All experiences are not created equal.
New opportunities can come from a crisis which for the widow, is a for sure. It really comes down to looking at this loss as a stepping stone and not a stumbling block with no end in sight. For me, suddenly without a form of income, once my one year of stipend from the church ended, I had to face whether or not to work for someone. At first, I did not see the combined work skills and degrees I had gained as a positive. I just felt alone and without a way of creating income
I was offered a few great opportunities but knew and felt those opportunities would have provided income, however, would also be contributing to someone else’s mission and I would be staring out the window wondering how my children were doing, the community, and my family. I would do an excellent job for whoever I went to work for but it was not what I wanted.
My loss created a crisis which then trained me differently. Although I started and ran a non-profit, was a director of Marketing for many years, at the prompting of a few of my sons, I eventually started a gift company which actually helped me see a greater purpose because generosity is a core value for me, I can still be generous and teach others how to be generous as well.
I read this outstanding article which is very inspiring of what some widows did as a result of their stepping stone which then they gathered up all their own grief, compassion for others and a purpose to move on or carry on a legacy that they and their husbands started. Widowed Women Who Achieved Greatness After Loss
Now I see my loss as a stepping stone to a different world and a unique time. Although it can be confusing as to why I know the question can become what? What can I do now as a single, what great thing can I accomplish, who can I serve, who can I help, where can I go now that there was a new and different world open to me. I made new goals and new plans. What started out as a seemingly helpless, hopeless time has turned into a watering hole and a new adventure. At the moment it does not feel like that but eventually once the fog lifts, you will see the beautiful mountains and you’ll see that the valley has green grass.
~Michelle
