How Do We Find Joy After Death? A Conversation on Grief, Parenting, and the Return of Happiness
This profound episode of Lift One Self with host NatNat welcomes grief advocate Marie Alessi, who faced unimaginable heartbreak when her husband suddenly passed in 2018 while she was raising two young sons.
Rather than accepting grief as a life sentence or a hole that never heals, Marie shares a radical yet tender perspective: grief is a visitor — sometimes present, sometimes gone, always allowed, never permanent. "Sometimes Joy goes to the markets when Grief visits," she shares, "and sometimes they sit together."
Through the lens of personal loss (including the death of her father at age 20), Marie opens up about raising emotionally safe children, creating rituals of remembrance, and allowing herself — and her family — to feel everything without shutting joy out.
From laughter at funerals to annual family celebrations honouring her late husband, Marie challenges cultural taboos around grief. She reminds us that healing is possible and joy is not disrespectful to love.
If you're ready to reframe your relationship to grief and soften into joy without guilt, this episode offers profound wisdom.
→ Visit Marie at mariealessi.com to explore her books, TEDx talk, and personal coaching.
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