Q:   How long have you been blogging?

A:   3 years, yet it seems like yesterday.

Q:   With all the other blogs out there, why Widow’s quest?

A:    I actually write 5 blogs on all areas that I am passionate about. Widows Quest is my favourite as it is my way of expressing my grief but hopefully in a way that is positive and will help others through their grief. Grief can happen in all sorts of ways – breakdown of a marriage, losing your job and of course through the death of someone close. My aim is to help people who suffer the feelings of grief no matter what the cause.

Q:    Is there a particular favorite method you use to deal with grief?

A:    Blogging has been a huge help. I often find it hard to talk…I am a private person and was brought up to believe I should be able to “cope” with whatever life throws at me. Blogging has helped me express my grief by helping others. I think it is the helping others that has given me the confidence to face my new world.

The other key factor has been exercise. It is so important to look after your body through grief. Your heart is hurting and exercise helps the heart cope with the emotional turmoil. I try and walk each day…it is not only great for your health but it also gets you out and about – helps you get back into life.

Q:     What is the most touching story you have heard at Widow’s Quest?

A:    I remember it clearly. I wrote a post and someone e-mailed me saying “I was so down yesterday. I went and bought several bottles of tablets and 2 bottles of vodka, I just could not face life without my husband. As I sat down to write a letter I put on the computer and I read today’s post on Widow’s Quest…. today I am alive – still hurting badly, but alive. Thank you for giving me hope, thank you for literally saving my life.”

I cried for a few moments, emailed the lady and developed a friendship. It really did show how powerful blogging can be.

Q:    If you could tell someone hurting right now one thing, what would it be?

A:    Each person is very different in how they cope with their grief. However, I would say that although you feel alone, you are not alone. If you have no family or away from friends there is always the community at Widows Quest that understand and care enough to help you through this time.  The hurting is your heart’s way of coping with the pain, it is normal, it is natural. Together we can rebuild your heart and help you find a new life…will it be the same – no, but you can find a new happiness, one that is really worth fighting through the pain for….

Thank you, Anna, for all you do.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Seek out caring people.  Find relatives and friends that understand your feelings.  Find a support group for those dealing with loss.  (There are blogs out there dealing with loss.  Check out “Widows Quest”.)

Express your feelings.  Vent and tell your feelings.  It will help you through the grieving process.

Take care of your health.  Maintain contact with your physician, eat well, and get plenty of rest.  Be aware of tendencies to depend on substances such as alcohol, medication, and eating to deal with your grief.

Accept that life is for the living.  Realize that you still have a life to live.  Look to the future and not the past.  Your loved one would not want you living a miserable life.  You have other loved ones in your life that need you.  Make an effort to live.

Postpone major life changes.  Try to hold off on major life changes such as moving, buying a house, remarrying, having a child, changing jobs, etc.  Give yourself time to work through your emotions and adjust to your loss.

Be patient.  It can take months and even years to absorb your loss and changed life.

Seek outside help when necessary.  If your grief seems too much to handle, seek help from a professional.  Getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness.  Talking to someone may help your pain be more bearable.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Post from: Thrifty Mommy