#peace
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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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Is it Moving On OR Forgetting: The Analyzing
The writer shares her journey of grappling with the loss of her husband and navigating the realm of companionship as a widow. She emphasizes the need to take things at one’s own pace, honoring the deceased spouse, and seeking new connections. Safety precautions and self-protection are highlighted. The message promotes self-determination and finding purpose in… 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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Life After Loss: Navigating the Challenges of Grief
Moving Into Another Year This year felt a little different going in. I don’t know why. As they say, the fog is lifting, and I’m beginning to see things clearer in my new life after loss. The one day I’ve been dreading quickly approached. As those closest to us know, Eric and I were married Continue reading
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(Pt 2) Overthinking: How to Stop Overthinking
Yes, You Can Stop Overthinking In Part 1 we discussed what Overthinking is, what it is not, and how it affects our daily lives. By recognizing the factors that cause us to overthink, we can practice the positive habits we’ll discuss in this article. It is possible to stop overthinking and it is a habit Continue reading
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(Pt 1) Overthinking: What is it and Causes
Is Overthinking Real? When I was younger, I didn’t notice my intrusive, self-doubting thoughts. It was when I opened my business at the age of 28. The thoughts were always there but suddenly became very prominent. On the way home from work most days, I used to go through everything I did and said. I Continue reading
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Reflections of the New Year: Navigating Uncharted Waters
The New Year Welcome to the New Year. I hate social media, yet we live there, don’t we? Today I was reminded of a New Year past, from 2019—such a bittersweet memory with my husband. Nothing could touch us. We were on top of the world. Both of us were in a new position and Continue reading
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Coping with Grief: Ideas for surviving this Holiday Season
Coping with Grief + Holidays=HARD The holiday season can be a challenging time of year for anyone who has lost a loved one. Whether due to a recent loss or one that occurred years ago, coping with grief during the holidays can bring up a range of emotions that can be difficult to navigate. I Continue reading
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder: How much anxiety is normal?
Some Anxiety is Normal Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences from time to time however, when it becomes excessive and persistent, anxiety can interfere with daily life and lead to a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder. I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder or “GAD” after my husband died in 2020. I’ve Continue reading
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Goodbye, Malice: Coping with the Loss of a Beloved Dog
A Pet is a Companion Coping with the loss of a dog or beloved pet is never easy. Losing Malice was a very painful experience. One that many pet owners have had to face. The bond we share with our furry friends is truly unique, and losing them leaves an immense void in our hearts. Continue reading
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More Success and Defining
The Early Years When I was ridiculously young, I equated material things to more success. No matter what I had, I always wanted better and more. Once in my twenties, I hung out with a group that all owned their own businesses. To me that was highly successful. I learned a lot from them in 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.