Episode 324: Understanding Loss: Navigating the Loss of Divorce, with Dr. Sharon Spano

We’ve explored many aspects of loss in the past few episodes, and today we’re diving into another profound form of loss: divorce. Divorce is a tremendous loss. It’s the loss of a dream, the loss of what was, and what could have been, but with the unique complexity that the other person is still alive. Unlike grief from death, divorce can bring judgment or divided loyalties from those around you, making it even harder to process.

In this fifth installment of her Understanding Loss series, Dr. Spano offers insight and strategies for navigating the pain of divorce. She unpacks the concept of the fog of disorientation, exploring ChatGPT’s unique definition and metaphor to help listeners understand this state of emotional confusion.

Dr. Spano also shares practical tips for handling divorce during the holidays. She highlights the importance of acknowledging your feelings as valid, making a list of qualities you still appreciate about the other person, creating new rituals to adjust to the change, and paying close attention to your mind, body, and spirit.

Through this episode, Dr. Spano encourages you to embrace new perspectives, get creative, and find personal ways to handle loss with kindness toward yourself and those you love. Thanks for tuning in, and happy holidays to you and yours.

What you’ll learn about in this episode:

• The fifth installment of the Understanding Loss series: Divorce. 
• What makes divorce so difficult.
• Dr. Sharon unpacks “The fog of disorientation.”
• ChatGPT’s definition of disorientation.
• Understanding that every moment of loss you face takes you one step closer to a deeper understanding of life.
• The importance of starting with acknowledging that what you’re feeling is normal and alive for you.
• Making a list of what you loved about the other person and be aware of negative emotions.
• Change up your rituals and why doing holidays as “normal” is a concern for Dr. Spano.
• She shares an example of how friends navigated holidays after a divorce and the three basic principles.
• Paying attention to what your mind, body, and spirit need during this time.
• A word of encouragement to those experiencing the holidays for the first time since their divorce.
• Dr. Spano shares what listeners can expect for next year.

Transcript: Here

Links Mentioned:

ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/ 

Falling Upward: https://www.amazon.com/Falling-Upward-Spirituality-Halves-Life/dp/0470907754 

Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: sharon@sharonspano.com

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/