What if grief didn’t have to live with you forever?
When Marie Alessi’s husband, Rob, passed away suddenly from a brain aneurysm, her world collapsed in an instant. But what she chose next surprised even her: she made a quiet promise to create the happiest life possible for their two sons. In this powerful conversation, Marie shares how she moved through shock, leaned into spiritual guidance, and ultimately redefined what grief could look like — for her, and for others.
About Marie Alessi
Marie Alessi is a bestselling author, TEDx and keynote speaker, and grief advocate. After losing her husband unexpectedly at age 45, she began sharing her story publicly to help others find light in the darkest seasons. Through her books, talks, and coaching, Marie inspires a new way of looking at grief — one grounded in love, joy, and presence.
🌐 Website: https://www.mariealessi.com/
📚 Books: Happy Healing, Loving Life After Loss
🎧 Marie’s Podcast: Unsilence Grief
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariealessi
In this episode:
- The soul contract she believes prepared her for the unimaginable
- Why she no longer sees grief as a permanent resident
- How spiritual nudges and signs helped her keep going
- The real reason she wears orange
- What her sons taught her about resilience
Timestamps
0:00 Intro
4:30 The call that changed everything
13:00 Love, presence, and loss
22:15 Parenting through grief
35:00 The legacy Rob left behind
48:00 How Marie redefined widowhood
56:00 What she would tell herself on that day
Keywords:
grief journey, life after loss, parenting after death, widowhood story, spiritual signs after loss, sudden death grief, choosing joy, Marie Alessi, The Life Shift podcast
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👤 Host: [Matt Gilhooly on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgilhooly)
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