S10E8: Navigating Grief During the Wedding Planning Process
Navigating grief is never easy, but during an emotionally charged time period, like wedding planning, it can be even more challenging.
Grief isn't just about the loss of a loved one; sometimes you're grieving your single life - and you should not feel bad about that at all.
This week, Maryann is giving us the tools we need to handle grief, in all forms, in a healthy way.
Guest: Maryann Udel, Sheltering Tree
This week, we’re dishing about…
Some of the ways grief can come up for couples and family members
The best ways to move through grief during the wedding planning process
Navigating the grieving process
Advice do you have for people who may have lost a partner from a previous marriage or relationship who are entering a new marriage
... and more!
Meet Maryann!
Maryann Udel is a best-selling author, speaker and certified Life and Business Coach, experienced in managing corporate and individual loss. She guides businesses and individuals through major transitions.
She was unexpectedly introduced to the world of grief at the age of 24 when her husband died in an automobile accident. Overnight she went from being a young wife to a young widow. Without the assistance of the internet, social media, or formal support groups, she found a way to live, laugh, love, find joy, and thrive.
Whether it’s assisting a business through restructuring, leading her Reclaim Your Life Mastermind group program, or working with individuals dealing with the death of a loved one, an illness, a divorce, a break-up, or job loss – she helps them make peace with the past so that they can embrace the promise of their future.
Business Info
What areas do you serve?
All over the world.
How long have you been in business?
6 years
Why did you decide to start your own business?
To honor the memory of my first husband. It's my purpose to educate people about grief and help them navigate their journey through it to get to their life beyond.
What's the coolest thing about owning your own business?
Making my own decisions about when and where I work.
What challenges have you had to overcome?
Being the person who has to make all of the decisions about the business.
What advice could you offer to someone starting a business like yours?
Get support, trust your instincts, and be patient and flexible.
Let’s get personal…
What is daily life like in your household?
Wake up by 6 am; meditate; exercise; eat At my desk by 8:30 or 9:00 am emails, serve clients, network, plan presentations or talks
What advice would you offer to other business owners in a similar situation?
Be willing to adapt. Don't be too attached to how your business unfolds. Know who you want to serve and the problem you're solving for them.
Wedding Details
What was the most important decision you made about your wedding?
For my second wedding, my first husband's parents attended. They came to NY for my wedding and sat with my parents.
What advice could you offer to engaged couples planning their wedding - as both a wedding professional and a married human?
Connect with your spouse every day. Have conversations, share your desires, make each other laugh and never go to bed angry
Did you participate in any family, cultural, or religious traditions at your wedding?
I'm Catholic and my husband is Jewish. We had a priest and a rabbi officiate at The Actor's Chapel in New York City for our service. My husband wanted to break the glass.
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This episode is brought to you by:
Photos from the Harty, internationally acclaimed wedding photography
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