So the big question is – Are You Feeling Guilty?  Wow, we women feel guilty over just about everything!  Why do we do it to ourselves?  It’s even more common when we become widows as we second guess our decisions – what didn’t we do that we should have, what did we do that wasn’t right? Widows will, after much soul-searching, feel guilty about …. and …. It’s to our credit that we care so much about our loved ones, but it shouldn’t be at the cost of our own mental health. Instead of wasting our energy on guilt, let’s work towards actively supporting our choices, each and every one worthy of respect. Some ways to move away from guilt is to meditate by repeating a positive word or phrase, disregarding any negative thoughts that inevitably come to mind. Listen to some uplifting music that can reduce anxiety and negative feelings.  Why not be simply silly and dance around your living room? As always doing some physical activity, if even a walk around the neighbourhood, will lessen your stress and make you feel happier. Some positive online sites to visit:

• gratefulness.org
• beliefnet.com
• meditationcenter.com

Resilience is the ability to bounce back and is critical to healing.  Sometimes life’s blows are so hard it is difficult to imagine how you can rebound but it’s possible when you take control. Healing will start when we choose to use the power of love and gratitude AND make no mistake, it is a choice.  You are a beautiful person and your life is worth living to the fullest, but you can’t do it without shedding that burden of guilt that you are carrying. This is your month for renewal and time for a fresh start, so let your guilt go and focus on being grateful and happy.