Posts Tagged: courage

Permission To Feel

January 14th, 2015
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There are times when I read something that clarifies an issue for me or it helps me connect the dots of information I have spread about in my brain and when this happens I want to share it for the information might also be a great resource for you too!

In this case, it is an incredibly insightful piece that I read in this past Sunday’s New York Times.  It is written by Patrick O’Malley, a psychotherapist from Fort Worth, Texas, and his opinion piece addresses why people tend to grieve the way they think others want them to … Read More

A Birthday Reveal

January 9th, 2015
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I’ve had 10 birthdays since my husband died and yesterday was the first birthday I celebrated when I didn’t think of him once during the day. I am not telling you this to sound sad or to express joy.  No way. I write of this today to say it’s confusing.  I never thought it would happen.  I’m not sure what it means, if it means anything.  I didn’t even realize it happened until the end of the day when I was getting ready to go to sleep. I still miss him dearly but I guess I am also reporting in… Read More

A New Year Unwritten

January 2nd, 2015
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A brand new fresh and clean calendar is amazing, yes? 2015 is here and as I flip through my new calendar, I’m excited to see a new year of endless possibilities, a year of new opportunities just waiting for me and you; days where we can make the first moves, put our plans into motion and make our dreams become reality. I don’t make resolutions for the New Year because I find that taking each day as it comes and trying to do my best works for me.  But that’s just me.  Maybe resolutions help keep you on track so… Read More

1 Positive Takeaway From 2014

December 31st, 2014
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Today is unbelievably my last post for 2014 and I find myself reviewing the year and wondering, “Did I do something different this year that personally broke new ground?  Something that was healthy and healing? ” Yes I did! This year I made a commitment to learn how to find quiet time time and meditate. It was awkward at first and really very hard for me to settle myself, sit still and keep all my stray thoughts at bay while trying to focus on the absence of thought.  But I kept at it and I am making progress.  And that’s… Read More

Fa-La-La-La Life

December 24th, 2014
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Today is Christmas Eve and I am full of hope but also wrestling with conflicting thoughts and emotions. I am amazed that Christmas is almost here and yet as I try to finish the last bit of my Christmas wrapping and cooking, in my head plays a spontaneous feature film of Christmas memories jumping around in no particular order: from tender scenes with my brothers and sisters when we were children listening to Johnny Mathis sing Christmas songs through a wonderful Christmas morning with my son from last year.  Then it’s back many, many years to the precious time when… Read More

A Lovely Diamond Heart

December 10th, 2014
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And then there are acts of love that people randomly do that are often so selfless as to take your breath away. Upon reading the healing and tender story from Associated Press I am sharing below, I think it definitely fits into the category of giving when it hurts. The giving part of the story involves wedding rings.  I say to you, Lovely Boston Widow, I can’t imagine giving away my wedding rings in that manner, but at the same time, I say more power and blessings to you Lovely Boston Widow for doing it. High five!! Nothing so publicly… Read More

One Thankful Chick

November 27th, 2014
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When I sit down today to share Thanksgiving dinner with different generations of my family, I will be mindful of the many blessings I have received this year, blessings that have helped me find a healing path and blessings that definitely make me one thankful chick. In turn, I hope your blessings this Thanksgiving are also bountiful as you spend time relaxing and having fun with your loved ones. And while blessings are the focus of today’s holiday, I am still one of those people imagining a chair at the Thanksgiving table wishing a deceased loved one might be sitting… Read More

Changing Up Holiday Rituals

November 24th, 2014
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My parents, some of my siblings and some of my in-laws flew to Ireland this past Saturday and will be spending Thanksgiving this year in different  country. It should fun and interesting and certainly different for them as well as the rest of my family for now we are changing up the places where we will go to celebrate Thanksgiving this year and who we will have a chance to see on the day.  I must say that given the fact that we are a large boisterous family, most of us do try to stay flexible about the different ways… Read More

My Community My Peeps

November 21st, 2014
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One of the most important things you can have when you are grieving is a community of support. We all need, and I hope you have, a group of people who offer comfort and understanding through thick and thin.  They care enough about you to know when you need the space for solitude,  when you need a shoulder to cry on and when you need a hug. They also know when you need a laugh and some good ole retail therapy.  Our human connections give us emotional strength and can help to renew us in times of pain and vulnerability.… Read More