SoulfulJourney55

08/13/2026

(cont'd) answer and that can be exhausting.

While there's no perfect roadmap, there are a few things that truly help:
1) Use honest, simple words, not euphemisms
2)Let them see you grieve too for it teaches them it's safe to both show and feel grief
3)Expect "puddle jumping" where your kiddo may be sad one moment, playing the next.
4)Keep routines steady for predictability = safety
5)Keep their parent present with photos, stories, and memories. It's about connection, not moving "on."

08/07/2026

There is no equation for grief.

Regardless of the person's background, handing someone a number and calling it healing is not only a false solution, but a disservice to that person going through grief.

Grief isn't a problem to be solved!
It's love with nowhere to go.
No timeline.
No calculation.

If someone is trying to "math" your grief, I want you to hear this: 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙛 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙬𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜. 𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜, 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝, 𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙.

08/03/2026

07/18/2026

If you've felt any of these, you're not making it up.

Widows tell me constantly: "I feel him, but then I doubt myself. Am I just desperate? Am I losing it?"

Here's what I know after walking this path myself and supporting hundreds of widows:

You're not imagining it.

That dream where he felt so real you woke up reaching for him? The song that plays at the exact moment you're thinking of him? The warmth you feel on your shoulder when you're crying alone?

Your nervous system remembers his presence. Your heart recognizes his energy. And when you feel that flutter, that knowing, that sudden peace, trust that it's real.

This isn't denial. It's not you being "stuck."

It's called continuing bonds. Staying connected to love in the only way that's available now.

You don't have to explain it to people who don't get it.
You don't have to prove it.
You just have to trust what you feel.

After all, grief isn't about severing the connection. It's about learning to hold it differently.

Your love didn't die. It just changed form.

💙

Which one resonates most with you?

07/17/2026

In early loss, talking about Alex's death was both encouraged and unbearable. I couldn't speak of him in past tense. My brain wouldn't compute it. Maybe it was denial, maybe survival. But people listened anyway. Because if I stopped talking about him, something would be wrong, right?

Fast forward to year six. This October marks seven years since Alex died.

I talk about him less now to others, but don't be fooled, I still think about him and talk to him every single day. The difference? The people who used to lean in when I mentioned him are becoming less present in my world.

In the beginning, I'd get signs constantly. His badge number (370) on a deli ticket. A dime. Anything reminiscent of him felt sacred. Now when I bring him up, I can't help but feel like I'm casually mentioning the weather. Something mundane, not worth reciprocating.

Maybe that's why I created a space to talk about Alex alongside others who grieve their spouses.

In my widow and widower groups, we get to talk about our deceased loved ones at any capacity. No awkwardness. No "Oh, you're still grieving?" No judgment about whether we should have "moved on by now."

That said, there are still people in my world who witness my grief today. Family. Friends. My boyfriend. I'm grateful for those of you who still let me keep the memories alive in his absence.

If you've read this far, thank you.
And here's my PSA: When you lose someone you love, there's a damn good chance you'll want to keep talking not just to them, but about them.

💙

07/16/2026

Research shows that maintaining an internal relationship with your deceased spouse through memory, ritual, spiritual connection, and symbolic presence supports long-term healing.

This isn't denial or 'holding on.' It's integration. Learn about continuing bonds theory, the neuroscience of grief, and how to honor your connection while moving forward.

𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦-𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥, 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺-𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘥𝘰𝘸 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵.

07/15/2026

Let's talk about the questions nobody else will answer honestly.

You know, the ones you Google at 2am? The ones you're reluctant to ask your friends because they just... don't get it. The ones about dating again, about what to do with his side of the closet, about whether it's normal to still set two plates sometimes.

I'm opening up a 𝗤&𝗔 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 on all things widowhood and I want your questions.

This is exclusively for the widow who is not seeking generic grief advice. She wants real answers, pulled from at least three places: what I've learned walking this road myself, what I've learned sitting across from clients as a clinician, and the wisdom other widows in this community have shared with me along the way.

Nothing is too big, too small, or too "weird" to ask. If you've wondered it, chances are someone else in this community has wondered it too.

Drop your question below or send it my way. Yours might be the one featured next. And if you'd rather stay anonymous, just say so and I'll keep it that way. 💛

What's the question you've been sitting on?

&a

Information shared is for educational purposes only.

06/01/2026

Curious About Support Groups?

Joining a support group can feel like a big step, but understanding what to expect can make all the difference. At Shore Awakenings, we believe in the power of shared experiences to foster healing and connection.

Our groups are designed exclusively for widows on the 1st Wednesday, and both widows and widowers on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7pm. Both groups are free to the community!

Here, we're offering a safe, supportive environment where your voice is heard and your story matters. Whether you’re considering joining or just want more details, we’re here to help you feel confident about taking the first step.

1. What happens in a support group session? You’ll meet with other widowed individuals guided by a licensed counselor, share stories at your own pace, and participate in healing discussions supporting where you are at this moment in your grief.

2. Is participation required every month? We encourage regular attendance for the fullest experience, but understand that everyone’s journey moves at a different pace.

3. Can I join more than one group? Absolutely! Some widows and widowers find comfort in connecting with different groups based on their needs or schedule.

Stay tuned for additional grief groups being offered both in-person and virtually. Message GROUP to receive more information about current and upcoming groups.

➡️Interested in our Monday and Thursday support groups in the community of Ocean County, NJ? Scan the QR code or copy and paste the link below to sign up for more information (pre-registration is requested):
https://forms.gle/bYsrVaABuUBvtpow8

05/30/2026

Your Top Grief Coaching Questions Answered

Curious about how grief coaching works? At Soulful Journeys, we guide you through personalized support and practical tools designed specifically for widows.

Our structured program helps you move forward at your own pace, with the comfort of coaching and community support.

🌟 Benefit: Gain confidence as you rebuild your life after loss. Afterall, you deserve to live a life on your terms unapologetically.

Ready to learn more?

➡️Email [email protected] for answers to your questions, or visit www.jaclynhoffman.com.

➡️Curious about coaching vs. counseling? Message or comment below, PATHWAY, and receive brief tool to help determine which is a better fit for you

05/29/2026

The Power of Shared Healing

Did you know? Community-based grief programs are redefining support for widows, combining personal coaching with group connection for deeper transformation.

Since March of 2023, I have been facilitating a monthly support group for widows in my community and it has grown since then. In June, I will be adding a second group for both widows and widowers. If you are local to Ocean County, NJ and would like to learn more, please reach out.