Grief unfiltered: the unspoken truths of navigating grief in the midst of motherhood with Erica Vander Sande

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Grief is universal, yet most of the realities of what the experience feels and looks like remains shrouded in silence and stigma. In this heartfelt episode of the Motherhood Mentor Podcast, Becca sits down with one of  her best friends Erica to explore the raw and often unspoken aspects of grief, particularly for mothers navigating profound loss. Erica shares her deeply personal journey of losing her mother to breast cancer in 2020, offering a candid look at both the sudden shock of loss and the slow, agonizing preemptive grief that accompanies knowing a loved one’s passing is imminent. And then the “after” the after of grief while navigating young babies and building a business.

Through their conversation, Erica reveals the full spectrum of emotions that come with grief and death—those that society deems acceptable and those that are often ignored or no one names. She speaks about the delicate balance of holding space for grief while also being a pillar of strength for her children. This episode touches on the struggles of feeling isolated in grief, especially when friends and family’s support fades after the funeral, and how important it is to cultivate spaces for ongoing grief-sharing.

Erica’s story highlights the importance of allowing yourself to grieve authentically and openly, embracing both joy and sorrow in equal measure. She reflects on how sharing memories of her mother with her children has helped her heal and keep her mother’s spirit alive. As the conversation deepens, the profound impact of grief on life, love, and connection becomes clear, reminding us that while grief is painful, it can also bring a deeper appreciation for life’s fleeting beauty.

This episode offers a powerful, compassionate exploration of grief as a transformative journey—one that reshapes our relationship with ourselves, our loved ones, and the world around us. Whether you’ve experienced loss or want to better understand it, this episode will offer you solace, understanding, and a sense of connection in a topic too often left unspoken.

About Erica:

Erica Vander Sande is a light worker and psychic medium, deeply committed to helping others find alignment and purpose. As the owner of The Mina Company, Erica has spent over 15 years guiding conscious entrepreneurs to scale their businesses with sustainable strategies rooted in both intuition and expertise. Known for her ability to tap into her clients' strengths and create thriving, long-term marketing plans, she is also a sought-after speaker and mentor. Her new Her new initiative, Breaking Through.

In addition to her work, Erica is a dedicated mother who finds balance through running and a deep appreciation for all things cozy. Her spiritual practice is integral to every part of her life and business, shaping a vision of success that empowers others to break through their own limitations.

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0:02 Exploring Grief With Erica

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