WISDOM PANEL: Video Shorts

The November Wisdom Panel is about GRIEF + GRATITUDE.

The Real 50 over 50 presents a meaningful Wisdom Panel exploring the intersection of Grief + Gratitude. Five accomplished women entrepreneurs, each over 50, bring their diverse expertise to this vital conversation. This LIVE event will explore the complex relationship between loss and appreciation, offering insights into navigating life’s challenges while cultivating a sense of gratitude. Our panelists include:

• Stephanie Dalfonzo – Integrative Hypnotist, Anxiety Expert, Speaker, Author
• Rechelle Conde Nau – Podcaster, Blogger, Creator of Unabashed You
• Liane Moccia – Registered Herbalist Specializing in Fertility and Preconception Planning, Speaker, Author
• Janice Porter – Relationship Marketing Specialist, Podcast Host & Guest, LinkedIn Trainer
• Deb Coman – Content Conversion Strategist and Copywriter

Overview of the Panel Discussion

I recently hosted a remarkable panel of women over 50 who shared their insights and experiences around the interplay of grief and gratitude in our lives. My guests included Rechelle Conde Nau, Liane Moccia, Janice Porter, and Deb Coman. While we missed having Stephanie Dalfonzo join us, she graciously provided a beautiful guided meditation to set the tone for our conversation.

As we explored how grief and gratitude are intimately connected, some common themes emerged. We discussed how milestone birthdays and life transitions in our 50s – kids moving away, losing parents, physical changes – can spur grief even as we try to stay grateful. Liane shared how “you can be grateful for a parent no longer suffering, yet still have grief associated with the loss.” The panel agreed it’s not either/or, but both.

We also spoke of the importance of fully feeling and processing our grief rather than just “checking the boxes.” Deb vulnerably shared how grief counseling after losing loved ones was the best gift she gave herself. Janice opened up about losing her best friend suddenly and unexpectedly, and how, years later, she still thinks of her daily – the memories bringing both tears and smiles.

The power of personal rituals and tangible acts of gratitude was another insight. Rechelle shared how her mentor challenged her to intentionally do three small things each day to support others, and the impact that had. I talked about how I carry “You Are Beautiful” stickers to hand out to people I interact with who seem sad or stressed. Deb gives positive feedback to helpful store associates. These practices retrain our brains to show up in more giving ways.

The panel agreed that allowing grief and gratitude to coexist is a process that takes intention and practice. Liane noted, “We have to give ourselves permission to feel gratitude in grief…it takes work to remind ourselves it can be an ‘and’ thing.” I shared how, after my brother and close friend died two weeks apart, I had to learn forgiveness to heal unresolved family issues and trauma. Understanding that we can give ourselves the gift of forgiveness even if the other person is unavailable.

While people often shy away from discussing grief, we need to “give grief its space” as Deb put it. Ask people about their lost loved ones and let them share openly. Rechelle vulnerably shared her own story of losing an infant son, and how over time she traced so many unexpected gifts and blessings back to that devastating loss. We must actively look for the gifts that can eventually emerge from grief.

One of the most poignant realizations from our discussion was that grief extends far beyond the loss of loved ones. We can grieve the loss of dreams, identities, roles, and phases of life. Liane shared the unexpected grief that arose when her daughter reached a milestone “growing up” moment. Rechelle opened up about grieving the loss of how she thought life would unfold, and the journey to find beauty in the unexpected. The panel reminisced about grieving the loss of youthful identity that can come with milestone birthdays and changing family dynamics in our 50s. Normalizing that grief wears many faces allows us to hold space for each other and ourselves with greater understanding and compassion.

I’m so grateful these wise women showed up, vulnerably shared their stories, and openly explored such an important topic.

Please connect with them, binge the replays of the Real 50 over 50 interviews and Wisdom Panels, and mark your calendars for upcoming weekly interviews on Wednesday at noon ET and our monthly Wisdom Panel.