Thoughts and Notes
The things I randomly think about
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Grace and Independence: A Valentine’s Day Guide for Widows
Valentine’s Day can stir a mix of emotions, particularly for widows. This day of love and companionship can bring about memories of a past life with a loved one. This can sometimes be difficult when we are alone or grieving. However, it also serves as an opportunity for self-care and a reflection of personal strength. Continue reading
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Finding Your Path After Loss: Two Journeys, One Strength
I’ve been asking myself the same question for some time, “Where do I go from here?” It’s also a question I never really have an answer for. I had a different yet familiar sort of conversation today about finding a path after loss. At work of course, and she was a recent widow. She was Continue reading
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Unfriending on Social Media: The New Self Care
I’m a huge advocate of self care. If I have learned anything on this crazy journey over the last four years, it’s to do what brings me joy. Every single day I have left. I protect my mental health a lot more than I ever have before in my life. Lately, I’ve been increasingly finding Continue reading
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Better or just Different?–As Time Passes
While visiting the picturesque island of Sanibel, I wandered into a small toy store. What started as a casual shopping trip became a profound and unforgettable encounter. Behind the register stood a small woman whose warmth and empathy touched me deeply. As we spoke, I shared my story of trauma and loss, tears streaming down Continue reading
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A Realization of Widowhood: Navigating the Reality of Being Single
Realization of Widowhood…Setting IN I. Am. Single. Yes, that’s what I said. It’s a hard realization of widowhood. It really doesn’t matter how long you were married before, the law only recognizes “until death do you part.” So now, whether you want to be or not, like it or not, you are single! It’s hard Continue reading
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A Grief Journey Continued: Chasing Clarity
The Anniversary of the Beginning I must confess, my last post about facing the fourth anniversary of the start of my grief journey was a bit of a joke to me and not the haha kind. Although I wrote and rewrote it several times, no words seemed to convey what I was experiencing. I couldn’t Continue reading
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Twenty-one Days: Cherishing Moments and Memories
21 DAY REWIND June 14th, 2020 was a Sunday. I will be stuck in this moment for the rest of my life whether I want to or not. Strange how trauma does that to the mind. As this anniversary is rapidly approaching, so goes my train of thought into a rewind. My brain seems to Continue reading
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Self-Publishing Journey: Overcoming Challenges & Celebrating Rewards
I didn’t know it then, but this self-publishing journey began several years ago. When I first started journaling my deepest, darkest thoughts in 2020, it wasn’t until about eight months later that a book started to shape in my mind. That one is still yet to be written, but I have taken that energy and Continue reading
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The Last Goodbye: A Journey Towards Healing and Closure
The author experiences ups and downs in their grief journey, feeling melancholy as anniversaries approach. A pivotal moment comes when they realize they had already said goodbye to their husband. Remembering the significance of goodbyes brings them peace and a sense of closure, highlighting the importance of parting words. Continue reading
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The Breaking Point: Dealing With So Much
Preface: This is a warning that I have been trying to write something for a while, but I am all over the place. Over the past couple of weeks, I have had so many thoughts and ideas about what I want to write about. I would start, then stop, and not finish anything. I kept Continue reading
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Morning Rituals
Writing prompt: What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like? When asked this question, I had to think about it for a while. My morning rituals have evolved over the years. Mostly because of the house or space I am inhabiting. I spend my first few minutes just Continue reading
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Fear of Writing: From Trauma to Triumph
The writer shares experiences of betrayal, loss, and fear related to writing and creativity. Exploring the impact of childhood boundary violation, she emphasizes the healing potential of writing and offers tips for reconnecting with creativity, practicing self-care, and seeking support. Overcoming fear is depicted as a journey of healing and empowerment. Continue reading
About Me and My Grief Journey
My grief journey began in the Summer of 2020. I became a widow overnight. Without warning, my entire life was turned upside down, broken into pieces I didn’t know how to put back together. Writing became my anchor—my way to breathe, process, and heal, even in small, fractured moments.
After losing Eric, I was diagnosed with PTSD, complicated grief, and an anxiety disorder. For a long time, I was paralyzed by my own emotions. I traveled across the U.S. for over two years, mostly alone, learning how to carry myself through the aftermath of sudden loss.
Along the way, I found love again. Greg became an important part of my life, bringing companionship, laughter, and even new challenges. Losing him to suicide has been another unimaginable heartbreak that shapes much of what I write here. Through it all, my emotional support animals —Odin (dog) and Freija (cat)— keep me grounded and remind me there is still love, life, and care to give.
I moved and now reside in Chicago, Illinois. This city, this home, is my space to rebuild, to grieve, and to explore who I am beyond loss.
What you will find here
This blog started as a place to house my writing. Over time, it’s become much more. Here, I reflect on grief, healing, and the messy, beautiful, often difficult journey of life after sudden loss. I write about my day-to-day experiences, the struggles and triumphs with my diagnoses, and anything else that captures my heart and attention.
My journey on podcasts
Many of my articles are available in podcast form on Spotify and Amazon Music. I welcome your comments—I love feedback. Let’s share this journey together, and maybe find adventure along the way.