#26 Big changes ahead! Same heart, New look

Embracing a new chapter with "Grieve Fully, Live Fully"

Wow, 25 posts down! If someone had told me this time last year, when I was three months post-partum with my third child and five years into my personal journey with grief, that I’d be publicly sharing my story (and my dad’s), I wouldn’t have believed it! Back then, this was just a dream. Barely anyone knew I was writing, and I was too scared to put it out into the world. Fast forward to today, and I couldn’t be more grateful for how far this journey has come — and for all of you who’ve been part of it.

I’m beyond excited to announce that my newsletter is undergoing a rebrand!

Same content, same themes, same heart.

I’ll continue to share heartfelt reflections, honest insights and practical support on GRIEF, GROWTH, and learning to LIVE WITH INTENTION — drawn from my personal experiences caring for and losing my dad to a terminal illness, my work as a doctor, and my ongoing journey as a writer and mum navigating the joys and challenges of family life.

The shift?

A fresh new style and a different name! One that better reflects where I’m at now and how I want to grow and connect with you all moving forward.

When I first started writing here eight months ago, I was a total newbie. I had a story to tell, but I wasn’t a professional writer and had no formal qualifications in grief. As a doctor with lived experience, I had valuable insight, but I struggled with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. As my writer marketing mentor

Dan Blank

may recall all too well, I was plagued by questions like “Who am I to write about this?” and “Why would anyone care to read what I have to say?”

To find my voice, I decided to write letters to my late father, who died six years ago following a harrowing battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as MND (motor neurone disease) or Lou Gehrig’s disease. This epistolary approach allowed me to speak authentically and confidently without claiming to be an authority on grief or writing, because — despite my firsthand experience and understanding — I didn’t feel like one. It was simply me, sharing my thoughts and feelings with him.

And it worked! Over time, I grew more confident, honed my writing skills, and refined my message. What began as a broad sharing of my story has since evolved into a clear, passionate purpose, to:

• Break the silence around grief

• Help others navigate the complex reality of loss

• Find strength through life’s challenges, and

• Feel inspired to live with intention.

Now, after months of personal reflection and growth — and being inspired by the many meaningful relationships I’ve built with other writers here on Substack — I’ve finally learned to embrace my lived experience as something of substance and value. I truly believe in the power of collective storytelling to help others feel seen and less alone in their own journeys.

So, moving forward, I won’t be writing letters to my dad anymore. While I’ll always cherish the personal connection that format gave me, I’ve realised I don’t need to dedicate letters to him to keep his memory alive. I do that every single day by remembering him, talking about him, and sharing my story and his. (Okay, I may still write the occasional letter!)

Instead, my writing will focus more on reflective pieces, personal essays and thought-provoking explorations, with the hope of resonating with anyone navigating the ups and downs of grief, healing and adversity.

With this new direction, I’m thrilled to reveal the new name of my newsletter:

Grieve Fully, Live Fully

• [Side note: Did anyone else spend HOURS deliberating on their publication name, only to end up choosing one of their original ideas anyway? 😅]

This new name reflects my mission to encourage others to experience and process grief in its entirety — something that is often avoided or downplayed in society — while also embracing love, hope, and joy as we navigate life’s hardest times.

Along with the change in format and name, you might have noticed the newsletter has a fresh new look — crafted beautifully by writer, proofreader and designer

Eva Lydon

. She poured so much time and effort into perfecting the visual elements to truly reflect my vision and theme. I cannot recommend her highly enough! You can find here on her website here: https://www.greatlittlecompany.co.uk/. Thanks so much Eva 🫶🏽

And finally, a huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for sharing this journey with me! I’m truly so grateful for your presence which makes this community such a supportive space, and I’m incredibly excited to embark on this next chapter with you.

Ruhie 🤍✨

P.S. Let me know what you think of this new name, new look and renewed direction with all the same heart! I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas.