Grief has a way of cracking everything open—and in this conversation, we sit down with Laing Rikkers to explore what can emerge from that opening. From unexpected loss to creative awakening, we unpack how life’s hardest moments can become invitations to reconnect with yourself, your purpose, and what truly matters. This is a deeply human conversation about courage, identity, and what it really means to begin again.

We also get honest about fear—why it keeps so many of us stuck in midlife—and how to gently move through it without needing all the answers. Whether you're navigating loss, burnout, or simply feeling the pull for “something more,” this episode offers grounding insights, practical tools, and a refreshing reminder: you don’t have to choose just one version of yourself.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Welcoming Laing and setting the stage for rewriting your life after major transitions

[01:40] - Laing shares the unexpected loss of her sister and how grief reshaped her path

[04:11] - Discovering “morning pages” and the healing power of creative expression

[07:05] - The surprising emotions of grief beyond sadness—anger, loneliness, and reevaluation

[11:43] - “Talk it, walk it, write it” — a simple, powerful framework for moving through grief

[13:02] - The biggest mistake in grief: isolation and the importance of connection

[14:58] - Fear, identity, and stepping into a multi-dimensional life in midlife

[18:54] - Why doing hard things becomes the actual journey of growth

[21:22] - Behind the scenes of publishing a first book and navigating creative risk

[25:17] - Creating a new chapter: blending business, creativity, and meaningful work

[29:14] - Writing through grief vs. making meaning after it

[33:05] - The healing power of nature, movement, and simply taking the next step

Links & Resources

• Website: www.laingrikkers.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laing-rikkers
• Instagram: @morning_leaves_and_poetry

If today's discussion resonated with you

Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

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