Do you find that there are moments when you find yourself struggling to find the inner strength to move forward? Do you find yourself asking questions such as will I ever get it right? Why haven’t I “moved on” already, and if so why not? Can I forgive myself for getting to be alive while my partner is dead?

Brene Brown, a leading expert on vulnerability and courage, reminds us that “The most dangerous stories we make up are the narratives that diminish our inherent worthiness.” These stories, often born out of self-doubt and fear, can hold us back from embracing our true selves and living authentically as we attempt to navigate our way through the wilderness of widowhood.

What are the stories you’re telling yourself about your ability to be a strong person and create a life from scratch?

If you struggle to define yourself in the here and now, then take a little trip back through time into the past. See if you can find the man/women you were before the loss of your loved one. Look for the traits you admired, the times you overcame hard things.

Then begin to ask yourself a new set of questions.

How would you describe yourself now, after everything you’ve been through? What story do you want to tell about yourself? Remember, there are no limits to who you can become, no matter what anyone else thinks or what your past holds.

It’s easy to get caught up in self-doubt, but it’s important to remember that our thoughts are within our control. Instead of beating ourselves up, what if we approached ourselves with kindness and curiosity? What if we asked, “What would love say?”

Choosing self-compassion isn’t always easy. It takes courage to face our fears and vulnerabilities head-on. But in doing so, we open ourselves up to a world of endless possibilities. We begin to see hope and then a future.

I encourage you to embrace your thoughts and the potential they hold. With self-compassion as our guide, we can rewrite our stories and embark on a journey of healing and renewal.

And as always, you can do this, and I’m here to help. 

Julie

P.S. If this is the year you want to transform your life, then I’m here as a mentor and coach. I invite you to apply to my coaching program and we will see if it’s a good fit. Or visit me at Patreon for a deeper dive on the blog! Both links are below.