#healing
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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
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Verbal Abuse: Recognizing, Coping and Healing
The content discusses the serious impact of verbal abuse on mental health and well-being. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs, seeking help, coping strategies, and healing. Coping strategies include seeking support, practicing self-care, and setting boundaries. Recovery is a journey that requires patience and effort, but it is possible to overcome the effects… Continue reading
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Speed Bump Days
The Intense Anxiety Another mile stone came and went this week. Monday would have been my 25th wedding anniversary. I knew this day would come. Not the speed bump day, but the day when I couldn’t run from the feelings. Until now, before this move to Chicago, I would just go wherever I want to Continue reading
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All The Matters
What Really Matters Oh Hi!! WOW! The last few months have been CRAZY!! I try to keep up with everyone on social media. All of it matters. But let’s be honest, most of what is posted mixed with what is filtered is irrelevant. I am still in the process of reengaging. By reacting to a Continue reading
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New Year’s it’s still ME
New Year’s Reflection on the Old Me I’ll say it again, somehow the new year’s brings up all kinds of feelings. New year’s has that way of simultaneously inspiring reflection of the past while planning for the future. And while this is usually a good thing, it can also be traumatizing to some. First a Continue reading
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Grief and Trauma Labels
What Are Grief and Trauma? A quick Google search and I found definitions for grief and trauma. Grief is a “deep sorrow caused when something or someone you love has been taken away.” Trauma is an “emotional response to a distressing experience.” So on first glance one would think the two are somewhat related. I Continue reading
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Healing A Tattoo? How Does Tattoo Wrap Help?
Have You Had Problems Healing A Tattoo? Do you want to protect your new tattoo as it heals? Often daily activities can get in the way of your aftercare which can inhibit proper healing of a tattoo. This can result in longer healing times, damage to artwork and skin, and overall complications. Are you looking Continue reading
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New Tattoos And More Adventure
A different direction I got new tattoos. It’s a subject I haven’t talked about much. The whole process of thinking and doing was all very emotional because as we all know, my old artist (my husband Eric) is no longer with us. This left me with a lot of unfinished work. After owning a tattoo Continue reading
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Four Wheeling In Colorado
Labor Day in Colorado I want to start off by saying I’ve never been four wheeling in the mountains. I don’t have any experience with four wheeling in general. It’s just not something I do however, who am I to say no to adventure? This day was just extra to an already incredible trip as 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.