131. Vision Loss, Chronic Illness & Grief: Reclaiming Our Identity & Secondary Loss with Sara Jaswal

Life With Grief Podcast

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In this powerful episode of Life With Grief, we’re joined by Sara Jaswal—Grief Educator, Coach, Facilitator, and Counsellor—who opens up about her deeply personal journey with vision loss caused by a chronic health condition.

Sara shares how her experience with non-death losses (like the loss of independence, identity, and lifestyle) led her to redefine her purpose and navigate grief in nontraditional ways.

Together, we explore what it means to cope with secondary losses, shift your identity, and embrace a holistic path to healing.

You’ll hear how Sara integrated alternative therapies, mental health support, and community care to reclaim parts of her life and vision—both literally and metaphorically.
This episode is for you if you’re:

• Living with or supporting someone with a chronic illness or disability
• Exploring the emotional impact of losing a part of yourself or your abilities
• Curious about nontraditional grief and how to process it holistically
• Seeking tools for emotional resilience, identity work, and inner healing
  

Tune in for an honest, vulnerable, and empowering conversation about grief beyond death, the toll of chronic conditions, and how to find strength in community, choice, and purpose.

Learn more about Micro-Moments for Transformation and begin your evolution today: https://lossesbecomegains.com/transformation

Learn more about the 14-Day Relief in Your Grief experience and begin feeling more peace and healing: https://lossesbecomegains.com/transformation

Work with me:

• Micro-Moments for Transformation: https://lossesbecomegains.com/transformation
• 14-Day Relief in Your Grief Challenge: https://lossesbecomegains.com/relief-in-grief
• Work with me one-on-one: https://lossesbecomegains.com/work-with-tara

Connect with me further:

• Leave a voice note through Speakpipe! https://www.speakpipe.com/LifeWithGrief
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lossesbecomegains/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithgriefpodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/losses.become.gains
• Website: https://lossesbecomegains.com/
• Shop the LBG Daily Journal: https://lossesbecomegains.com/journal

By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Tara Accardo, or used by Tara Accardo with permission. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may ...

Chapters

1. 131. Vision Loss, Chronic Illness & Grief: Reclaiming Our Identity & Secondary Loss with Sara Jaswal (00:00:00)

2. Getting to Know Sarah (00:01:10)

3. Sarah's Journey with Grief and Loss (00:04:52)

4. Diagnosis and Initial Reactions (00:05:25)

5. Living with Vision Loss (00:07:21)

6. The Impact on Daily Life (00:11:35)

7. Secondary Losses and Coping Mechanisms (00:27:51)

8. Exploring the Loss of Freedom (00:31:58)

9. The Impact of Grief on Mental Health (00:32:47)

10. Coping Mechanisms and Support Systems (00:34:06)

11. Regaining Independence (00:39:38)

12. Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom (00:53:54)