Category: Becoming Me

An Ode to Mom and Dad

I recently wrote a poem, “The Seed,” reflecting on the influence my parents had on me and the person I am today. They planted in me the importance of treating everyone with compassion and dignity, especially those who were struggling or suffering. Although it was talked about in our home, it was the way my…… Continue reading An Ode to Mom and Dad

Reflection on Finding Meaning in a Gratitude Challenge

Although I had planned to share my November gratitude challenge earlier, now seems to be a fitting moment as I close out 2024. I started the challenge on November 3rd and disciplined myself to post something daily, regardless of how I felt. Instead of focusing on what might have happened on a particular day, though…… Continue reading Reflection on Finding Meaning in a Gratitude Challenge

Lucky, Grateful, Bittersweet

“I feel extremely lucky, extremely grateful, and a little bit bittersweet too.” ~Wentworth Miller The mixture of luck, gratitude, and bittersweet is how I best describe my life. Each one plays a part in who I am today, but since the death of my husband and the subsequent deaths of my mom and dad, bittersweet…… Continue reading Lucky, Grateful, Bittersweet

Transitions

I’ve never liked change. But, unfortunately, life is about constant change: birth, growing up, working, relationships, health, and death. The first and last are the bookmarks of life. It’s the in-between that is messy and unpredictable. I wish I could hold onto moments of joy forever, while I’d rather forget the most painful times. All…… Continue reading Transitions

Authentic Self

When I was younger, I spent a lot of time worrying about what other people thought of me and trying to please everybody. Grief has changed what is essential in my life, especially the older I get. What is left behind is my raw, authentic self. The year 2022 was painful, as I had to…… Continue reading Authentic Self

Reflections 2022

This week taught me how to embrace the total me, which can be hard to do when walking through grief. Recently, I was a guest on the podcast Brave Widow, where I shared my experience of becoming a widow in 2012 and my journey since then. I chose to share my story because I hoped…… Continue reading Reflections 2022