In a recent episode of The Life, Loss, and Motherhood Podcast host Vallen Webb sat down with Alyssa Smith, a holistic life and career coach who shared her insights on loss, identity, and personal growth. Together, they explored how transitions in life bring unexpected challenges and, ultimately, how embracing change is an essential part of self-discovery. Here is a summary and the key takeaways from our conversation! You can listen to the full episode HERE.

Embracing Different Forms of Loss

Vallen and Alyssa began by reframing the concept of loss. While loss is often associated with death, it’s also intertwined with significant life changes, such as motherhood, career shifts, or the end of a relationship. Alyssa shared how becoming a mom changed her identity and routine, bringing a form of loss alongside the joy of motherhood. Vallen pointed out how even seemingly smaller losses, like letting go of a job or navigating life without a second car, can impact our sense of security and routine.

Finding Silver Linings in the Grieving Process

Alyssa opened up about her journey of losing her mother while transitioning out of a 17-year career in education. Navigating this dual loss forced her to reevaluate her priorities, revealing how life’s challenges, even when painful, can lead to growth. Vallen shared how she too faced layers of loss after her child passed away, realizing how interconnected loss is with our visions for the future. Alyssa emphasized that “loss is loss, period,” and respecting each experience—big or small—is essential for healing.

Signs and Affirmations as Sources of Comfort

During their conversation, Alyssa recounted a heartwarming experience with a “sign” from her mother—a reminder that our loved ones may stay close even after they pass. This concept of “signs” became a source of comfort, grounding Alyssa as she moved through her grief. For both Alyssa and Vallen, affirmations have been a pivotal practice in helping them foster a more positive mindset. Through consistent practice, Alyssa explains, affirmations build a foundation of self-trust and resilience, something that feels almost magical as you continue to repeat them over time.

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

For Alyssa, a major part of her coaching journey involves helping clients identify and dismantle limiting beliefs. Many of our deep-seated ideas about self-worth or success form in early childhood. Vallen reflected on her own struggle with self-worth and shared her experience of feeling uplifted by affirmations. As Alyssa noted, sometimes it’s about having the support of someone who can reflect our strengths and mirror our potential back to us.

The Importance of Consistent Self-Care

As Vallen and Alyssa concluded, they touched on the power of consistent, accessible self-care. True self-care isn’t about fancy gadgets or expensive tools; it’s about taking moments to check in with yourself. Alyssa shared her practice of asking, “What do you need?” before reaching for external comfort, a practice that’s helped her prioritize self-compassion. Both women encouraged listeners to carve out time each day to connect with themselves, whether through mindful walking, journaling, or simply being still.

Embracing Change and Moving Forward

One of the most powerful takeaways from this episode was Alyssa’s message to honor life’s transitions. Rather than seeing change as something to fear or avoid, she urged listeners to view each new chapter as a chance to grow, learn, and explore parts of themselves they may not yet know.

In a world that often glorifies productivity and stability, this episode is a reminder to embrace each phase of life, including the losses. As Vallen and Alyssa beautifully illustrated, sometimes our greatest breakthroughs come from the courage to acknowledge our losses and find new meaning in what comes next.

Key Takeaways

• Loss is universal and goes beyond just the loss of a loved one.

• Embracing life’s transitions can lead to unexpected growth and self-discovery.

• Signs from loved ones can provide comfort and keep connections alive.

• Affirmations and self-care practices help maintain emotional resilience.

• Having support through life changes is invaluable—coaches, friends, or mentors can offer fresh perspectives and guidance.

This episode was a heartfelt exploration of how loss can redefine who we are and open doors to new possibilities. Vallen and Alyssa’s conversation is a powerful reminder to honor each moment, trust ourselves, and find support as we navigate life’s inevitable changes.