A Widow's Journey to Self-Discovery Part 2

Thank you for the feedback!  I know I did a major mind dump in my last blog on my journey to self discovery again (which I never expected to be doing alone), but I need to.  So, it was suggested I break it down into a series of blogs with actionable practical steps for self-discovery.  If anyone out there would like to hear about things you are encountering in your journey, let me know if you would like to share.  It’s all about finding yourself and who you are now and who you want to become. 

Losing a loving spouse and your favorite person in the world really sucks.  The experience can shake the very foundation of who we are. For many widows, the journey of rediscovering their identity is a crucial part of healing and moving forward. It certainly is for me.  

This topic is rich and complex, deserving a thorough exploration that we'll undertake in my upcoming blog series.

Why Identity Matters for Widows:

• Provides a sense of purpose and direction

• Helps in making decisions aligned with personal values

• Supports emotional healing and growth

• Builds resilience for facing life's challenges

Previewing Our Identity Discovery Series: In the coming weeks, we'll delve deep into various aspects of identity rediscovery for widows. Each blog will focus on a specific area, providing actionable steps and insights. Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect:

1. Acknowledging Identity Shifts: • Recognizing how your roles have changed • Understanding the impact of loss on self-perception

2. Self-Reflection Techniques: • Journaling prompts for self-discovery • Meditation practices for inner exploration

3. Exploring New Interests: • Tips for trying new activities • How to overcome fear of the unfamiliar

4. Rekindling Old Passions: • Rediscovering hobbies and interests from your past • Adapting old passions to your new life circumstances

5. Building a New Sense of Purpose: • Identifying personal values and goals • Creating a mission statement for your new chapter

Actionable Steps to Start Your Journey: While we'll explore each topic in-depth in our series, here are some initial steps you can take:

1. Create a "Who Am I Now?" list: • Write down roles you currently hold (e.g., mother, sister, friend, professional) • Note new roles you've taken on since your loss • Reflect on how these roles contribute to your sense of self

2. Start a discovery journal: • Each day, write one thing you've learned about yourself • Note any new feelings or reactions you've experienced (even if you just had the best cup of coffee ever)

3. Try one new activity this week: • Choose something you've always been curious about • Reflect on how it made you feel and what you learned

Rediscovering your identity as a widow is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, patience, and self-compassion. In our upcoming series, I'll provide you with tools, insights, and support to help you navigate this important aspect of healing.  Thanks to all of you, you are helping me heal.

Remember, your identity is not set in stone. You have the power to shape and redefine who you are in this new chapter of your life. Stay tuned for our first in-depth blog post, where we'll explore acknowledging and understanding identity shifts after loss.

I hope you don't miss any part of this important series on rediscovering your identity as a widow. Share your own experiences or questions in the comments below – your insights might help fellow widows on their journey of self-discovery.

"Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom."–Lao Tzu