Live With Joy With Coach Erika L. Wilkins

Losing your mother is a heartbreak that shifts the axis of your world. It is a pain so deep and profound that it can feel as though life itself has been irrevocably altered. Yet, amidst this void, there is an undeniable strength that emerges from those who continue to move forward, finding ways to navigate life without her physical presence.

A mother is often the anchor. She is the one who provides unconditional love, guidance, and a sense of home. Her absence can leave you feeling untethered, as if a part of your identity has been stripped away. Grief becomes a constant companion. It shows up in unexpected moments: a song she loved, the smell of her favorite perfume, or a fleeting thought of how she would have handled a situation. It is an ache that never fully disappears but evolves, teaching you resilience in the face of loss.

Strength in this context does not mean not feeling the pain or pretending the grief does not exist. It means allowing yourself to feel it, to honor the love and the memories while continuing to show up for life. It is in the courage to laugh again, to celebrate milestones without her, and to carry her lessons forward.

People who have lost their mothers often find themselves stepping into a dual role—carrying their mother’s legacy while forging their own path. This requires a level of bravery that many may not fully understand. It is a quiet fortitude that emerges from the knowledge that life continues, even when it feels impossible.

This strength also shows up in the way you cherish relationships more deeply. It reveals itself in how you offer love to others, and even how you strive to honor her memory. It is a strength that comes from learning to stand on your own, guided by the wisdom and love she poured into you.

Continuing without your mother is a testament to the depth of human resilience. It is a reminder that while her physical presence may be gone, the essence of who she was lives on in your heart, your actions, and the love you share with the world. In those moments when the grief feels insurmountable, it is okay to pause, to feel her absence, and to honor the strength it takes to live without her.

In loving memory,

Coach Erika