In this moving episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Lotte Bowser shares her heart-wrenching journey of losing her partner Ben to cancer and COVID-19 complications. She discusses the profound challenges of grief, the impact of his illness and death on her life, and the arduous process of rebuilding her life anew. Lottie reflects on various therapeutic practices, including writing and journalling, which helped her process pain and find a semblance of resolution. The conversation delves into the physical nature of grief, radical self-compassion, and the complexities of starting a new relationship while mourning. Lottie opens up about societal pressures surrounding grief, the duality of life balancing grief and joy, and reentering the dating world. She emphasises the importance of community support, the interplay of sex and death, and the need for sensitivity and understanding from others. This episode offers listeners insights into the enduring nature of grief and the resilience required to embrace new beginnings. 00:35 Facing the Greatest Challenge: Loss of a Partner 03:39 Coping with Grief and Finding Joy 06:22 Rebuilding Life After Loss 11:16 Navigating New Relationships 21:44 Seeking Support and Connection 23:10 Finding Strength in Numbers 24:32 Choosing Life Amidst Grief 24:59 Radical Compassion and Self-Permission 25:30 The Unfixable Nature of Death 27:02 Holding Grief and Joy Simultaneously 27:40 The Taboo of Sex and Grief 31:12 Writing as a Therapeutic Outlet 33:42 Physical Manifestations of Grief 34:46 The Universal Experience of Grief 36:41 The Duality of Bittersweet 38:19 Living Fully After Loss 48:32 The Creative Endeavour of Relationships 50:21 Complexity in Different Types of Bereavement Find Lotte Bowser: Instagram: @lottebowser Read her book, Bittersweet: https://amzn.eu/d/4TMzEmV Listen to her podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VffRbs0rN3U2BC3qJ8wW1?si=b04773d8c32a4622 Otherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips. Follow me on @juliasamuelmbe.And for more info, check out my new website: juliasamuel.co.uk. Wild Nutrition are offering an exclusive limited time offer to Therapy Works’ listeners: 50% off your first 3 months when you visit wildnutrition.com/therapy, that’s wildnutrition.com/therapy for 50% off your first 3 months. T&Cs apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices