Well, it’s been a really long time since I posted the initial blog post. I can only say that there was a lot of life happening right then and it simply wasn’t the right time for me to start this ministry. In the 20 months since Feb. 8, 2023, life did it’s work and now is the time.
My purpose in creating Grieving Naturally is to provide a widow-centric space that is safe, authentic and hopeful. All widows are welcome here. It doesn’t matter how much time has passed since you lost your person. I want to also make sure that widows of suicide know that you are truly seen and understood here.
As a widow of suicide, I searched for connection and community. The first place was a recommendation from my then therapist, Jill. It was a support group for people who lost someone to suicide. One of the facilitators, Carol, has become a friend. The group was very helpful, however, I was the only widow in the group at the time. After moving from Ohio to California, I did find a community of widows, thankfully. That group of ladies is now a treasured part of my daily life and will be always. That being said, there have been and still are times when I need someone who was widowed in the same way I was. I want to be clear that I am not ranking cause of death in any way whatsoever – the worst grief is the one you’re experiencing. However, there is an overall knowing that comes with widowhood and an even deeper knowing amongst widows whose person died in the same manner. The level of “I get it” tends to be deeper and stronger between widows whose experiences have been similar. As a widow of suicide, I am not going to have the same level of “I get it” with a widow whose person died after a long illness in which the widow was their caregiver.
Grieving Naturally is:
- a safe and caring place for all widows and especially for widows of suicide and other sudden loss of life
- supportive, compassionate and understanding
- a light, a resource as you navigate the path of widowhood
- individual support and guidance for your whole self-emotional, physical and spiritual
- grief education for everyone
Grieving Naturally is NOT:
- therapy or counseling
Along with my personal experience, I do have several credentials and certifications, yet I strongly believe that the lived experience is the most valuable. You simply cannot understand widowhood until it’s your life. I am a Certified Grief Educator and a Certified Natural Health Professional.
I am also an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and I am finishing up my coursework as an Integrative Wellness and Life Coach. I have chosen to refer to myself as a Grief Guide instead of a Grief Coach as the word “guide” resonates with me. A guide is someone who assists a person traveling in an unfamiliar area by accompanying them; a guide is one who walks with someone. That’s what I was looking for—someone to walk with me on this journey.
If you’re looking for someone to walk with you as you travel the world of widowhood, please reach out and let’s have a conversation. There are no strings. No package of services or membership required. Simply someone to talk with when you need it. Just click the green “Schedule Here” button on the website. You’re not alone.