Author Susan Beer is now one of them. In her book, Move On Without Me (Hatherleigh Press, 2010), Beer shares 6 ways to move through the first year of widowhood:

 Focus on the positives. He is forever in your heart and in your memories. So, focus on what you gained and not on what you lost. Start a gratitude list.

 Affirm your accomplishments. It may just be getting through the day, but you did it. Congratulate each discovery of new strengths and resources.

 Acknowledge regrets. You will have regrets. Transform them into learning experiences.

Move on Without Me
by Susan C. Beer
Hatherleigh Press. Distributed by Random House.

 Make yourself the priority. Be honest with yourself and with others.  Only you know how you are feeling, what you need, and when you need it.

 Get up, get dressed, and get out.  Do something that makes you feel good: take a walk, go to an exercise class, get your hair done or restyled, have a manicure, joing a friend for lunch or dinner. And, smile. It makes you feel good, and attracts more of the same.

 Realize that friends, and friendships, change.  Some will come, some will go, and some are there for a lifetime.

Move On Without Me

$15.00 paperback

Hatherleigh Press. Distributed by Random House.

For more information about grief and loss, including a list of related websites, visit Grief & Loss – Topic Guide – Helpguide.org, and Mental Health America: Coping With Bereavement

A Widow’s Life The Saturday Evening Post