I'm bumping this one up. I wanna hear some good things too.

Sometimes I feel like I haven't moved ahead much but I have. I moved into a small loft apartment which I love. The house and memories were too much! I decorated it how I wanted it. I after all these years have figured out how to take care of myself. I enjoy music again and no longer cry all the time. I can say sometimes I actually feel happy!

I am not too far into the wonderful world of widowhood, but I feel I am making headway. I am now sole owner of the business my husband and owned jointly and I am making a living. I bought a new and larger vehicle on my own. I have learned to say NO to my kids. Mike couldn't do this, but I can. I have brought a child into the world on my own. I think I am doing a good job and I can stand on my own two feet.
Does it get better?

Maggie

Yes, it gets better. At first, like so many of us, I could see nothing but despair and loneliness. Now, after 2 years of widowerhood (is that a word??) I can say life does return to a new normal. I have sold the house we lived in and I'm making plans to retire in18 months.

So for you who are just starting this journey, let me say, Yes, it will and does get better. They pain doesn't go away, it just eases enough where you can look around and see that there is still happiness in the world. Hang in there and one day you'll think, wow....I am stronger than I ever thought I was.

Oh Let me brag. Ok just a bit.

I sold a house that would have cost me a fortune on my social security. Shoot the propane bill took all most half of my monthly income.

Purchased a much small house that cost much less for up keep. My new house is all electric and is a very small bill. I only use the heat for about two months in the winter. Just open the windows for the summer coolness.

I did have to have the floors insulated, during the first winter my feet almost froze to the floor. Found a great handyman that charges very reasonable. LOL Researched that too.

I research and found a great deal on a new car. LOL I even had two men tell me I did better than they did.

I am past the stage of bells and want simple things. I have learned that I can put together furniture and save money. Having a small house teaches you not to buy too much.

I am standing on my own two feet. I maybe a bit to proud of myself. I have moved toxic people out of my life and now only want the good.

I have learned to ask for help. Now that is a biggie for me.

Hugs, Holly.

I guess the biggest change that has happened has occurred inside. I didn't see myself as a weak person but I didn't realize how much I needed peoples acceptance. I didn't realize how much I was fighting inside.

This experience required me to change. I knew it was happening when I did some renovations to my house. Was asked to have an open house and I said no. I said no because I realized I liked what I had done and did not need to have people tell me I did good or that I should have done this or that. Just didnt matter to me. I was happy and that was the biggest bridge I had ever walked over.

I went on my own spiritual quest.

I took my kiddo to disneyland. Had never planned a vacation by myself.

Been afraid of heights. So I decided to challenge myself and go zip linning. I did hug a few trees before I jumped but I did do it.

I got a new job.

I cant wait to read what others have done. You are all amazing to me no matter where you are in this journey !!!!