I have found that doing two things have helped me. I helped build a memorial in a garden, one that people could enjoy and reflected his life. For my dad I started blogging and podcasting about his ideas.

Somehow this kept the memories alive, it created a sense that they were still here helping the world as they would want. It took a little time before I could do this, but it also gave me a focus – a reason for living. That reason helped me through the dark days and through the enjoyment people got from them, helped me enjoy life again.

Post from: Widows Quest

Here are 5 ways that I try and beat the loneliness however, I would love your ideas

1. I read 2 books a week. I don’t read novels as they are too emotional for me. I read books that help me develop or historical accounts
2. I have joined the local community group. I like the fact that I am giving something back, and also occupying my mind at the same time.
3. I love the internet, developed on line friends via Twitter, Facebook and also through podcasting. I have another blog called The Engaging Brand which is my way of keeping Dad’s memory alive – he believed in the potential of people and the blog gives thoughts on how to motivate, inspire and engage people at work. If you have ever wondered what my voice is like, check out the podcast - here is a link to one about how the brain works part 1 and part 2 
4. I ensure that I visit one friend or one family member each weekend. I can guarantee, I always wish that I hadn’t arranged it, never want to go…yet when I get back, after forcing myself to go, then I always feel better.
5. I try as much as possible not to use the car. I walk or get public transport as much as possible. This is for 2 reasons – one for my exercise, two to ensure that I am out amongst people. I went through a stage of being a hermit, I realised that I was getting used to not being with people, which cannot be good for you. So my first step was to not use the car as a way of easing myself back into society – and I have kept it going.

What do you do ?

[istockphoto]

Post from: Widows Quest

“Galba sleep tight, we will miss you hugely and thank you for leaving such wonderful emotional footprints all over the world”

 Galba was a wonderful, giving man.. what is strange is that I never met him, yet called him a friend. Isn’t that a strange part of social media, blogging, podcasting etc. I had interviewed him for my podcast about emotional intelligence only a couple of weeks ago…despite the thousands of miles between us, social media brought us together.

It also made me think about how blogging, podcasting is part of our legacy. When I die there will be my thoughts living on forever, an insight into how I thought, how I felt….for generations to come. Galba may have passed away but his voice lives on, his words live on….Maybe at the moment it would be too raw for his family, but I hope that they will provide comfort in the years ahead. I know I wish I could hear my loved ones voice again…it is one thing I miss the most.

In the meantime the blogosphere has lost a true gentleman, the world has lost a good heart….however the world is a better place..a “brighter” place for a little Galba magic 

Post from: Widows Quest

Post from: Widows Quest