“I will not try to convince you to love me, to respect me, to commit to me. I deserve better than that; I AM BETTER THAN THAT…Goodbye.”
― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human
I recently began a new YouTube video series exploring one of the most painful experiences many of us will ever face: the end of a relationship.
This series looks at both sides of a breakup. One perspective is the person who knows the relationship needs to end but struggles to let go because they don’t want to hurt someone they deeply care about. The other is the person left behind—living with heartbreak, unanswered questions, grief, rejection, loneliness, and the agonizing process of trying to move forward. I have chosen to begin with the heartbreak side because it is often the place where healing feels the most difficult.
Many of you know that my blog has primarily focused on older adults, emotional wellness, and my own reflections as I continue to grow older. Throughout my career as a marriage and family therapist, I have tried to be as genuine and transparent as possible. At times it feels like I am sticking my neck out by sharing so much of my own life, but I have learned that authenticity often creates the deepest connection.
There are currently three videos available on YouTube, and I plan to release new episodes each week. I hope you’ll join me on this journey and subscribe if you find the series meaningful.
I created this series for three reasons.
First, it is for my clients—especially younger adults—who are experiencing the confusion, fear, guilt, and heartbreak that often accompany the end of an important relationship. I hope these videos help them feel less alone and provide language for emotions that are often difficult to express.
Second, this series is for me. Much of what I share comes from my own experience of navigating a painful breakup. Creating these videos has become part of my own healing process. As therapists, we often help others process grief and loss, but we also have our own stories to work through. I hope my willingness to be vulnerable gives others permission to do the same.
Third, this series is also for older adults. Most seniors have experienced significant relationship losses at some point in their lives—a first love, a divorce, the death of a spouse, or the end of a meaningful relationship. My hope is that these conversations encourage reflection: How did you cope? What helped you heal? Are there still places in your heart that deserve compassion and attention? Sometimes the losses of the past continue to shape us more than we realize.
Whether your breakup happened six weeks ago or sixty years ago, the emotional themes of love, grief, hope, forgiveness, and starting over are timeless. My hope is that this series offers comfort, insight, and perhaps a reminder that healing is possible, even when the journey feels long.
Thank you for reading, watching, and allowing me to share both my professional experience and my personal journey with you.
If you think that the series could be helpful to someone you know, please sent then the links below.
A Note About the Images and Language Used in This Series
You may notice that many of the images used throughout this series portray younger couples. Unfortunately, there are far fewer high-quality images that realistically depict older adults experiencing the beginning, ending, and healing of intimate relationships. Please know that these videos are very much intended for older adults as well. Heartbreak, grief, love, loneliness, and starting over do not disappear with age—they simply take on different forms.
I also strive to make this series as inclusive as possible. At times I may refer to “he,” “she,” “men,” “women,” or “partner,” simply because it makes storytelling and conversation feel more natural. These references are never intended to exclude anyone. The thoughts and principles shared throughout this series are meant to apply to people of all genders, identities, relationship styles, and backgrounds. My hope is that everyone can find something meaningful that speaks to their own experience.
Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFQmWHbhVck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ckF2eBVoEs&t=10s&pp=0gcJCUELAYcqIYzv
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPzUlzSyr-Y&t=15s
EXERCISE
Have you had a recent heartbreak, or in the past that still brings up many unresolved feelings? What could help you heal?
Remember, don’t act your age!
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