Finding Strength in Sorrow: Ashleigh Conwell’s Story of Grief, Motherhood, and Resilience

When grief collides with joy, life can feel both surreal and impossible. For Ashleigh Conwell, founder of Yellow Falcon, this paradox became her daily reality after the sudden loss of her husband, Matt, while she was 17 weeks pregnant with triplets.

Ashleigh recently joined Chelle Griffin on the Soul Therapy, with Chelle podcast for a heartfelt and raw conversation about love, loss, motherhood, and the ongoing journey of healing. What unfolded was a moving story of unimaginable grief paired with the arrival of new life and the deep personal transformation that followed.

The Year That Changed Everything

In 2020, Ashleigh faced the kind of year that leaves permanent imprints on the soul. She lost her father-in-law in January, was stood down from her job in March due to the pandemic, and then in June, she and her husband were overjoyed to discover they were expecting. That joy quickly multiplied literally when they learned they were having triplets. But just weeks later, Matt left for his usual morning run and never returned. In a moment, Ashleigh’s world shattered. Pregnant and grieving, she was thrust into planning a funeral and preparing for a high-risk pregnancy, all at once.

She described this time as a “contrasting period” of her life, balancing deep sadness with immense gratitude. “You are trying to be joyful because these babies are coming,” she said, “but at the same time, you’re trying to grieve.” The early days left little room to fully process her emotions, to feel. The demands of a high-risk pregnancy and, later, the chaos of newborn triplets meant grief had to wait. “I really needed the grief,” Ashleigh confessed, “but okay, no, we really need a bottle.”

The Power of Presence and Children as Anchors

Chelle, who also experienced loss and parented through grief, shared how her son’s presence helped keep her grounded. Ashleigh echoed this, saying her children, though too young to understand, carried her through. “They remind you of what actually matters,” she said. “Hearing them laugh and seeing them smile heals something in you.”

She now sees her children as not just her reason to go on, but as active participants in the healing journey. “Their souls chose this life,” she shared from a conversation with a medium. “They’re here for me just as much as they are for themselves.”

To honor Matt’s memory and make space for grief, Ashleigh established simple rituals. Birthdays and anniversaries are sacred family days, often spent doing everyday things like going to the playground or the beach. As the kids grow older, she hopes to involve them in shaping these moments of remembrance and honouring their dad.

Self-Trust and Support That Fits

Ashleigh’s healing also included finding the right kind of professional help. When her initial therapist wasn’t the right fit, she trusted her gut. “I didn’t need someone to be sad with me,” she said. “I needed someone to help lift me up.” Eventually, she connected with a psychologist who could meet her where she was and support her growth.

She’s also learned that self-care doesn’t have to be grand. Sometimes, it’s ten quiet minutes at the beach or a nap during kindy hours. “It’s about being honest with myself about what I need,” she shared, “and being okay with that changing over time.” This flexibility, paired with professional help, has helped her reclaim a sense of agency through an incredibly uncertain yet new normal.

Ashleigh also acknowledged that not all support looks the same. “There’s a lot of noise out there. Everyone has opinions. But what matters most is what resonates with you.”

A New Chapter, Written in Her Own Words

Ashleigh’s story isn’t one of resolution, but of evolution. “This is the chapter of the book you never intend on reading,” she said, “but I still get to write the next one.” Her experience is a testament to the power of resilience, self-awareness, and support that fits.

In both her life and business, she now helps other women do the same, find their voice, own their story, and step into their power. “We’re not just helping women in this moment,” she said. “It’s the ripple effect that touches their families, their workplaces, and their communities.”

🎧 Listen to the full conversation with Ashleigh Conwell on Soul Therapy, with Chelle available now in Episodes 32 & 33 wherever you get your podcasts.

👉 Or go to chellegriffin.com/podcast to listen online.