As normal here are articles which are all based on helping us cope with our grief and for some our depression. I hope these articles help with your positive thinking

Vellervine presents Taking Risks Bravely posted at How to Start Finding My Passion in Life, saying, “Taking risks bravely | Finding passion | Motivation techniques”
Anna presents 5 Ways to Encourage Positivity posted at The Engaging Brand

Aparna presents Who is a free person? posted at Beauty and Personality Grooming, saying, “The people, who risk nothing, do nothing, have nothing; They may avoid suffering and sorrow, but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, …read more

It has been raining today and as I look out of the window I can see a beautiful rainbow. It made me think….
The rain is like our grief. Our tears flow and flow, our outlook feels dark with no sign of relief.
The rainbow is like our journey. It is a bridge to the future. The grief has caused us to change, it has brought out different emotions, different experiences that has caused us to grow as a human being, just like the array of colours in the sky.
The pot of gold is like our hope. We hope that with time …read more

Based on the feedback from previous posts I think we all struggle with self-worth. Our grief has affected the way we look at ourselves, our confidence has drained away. Well, let’s try and help each other!
Let us think of 3 things that we value about ourselves and maybe pass this post on to friends who can add what they value about you. I will ask Krishna De and  Sempre what they value about themselves and how this blog brings value to them?
I find it hard to think about my value but I would say

I love to look after my family …read more

I was babysitting and my friend’s little girl came and sat on my knee. She looked at me and said “When I lost my baby rabbit, I was upset but then I went and got a bandage for my heart. They are great in helping you feel better.”  
Intrigued I said “A bandage? Have you got one for me?”
She looked, moved closer and gave me a huge hug….”There you are a pain bandage, I bet you feel better now”
I smiled, don’t kids just explain things so well!

I wrote yesterday about my isolated feeling over the weekend. I have thought about it overnight and here are my reflections

When you are grieving you shut down your emotions to protect yourself. Maybe what I am feeling is the “numbness” associated with my heart still not being ready to emotionally join the world as yet.
It is OK! My body, my heart has been through shock and an immense amount of pain. I am not ‘weird’, I am completely normal!
It takes time to rejoin the world. When I think how far I have come, I have come a   long way….there …read more

I really enjoyed going out on Saturday but I did notice how I have changed. I used to be the “life and soul” but this weekend I was the quiet one, smiling at everyone but quiet. I found it hard to be upbeat, I loved the feeling of being amongst friends, I enjoyed the day but I was like a spectator. Maybe, this is the first stage – building confidence in going out by on my own.  I hope so as I almost felt like a visitor in my body(!)
I suppose it shows that the process is long and that …read more

Today I am going to meet up with 4 friends who I have known through all the highs and lows. Friends that are there whatever, friends that just take me as I am. I cannot wait. Normally, I don’t look forward to going out – I don’t like the feeling of being “single” but today is different.
I found myself smiling at the thought of a meet up and a lovely barbecue…no pressure just friends who care, can’t wait. I don’t know what I would have done without my friends over the last months….   

I am a real believer in when you feel down, the best way to feel better is to help others. I like to think about reaching out to touch other people’s hearts to heal my own pain. In a world that seems to be busy, time starved and lacking, in some ways, of human connection – people respond to someone who reaches out to them.
After all we are people that understand pain, understand how someone taking the time to listen, to smile, to talk to us, really helps heal the wounds inside our soul.
So today or tomorrow – …read more

I have been lucky that no deaths within the family has ever caused any rifts. However, I did get a question on how to avoid family upset. Here are my thoughts
F= Family may have all been born from the same gene pool, however they are all human, all different. The world would be a dull place if we were the same – family does not mean you have to agree, but remember family is great support and a great font of love. Try and compromise, try to find a solution that both people can agree to……give a little.
E= Empathasise with …read more

No I am not 50 but I had some great news this weekend that I thought I would share with you. At the start of the year I planned to take control of my weight which had ballooned with the stress of life (and death). I started a blog and podcast called Middle Age Shed and   aimed to lose 56lbs. Well, as of last Saturday I have lost the big 50! I feel so much better. I have moRe energy, my self confidence has gone up and I feel stronger to cope with what is thrown at me.
Last week …read more