Today is one year since my husband died. This has been quite a journey, with some very unexpected twists and turns.
don't waste your energy trying to understand the reasons "why?"-they will never make sense
children and animals can offer a tremendous source of comfort, wisdom and insight in its purest and simplest form
everything and anything seems 10x worse at 2:00am
"alone" does not have to be synonymous with "lonely"
the cereal aisle still makes me cry.........but not as often
just when you think it never will, it does get easier-some days
look for ways in your life to "give back". paying it forward can be unbelievably rewarding-helping someone else can redirect your focus and lessen the pain
the moments that you feel "better" will turn into hours, then days, then weeks and then... there you are crying again
your "alone" time can be a real opportunity to reinvent yourself if you can embrace the possibilities
indulge yourself in extreme "self-care"-whatever works for you-a massage, a walk, a hot bath, brownies (i am a firm believer in the healing power of chocolate!)-anything that makes you feel good
getting through all the "firsts" seems impossible, but you somehow get through it-I hope the "seconds" won't be so tough. planning ahead helps.
don't be afraid to ask for what you need or want-you may be pleasantly surpised at what you get
when you feel like you can't go on, just put one foot in front of the other and eventually you will get to where you want to be
it can be very scary to step outside your comfort zone and try new things-but if you don't try you could miss out on something wonderful
forgive, forgive, forgive....the one you lost, God, the doctors, but most of all yourself
grief is a complicated process so if you think you're over it-you're not and if you haven't experienced it-trust me-you will
endings can also be wonderful beginnings-keep your mind and heart open and don't quit 5 minutes before the miracle
and as always..... remember to breathe