and her company and community over at Modern Prairie.COM. Download the Modern Prairie App to Join Me the Journaling Circle, and Sign Up for my Free Journal Classe or to Join the Journaling Gems Club today! Can’t wait to see you there! CULTIVATE U: A Life Changing 6-Week Virtual Masterclass THIS IS YOUR SEASON. It’s time to CULTIVATE U: to water YOUR dreams, to unearth YOUR gifts, and finally tend to YOUR relationships, weeds, and needs. Are you exhausted from watering everyone and everything else but you? Could your life, dreams, or relationships use some tending? Would you like to start living a life with less anxiety and more intention? Then click here for info on the next masterclass! Speaking Of Are you looking for a unique speaker? I would love to be a part of your next event! Let’s chat: keri@keriwilt.com Let’s Get Connected I want to cheer you on as you begin ...