This journey of loss "train" stops at many depots. There is a certain amount of shifting that goes on while moving forward into a new future. It seems we intuitively know that we are about to shift into another realm, but often we aren't sure what it is or where it is. If you are comfortable expressing your feelings and insights here at Hopeful Hearts, I hope you will take the opportunity to make yourself at home. I think as you read posts from other survivors, you will see that the need to find other venues is normal. Many of us go back and forth from WW to HH. There is no cut and dried method to the healing process.

Welcome, and I hope you find encouragement while dipping your toe into new waters. Blessings to you. TJ

Welcome to HH and I hope you feel comfortable here. We aren't all about anything other than trying to find some peace within ourselves that we can be inspired to live a satisfied life however we choose. For me, I had to deal with me, identify who I was and what I wanted. I kind of lost my own personality in being part of my family team. Don's wife, children's mom, and even daughter and sister. Well mom and dad are gone, and so is husband. Children are adults. Left was me. It was a scarey place to be.

I found myself, defined myself, and set out to be the person who takes care of me. It was a long time coming, but I like me. And I've learned to stop worrying about what others think I should do or be. Accomplishing that was a wonderful thing. I'm more considerate of others feelings, less judgemental (that I never saw in myself before), & I believe a better person. Another great accomplishment!

I am over five years widowed and still have down times, but with the practice I had with hard times I refuse to live there. You can acheive anything yourself from happiness independent to a relationship, to a new marriage. We are here to encourage and support your choice. Sharon

TJ and Sharon, Thank you both for your insights. I am struggling with finding me, who I am and more importantly I think is who do I want to be. My husband always encouraged me in whatever I decided to do, but as you know it is so different without him there to fall back on or just talk about the sucess or failure. I don't know if I want another relationship I need to focus on determining what it means to be me. Thank you again for your support.

Hi Cathylynn58 - I too lost my husband to lung cancer May 2, 2012. I feel just like you do - not sure where I belong. I still go to the Widows/Widowers site but recently I felt that I needed to move here more than there. I feel lost most of the time! I hope as time passes, I will find that "lost" feeling will subside and I will once again feel like I "belong" somewhere in society. A lot of people on this site give me hope that there is a possibility of finding happiness and even possibly love again. It's nice to have that hope! Most of the time I just feel so "out of place" everywhere I am. I really understand how you feel! Blessings to you! Debbie

Hi Cathylynn58 - I too lost my husband to lung cancer May 2, 2012. I feel just like you do - not sure where I belong. I still go to the Widows/Widowers site but recently I felt that I needed to move here more than there. I feel lost most of the time! I hope as time passes, I will find that "lost" feeling will subside and I will once again feel like I "belong" somewhere in society. A lot of people on this site give me hope that there is a possibility of finding happiness and even possibly love again. It's nice to have that hope! Most of the time I just feel so "out of place" everywhere I am. I really understand how you feel! Blessings to you! Debbie

Welcome,
you are among people who are going through the same life changing experience, and learn from each other.

We are all trying to find new meaning and new joy after the devastation and healing.

I hope you will feel comfortable sharing about your experiences on this journey.
We are glad you are here.