As I have stated before I will be widowed for 3 yrs in june. Since starting to read posts here I have been able to feel involved in something and have a better attitude toward life. Thru the past few years I made little changes like painting the house inside and out, started to be a little more active and tried to work on my diet. I also switched up my wardrobe. I never really noticed much change in anything until these last few weeks. I decided to start doing more things on my own and to stop waiting for others. My husband and I were going to travel after our kids were out of school, but that never happened as he passed away 1 yr after our youngest graduated, so for some reason that idea woke up in me. In March I took my oldest and youngest daughters on a cruise to say thank you for all the help since their dad's passing. When we got home I changed my outlook I started to take a little bit better of myself and became more aware of things. My changes really shown thru last night at my nephews wedding. My self esteem was raised tremendously when 2 woman (strangers to me) complimented me on what I was wearing. I had just put in a little more effort into my looks (hair and clothes, makeup to come later) and someone other than my children noticed. My point is you need to do things for yourself in order to make yourself happy. Little steps do work.