The Ghost Ship: Grieving the Life You Planned and Embracing Your New Normal

The Ghost Ship: Grieving the Life You Planned and Embracing Your New Normal

Author: Tara Simkins July 22, 2026 Duration: 31:28

In this episode of the Soul-u-tions Podcast, we explore a deeply human experience that rarely gets a name: mourning the relationships, milestones, or even the version of yourself that didn't turn out the way you expected. Through the powerful metaphor of the ghost ship—the imagined future that lingers on the horizon but never arrives—we examine the exhausting, invisible toll of waiting for things to magically change. Whether you are navigating the fading memory of an aging parent, a marriage that looks different than you planned, or a body that has shifted with time, you are carrying real, valid grief. By acknowledging this hidden sorrow and letting go of the phantom life we thought we'd have, we can stop fighting reality, reclaim our wasted energy, and confidently step into our new normal to build a fulfilling life with the people and circumstances actually right in front of us.


What specific "ghost ship" in your own life do you feel ready to acknowledge and let go of after hearing this perspective?


If you want to get in touch or learn more about me and my programs, just go to TaraSimkins.com


Tara Simkins hosts Soul-u-tions, a space where practical spirituality meets the messy reality of daily life. Having left a high-pressure career as a corporate lawyer for some of America's biggest firms, Tara brings a unique perspective to problem-solving. A profound family incident shifted her path toward life coaching, and she now focuses on how we often approach our challenges from angles that only deepen stress and a sense of being stuck. Each episode feels like a thoughtful conversation, exploring mindful frameworks and creative shifts in perception that can lead to healthier outcomes. This isn't about quick fixes, but rather cultivating a resilient inner foundation. You'll hear Tara's grounded guidance, drawn from both her professional transition and personal journey, offering tangible ways to reframe difficulties. The Soul-u-tions podcast operates within the realms of religion and spirituality, yet remains deeply accessible, emphasizing actionable insight over abstract theory. It’s for anyone feeling overwhelmed, seeking to replace hopelessness with a more empowered and thoughtful way forward. Tune in for a genuine dialogue that honors life's complexities while pointing toward sustainable peace and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Soul-u-tions
Podcast Episodes
You Can’t Do It All: Reclaim Your Capacity, Courage, and Compassion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:39
You can be infinitely capable and still have a very finite capacity. Today, we’ll practice the courage to disappoint people, the art of saying no, and the compassion of listening to your body. By the end of this episode…
When Life Goes Sideways: Move From “I Failed” to “I Chose” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:33
You ever hit that moment where your life just… tilts? Suddenly the plate’s too full, something unexpected lands, and you know you need to step back—then immediately feel like a failure for doing the wise thing. Today, we…
Walking Through Scary Life Moments [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:46
Join Tara as she shares about a recent scary moment that happened in her family's life, and how they walked through that trial together and found peace amidst the chaos. If you want to get in touch or learn more about me…
Continuing to Parent Your Children Through Young Adulthood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:41
Join Tara as she continues her discussion on authoritative vs. authoritarian parenting, and what that looks like later in your child's life. If you want to get in touch or learn more about me and my programs, just go to…
Being the Parent Your Kids Need You To Be [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:20
Join Tara as she reflects on the importance of being the grounded and authoritative parent your children need you to be. If you want to get in touch or learn more about me and my programs, just go to TaraSimkins.com
Navigating Loss and Being the Sturdy Pilot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:19
Join our host Tara Simkins as she goes through an exercise of self-appreciation. If you want to get in touch or learn more about me and my programs, just go to TaraSimkins.com
Self-Appreciation & The Invisible Labor Women Carry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:05
Join our host Tara Simkins as she goes through an exercise of self-appreciation. If you want to get in touch or learn more about me and my programs, just go to TaraSimkins.com
Emotional Leadership and the Power of Boundaries in Family Dynamics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:04
Welcome back to the Soul-u-tions Podcast. Join Tara as she breaks down the tools you can use to become the emotional leader of your family. If you want to get in touch or learn more about me and my programs, just go to T…
July Reset, Aligning for the Rest of 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:59
Join our host, Tara Simkins, as she takes a July Reset and realigns for the second half of 2025. If you want to get in touch or learn more about me and my programs, just go to TaraSimkins.com
7 Nuggets of Wisdom for Your Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:43
Join host Tara Simkins as she explores 7 nuggets of wisdom for moving forward in life. These bits of wisdom came about from her Soul Shine Labs, which you can sign up for on Tara's website listed below. If you want to ge…