E313: Diane Heiler's - A widow's Fire
After decades of success in real estate, Diane Heiler faced a new challenge — rebuilding her life after loss. In this powerful episode of Back2Basics, she reflects on leadership, integrity, and the courage to start over. From mentoring in a male-dominated industry to transforming grief into creativity through her book A Widow’s Fire, Diane’s story is one of authenticity, perseverance, and renewal. Whether you’re navigating career transitions or personal change, Diane’s insights will inspire you to live — and lead — with heart.
Learn More about Diane at: https://awidowsfire.com
Show Notes:
[1:39] 🌸 Diane shares her upbringing in Dade City, Florida, and her youthful dreams of family life.
[2:48] 👨👩👧👦 Insights into marrying young, raising four children, and discovering her personal goals vs. her spouse’s.
[4:18] 💼 Diane describes her early challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry and her path to professional success.
[8:53] 💡 Advice for New Real Estate Professionals – Authenticity, honesty, and diligence as keys to building trust and success.
[10:07] 🏡 Choosing to retire, yet keeping her real estate license active until age 80, showing lifelong dedication.
[12:20] ✍️ Diane explains how journaling and personal poetry helped her process grief and turn it into a heartfelt book.
[16:32] 🌟 Life isn’t over after loss; healing, purpose, and joy can still be found.
[17:50] ❤️ Diane shares how she allowed love back into her life and the joys of forming a new meaningful relationship.
[22:48] 📖 Stories of widows and men finding comfort, hope, and encouragement through her book.
[25:22] 🏔️✈️ Diane talks about ongoing projects, home renovations, travel, and her zest for living fully at any age.
[29:10] 💫 Her ultimate hope: to help others through her story, inspiring courage, resilience, and authentic living.
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Diane
Heiler
Diane Heiler, author of A Widow’s Fire: An Intimate Memoir of Heartbreak, Survival, and Moving On, shares an honest and emotional look at life after losing her husband, Al, following 25 years of marriage. Suddenly faced with a new and uncertain future, Diane writes openly about the ups and downs of caregiving, deep grief, and finding her way forward. She talks about the quiet struggles many face—like exhaustion, judgment from others, and learning how to feel joy again. One Amazon reviewer put it perfectly: “If I had to sum up this riveting book in one word, it would be permission. The author gives us permission to find our way forward after the darkest days…to stay true to ourselves, even if others unfairly try to judge us.” Diane’s story is moving, real, and full of hope—offering comfort and courage to anyone dealing with loss, change, or starting over.
