Newsletter for September 5, 2025

From Penelope’s Loss to a New Pup: Change Is Our Teacher

Hey Bizzy Fam,

It’s been just over a week since I lost my Penelope, my heart and shadow for nearly 15 years. 🐾 I still see her bowls, her toys, that click of her paws—and my 5-year-old Cavapoo, Lele, is lost without her sister. So, call me crazy, but today we’re bringing home a new puppy! Some might say, “Whoa, that’s fast,” but I’ve always loved having two dogs, and my heart’s ready to grow again.

How long should you grieve? There’s no rulebook, fam. In episode 570, Becky Shippos and I dive into change—messy, beautiful, and real. Losing Penelope gutted me, but my 19 years in recovery taught me we all grieve differently. Some days I cry, others I laugh at her memory. We’re not robots; we’re humans, and that’s the beauty of it. Instead of judging someone’s process, let’s love and respect their journey. Be kind to yourself—take the time you need, no more, no less.

This new pup? I’m nervous! It’s been five years since we had a puppy tearing through the house, chewing shoes, and waking us up at dawn. I’m out here buying collars, bowls, food, and booking vet appointments to make sure our little girl’s healthy and vaccinated. Intimidating? Heck yes! But I’m reminding myself: she’s gonna chew, and that’s okay. Patience is the name of the game, just like navigating change.

September’s all about change on It’s Bizzy. In episode 569, I talked about embracing it, whether it’s a choice (like getting this pup) or something that just happens, like kids going back to school. Change is life’s constant—you can’t dodge it, so why not see it as a chance to grow? Sometimes it’s messy, sometimes it’s like dancing through without missing a beat. Either way, you’re not alone. I’m rereading A Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, and it’s hitting home: God made us perfectly, with a purpose that might hide but never fades. Give yourself grace, love yourself, and lean into courage to hear God’s dreams for you. Want to chat about finding yours? Hit me up at elizabeth@elizabethchance.com.

So, picture me with sleepless nights, puppy chaos, and a heart full of hope. Wherever you are in your grief—whether it’s a pet, a person, or a chapter—embrace how you feel. There’s no right or wrong, and comparing yourself to others steals your joy. Try this: write down one thing you’re letting go of (for me, it’s Penelope’s empty bed) and one thing you’re embracing (puppy cuddles!). Share it with me—I’d love to hear.

Check out episode 570 for more on finding joy in change: https://www.youtube.com/@elizabethchance. You’re never alone, Bizzy fam—let’s keep loving big!

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Sending big hugs,
Bizzy
#LiveLoudLoveBig