Terri Broussard Williams reflects on how May became a month of both heartbreak and healing—and how it sparked the creation of her new podcast, Roots + Rebirth.

May is my favorite month—but also one of the most complicated. It’s when I celebrate my birthday, reflect on new resolutions, and take solo trips to reconnect with myself. But it’s also the month I lost my father—and my beloved soul puppy, Fitz.

In this piece, I share how grief has shaped me, the ways I find light in memories, and a special gift that helped me heal. I also unveil something close to my heart: Roots + Rebirth, my upcoming podcast that explores how loss often leads to a more authentic version of ourselves. Whether you’ve experienced loss, change, or renewal, I hope this story speaks to your soul.

May, Loss & Light: A Story of Rebirth

May has always been my favorite month. The days stretch a little longer. The air hums with the promise of summer. And when I was younger, May meant one glorious thing: school was out.

It’s also my birth month—and maybe that’s why I’ve always seen it as a time of reflection and renewal. While others make resolutions in January, I’ve always saved mine for May. As I’ve grown older, I’ve marked my birthdays with soul-cations—solo trips to check in with myself, hit reset, and realign with joy.

But my relationship with May is complicated.

On May 20, 2017, I lost my father. We were incredibly close. He was the one I called before buying my first home, the voice of reason when I needed to negotiate a car lease, and the first person I confided in when my marriage was coming to an end.

Then last year, on May 17, 2024, I lost my beloved soul puppy, Fitz. His absence still stings. We never got to say goodbye, and on some days, when I see a Shih Tzu trotting down the sidewalk with their human, the tears catch me off guard.

Grief, as many of you know, is not linear. But even in the depths of loss, I have found light.

When my father passed, I asked him—quite literally—to send me all of his best qualities (and only the best!). I believe that energy exchange happened. I am now, without question, the fiercest car negotiator I know—just ask the dealer who sold me my brand new 2025 electric vehicle.

When I feel overwhelmed, I think of Fitz and our long walks during the early days of the pandemic. He taught me the power of stillness and presence. And I remind myself: memories can be “lasting medicine”. When we close our eyes and reach for them, they bring us right back to joy. I have to thank Dr. Alyse Snyder for teaching me the concept of “lasting medicine.”

Recently, my dear friends Natalie and Dale, the founders of Lumenkind, shared their own story of grief after losing their cherished kitten, Mango. Their loss led them to create a new set of Mindful Marks called “Light Through Loss.”

Inside the special edition pack is a message that reads:

You are held in light and love.
 Loss changes everything. While words may feel small in the face of grief, this gift was sent as a gentle reminder: you are not alone. There is no right way to grieve—only your way.

Each Mindful Mark is a wearable intention that offers small yet meaningful ways to process loss:

Feel – Allow emotions to come and go.

Forgive – Soften with compassion.

Strength – Move forward with courage.

Trust – Embrace what is and what’s to come.

These marks are for anyone who has lost something—a parent, a partner, a job, or even a dream. They remind us that there is light after darkness. There is, in time, a rebirth.

Speaking of rebirth…

Since you’re a loyal blog reader, I have to share something with you FIRST. And these days that means before any social media post. LOL.

I’m so excited to share a project that has been on my heart for quite some time: Roots + Rebirth, my newest podcast.

Each episode is rooted in origin stories—of trailblazers, changemakers, and soul-searchers. Together, we’ll explore their triumphs, their heartbreaks, and the sacred moment when everything changed. Through these conversations, we’ll discover a shared truth: rebirth often comes through loss, and from that transformation, we become the most authentic version of ourselves. Yes, I hope to help you find the truest version of you. 

We’ll also dive into tools and resources for practicing mindfulness, embracing wellness, and exploring the spiritual realm. Whether you’re a movement maker, a light seeker, or a firestarter, Roots + Rebirth is a space for you.

I’ll save the rest for later, but I can’t wait to tell you more about the launch very soon.

Here’s to the journey—of remembering, of healing, and of finding our fire once more.

 

P.S. In the meantime, if Light Through Loss resonates with you, head over to Lumenkind and use the code Terri15 for 15% off your first order. May these small symbols of healing be a source of comfort and strength.

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