This episode begins a 10-part series, What My Mama Taught Me: 10 Life Lessons on Compassion, Creativity, and Courage, inspired by the wisdom, love, and example of my mother. Today's lesson (#1): Let people know you love them.

Over the next 10 episodes, I’ll discuss one piece of wisdom she taught me, weaving together personal stories, reflections on grief, caregiving, creativity, and compassion, along with thoughts on how these lessons can help us live more meaningful, connected lives.

Today’s episode explores the practice of saying “I love you”—a simple act that can feel complicated, especially in the context of loss, caregiving, and end-of-life transitions. I hope it offers comfort to listeners navigating grief, caregiving for aging parents, mother–daughter relationships, or the emotional complexity of loving deeply.

As I reflect on my mother’s passing after years of caring for her through Alzheimer’s, I share how expressing love openly became a source of comfort, healing, and open-heartedness—for both of us.

Welcome to my reflections from the bright side of the beat.

If you like the podcast, visit my website: lettheverseflow.com for more inspirational insights and resources, and sign up for Flow & Voice, a free monthly note with short, practical reflections on creativity and personal growth, plus occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into my audio storytelling journey.

Music: All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe.

Songs in this episode: La Fin Du Blonde by Tony Sopiano; Some Kind of Wonderful by Nu Alkemi$t; Con Sazón by In This World

Poem: "I Love You" Was Said

Resources:

When caregiving feels like prayer (NPR interview with writer Jason Reynolds): https://tinyurl.com/54p6repx

Journal Prompts:

1. Write a love letter to a friend, parent, family member, or partner that conveys why you love them so much. What qualities are most lovable about them?

2. Write about a difficult relationship and ask yourself if there is any way to release anger or bad feelings by leaning into compassion for them? How does that make you feel?

3. What lovable qualities are present in your relationships, and which ones are you still seeking?

Please subscribe & leave a review if today’s episode helped you express love for someone else. 💜💛

Follow Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillhodgevo

Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://www.lettheverseflow.com

Let the Verse Flow is part of Jill Hodge’s voice actor and audiobook narration work. Learn more at jillhodgevo.com.