Disclaimer The information in this podcast is based on opinion and lived experience. Always consult your health care provider.

In this heartfelt podcast episode, Emilie shares her deep connection to family, faith, and her committed relationship. She reflects on her journey through immense grief, starting in 2010 with the sudden loss of her best friend and continuing with the passing of her husband at the age of 42. Emilie opens up about the challenges of navigating life as a widow and single parent, sharing how journaling, therapy, and faith helped her process her emotions and grief.

The conversation highlights the transformative power of writing and self-expression, as Emilie details her transition from keeping her thoughts in journals to writing a blog and eventually publishing a book titled *It's Okay to Be Okay: Finding Joy Through Grief*. She emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to experience joy amidst grief, affirming that it's okay to move forward while honoring the past.

Emilie also delves into her practice of soul collaging, a creative and intuitive method of self-reflection and healing. She explains how creating personalized visual cards has helped her tap into her inner voice and process different aspects of her life, from childhood experiences to significant losses.

Throughout the episode, Emilie inspires listeners by sharing her journey of self-discovery and healing, encouraging others to trust their inner voice, embrace their worthiness, and find strength in their unique path forward.

About Emilie: Emilie Lancour is a mom, partner, widow, retired educator, and entrepreneur from Upper Michigan. She spends her days writing and journaling, often on the shore of Lake Superior. After teaching special education for 25 years, she retired to start her company, Calm Water Writing. Emilie guides others to learn how writing can become another tool to heal, grow, and connect with your soul. She mentors, especially those on the grief journey, through writing practices like journaling, bullet journaling, and SoulCollage®. Calm Water Writing
explores a variety of different techniques and styles. As a published author, Emilie shares her stories of grief, healing, love, and joy. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, playing card games, and photographing nature. Her ideal day involves chai tea, a long bath with a book, time with family and friends, prime rib for
dinner, followed by a movie, and watching the sunset.

Please connect:
Website and Blog:
Calm Water Writing: Connect with your Soul through Journaling
calmwaterwriting.com
FB groups:
Calm Water Writers
https://www.facebook.com/groups/561544939474261/
Grief and Joy Coexist
https://www.facebook.com/share/ViscATwqcrNYt1aL/
Published Writing:
"It's Okay to be Okay; Finding Joy through Grief"
"A Cup of Miracles"
"It's Okay to Love Again"
"My Spouse Died. Now What?"
"New Growth Poetry"
"Grief and Joy Coexist Journal"
Purchase: www.amazon.com/author/emilielancour
Podcast (Spotify):
Grief is Random and Real
https://open.spotify.com/show/7wqffPeQvr7q7hkaN9JRzz?si=42931ed8b2004f21