Articles

We all know these age-old clichés: Life is not a dress rehearsal. Live life to the fullest. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. They are great intending to spur us on to a more meaningful existence.  

 The more I focused my attention on what filled my heart, the more joyous I felt. I learned what we cultivate grows. It’s that simple. . 

 I urge you to try not to get hung up in the mentality that says “I hope I don’t lose him (or her),” but foster the attitude that says “He should be appreciative of having me in his life.”…I implore you, foster the right attitude. Don’t be a non-entity. Know who you are and take great pride in that person.  

Compartmentalizing emotions allows me to acknowledge and feel it all. I can be happy and sad at the same time. I can be fearful, doubtful, courageous and determined. I can feel anger and gratitude and get on with my life.   

 I finally came to realize that I was the common denominator through it all and that in order to effect practical change I needed to address the function of that part of any equation. It’s so clear to me now.  

 These photos came to mind when invited by my friend to join her in a series to posts photos which represented an act of self-love. 

I’ve accepted that fear is an invariable companion. I acknowledge its presence. I heed its warning. I consider its message. I allow it to guide. But, I no longer let it lead.

 I am dancing today to my own music. How freeing that is. I love the sound. The tempo. The simple rhythm of my life. 

Maybe it’s time we start a dialogue to share what we as widows and widowers live, what we as women involved with widowers know. The subject of loving again shouldn’t be taboo. We do not have to tread so lightly with the subject of love, loss, and moving on. In the end it’s acceptance that as much as we feel we will love forever, death is when we part.  

We do somehow simply being who we are touch the lives of others in extraordinary fashion. Sometimes for a day. Sometimes for a lifetime. Artfully choreographed early or later the effects of which would hold less sway. Because of you my life is happier, fuller, securer... 

It has been a tremendous journey, one of triumph over despair and insolvency. All of my memories are significant. There seems to have been very little “down time”. Maybe that is a gift in itself.