In this episode, we explore one of the most unsettling, quiet aftermaths of child loss: the strange experience of being around other people and realizing you no longer feel like yourself or that you belong.
From the outside, you may look completely present. You can smile, make small talk, and sit through a meeting or a dinner gathering. But on the inside, something has fundamentally shifted. Everyday conversations can feel surreal, mundane, or oddly distant—leaving you wondering whether you should mention your child’s name or keep that sacred part of your life outside the room.
In this conversation, I share my own experiences following the death of my son, Michael, and unpack:
• The Cost of Social Performance: Why casual interactions leave you feeling far more exhausted than the situation warrants.
• The Shift in Reality: How knowing the fragility of life changes your tolerance for small talk and everyday complaints.
• Staying Connected Without Abandoning Yourself: How to stop performing your old self and establish gentle boundaries in your relationships.
Whether you feel guarded in places where you once felt relaxed or are struggling to find where you fit in this new world, this episode offers validation and practical care.
Listen to the episode now and subscribe to join our supportive community. You do not have to carry this weight in isolation.
Connect with me:
• Website: https://sharonspano.com
• Podcast Page: https://sharonspano.com/podcast/podcast-beyond-the-loss/
• YouTube: youtube.com/@SharonSpano-BeyondtheLoss-Host
• Substack: substack.com/@drsharon
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https://sharonspano.com/podcast-guest-beyond-the-loss/