I was going to write an original blog post to start the new year, but came across a wonderful article by Carol Brody Fleet, Founder of Widows Wear Stilettos, and it is so good, I’m going with that instead!   I hope you find this as helpful as I did.

Karen

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It’s that time of year again.

We are all getting peppered and pelted with those endless ads and commercials designed to help you “start the New Year right” with all of the same old worn-out, been-there-tried-it-gave-it-up resolutions — eat less, work out more, quit this, start that, spend less, save more, get out of debt — but not before you hit the “one-day-only sale” that seems to take place once a week.

Understanding that like me, you may be tired of typical New Year’s resolutions, I am delighted to present to you 10 widowed resolutions for your happy new year. These resolutions are meant to bring you peace, comfort and most of all, ownership of both your Healing Journey and ultimately, your life. Permission to print out and keep in front of you year-round is both granted and strongly suggested:

1. Acknowledge that I am still here. Although I have been through a devastating, life-altering event, I am entitled to a life filled with abundance and happiness, regardless of how much or how little time has passed since becoming widowed. I do not have to wait any specific amount of time to begin, pursue or further my Healing Journey and accordingly, I will not feel guilty, nor will I doubt or question my pursuit of a life filled with happiness and peace.

2. Realize that my Healing Journey is indeed mine. It belongs to no one else. My Healing Journey cannot be compared to anyone else or to other experiences, including those of other widowed. It is neither fast, nor is it easy. I cannot “hurry” my grief, even though there may be people around me who wish that I would do so. I will therefore truthfully honor however and whatever it is that I am feeling rather than let any opinions around me dictate how I “should” be feeling or what I “should” be doing.

3. Be kind to myself in all respects. This includes eating when my body asks me for food (and no, Cheetos and Diet Coke do not count as “food”), sleeping when my body needs rest and rejuvenating myself through whatever healthy pursuits will fill my soul. My self-talk will be faultless and uplifting… and on the days that I don’t believe in myself or my ability to heal, I will turn to those who will breathe belief into me, rather than turn to those who attempt to bring me down and keep me there.

4. Realize that my identity and my self-esteem have nothing to do with my marital status, my age, what I look like, my career path or any material accumulation. My identity and self-esteem come from within and I recognize that what others think of me is not half as important as what I think of me. I recognize that not everyone will agree with what I do or how I go about doing it; however, as long as I am not hurting myself or anyone else and all of my obligations and responsibilities are fulfilled, I will pursue the life that I wish in the way(s) that I see fit.

5. Part 1: Limit time with energy drainers and allow those that contribute to my life in a positive way to help me on my Healing Journey. As my comfort zone continues to expand, I will accept invitations to lunch or dinner, a movie or offers of help in the household. I will understand that allowing others to help is very important to those who are truly concerned about me.

Part II: I will also be the one who occasionally initiates invitations for lunch, dinner, a movie or other quietly social activities with those who contribute to my life in a positive way, rather than always wait for others to do the asking.

6. Accept that I cannot control the fact that I am widowed or the new life that I have been handed — but I absolutely can decide and control what I am going to actually do with the new life that I have been handed. I will therefore make a list of what I would like to do and accomplish this year. It may be a new hobby, a pursuit or activity that I had to give up and want to resume, trying new foods, meeting new people or exploring new places.

Whatever I decide to do or try, I will do so with the understanding that by exploring new opportunities and experiences, I am not disrespecting, dishonoring or forever turning my back on my past. Instead, I am taking control of a situation over which I have had little or no control by slowly embracing a future of my choosing and of my design.

7. Continue to be proactive on my Healing Journey, rather than simply waiting to feel better. I will accomplish this by utilizing whatever tools I need that will help me along my Healing Journey, as well as by surrounding myself with the support of others (be they online or in-person) who each understand exactly what I have been through.

8. Acknowledge that it is not a sign of strength to try and heal alone, nor it is a sign of weakness to seek help. This includes consulting with my doctor, a therapist, a coach, a cleric, a mental health professional or any other expert(s) that can help me move forward on my Healing Journey in positive and productive ways.

9. Understand that when I actually pay attention to and effect these resolutions, I will become a more productive and stronger parent, child, sibling, friend, employee / employer…and person.

10. Above all else, I acknowledge the certain truth that while widowhood has definitely shaped me, it does not now, nor will it ever define me. I refuse to be defined by tragedy or by a destiny not of my own choosing. With that refusal I will choose to define who I am, who I wish to become and the legacies that I will carry forward.

Review your Widowed Resolutions often and see how many you can accomplish this coming year. Do not wait any longer to either begin or proactively continue your Healing Journey. I encourage you to slowly integrate each and every one of these resolutions into your daily life; these resolutions can bring you through your Healing Journey and into the life that you so richly deserve.

Wishing you blessings abundant in 2013.

Carole’s latest book, “Happily Even After…” has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious Books for a Better Life Award. For more information about Carole Brody Fleet and Widows Wear Stilettos, please visit www.widowswearstilettos.com

Follow on Facebook at Widows Wear Stilettos Follow on Twitter: @WidowsStilettos

http://www.garagesalegal.com/pdfs/articles_pdfs/A_419_column__243-ask.pdf

ASK’s 2011 Rummage Sale was one for the books!  We raised a lot of money for families in need and required a street closure permit, 30 tables and an entire 24 foot truck PACKED with rummage sale goodies!

Have you seen our June newsletter?  Here it is!

ASK – June Newsletter

Absolutely heartbreaking story about a 12 year old boy who was bullied for a variety of reasons, including the death of his father when he was 4 years old.  This treatment of our children must stop!

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/01/12002590-happy-kid-kills-himself-over-bullying-at-two-nyc-schools?lite

Here’s an interesting article about children who are caregivers…  The boy in this story is just 13 years old, taking care of his ill mother.  His father died 2 years ago so everything is on his shoulders.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/17/health/cnnheroes-siskowski-youth-caregivers/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

Click here to view the embedded video.

We’ve started planning Pins of Hope 2013!!!  Stay tuned for details over the next few months, but in the interim, please enjoy a peek into Pins of Hope 2012.  We had a great time raising money to help kids of widows and widowers.  We hope to see you next February!

I’ve received such great comments about the video that appears on our “Welcome” page, as well as on our video gallery link to YouTube.  That was created by Jennifer S., a local high school student.  She created the video as part of a project for a high school class and did a phenomenal job with it!   Jennifer’s family are neighbors and friends of ours and they’ve been so supportive of Allen and I since Steve’s death.  Everyone needs neighbors like them!  She is headed to the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism in the Fall — and from the looks of our video, she’s headed in the right direction!

Welcome to ASK’s new website!

This has been a labor of love, sweat and tears over the last few months but I’m so proud to share it with you!  I hope you’ll find this website easier to navigate and to find the information you need.  We’ve added a lot of helpful information for widows and widowers, and for helping children who have lost a parent.

Have you wanted to ask other widows or widowers, or children who have lost a parent, a question, wondered what they thought or do you have a situation you’re struggling with that another widow/er or child could help you work through?  Then check out our “Ask a Widow” and “Ask a Kid” section — questions and answers will be posted on our blog so that others can benefit too.

Thanks for visiting!

Karen