For lasting joy you have to learn to trust your instincts for a sense of what’s best for you.  Your instinct is like a small voice, a sensation beneath the surface that tells you to pay attention. We are the only animals on this planet that deny and ignore our instincts.  Do you remember a time when you went against your gut feeling?  Next time you get a “feeling” and don’t know what to do, do nothing.  Quiet your mind so you can listen to that small, still voice. We don’t want to burden others with our worries or loneliness.  Still, we can’t block out those feelings.  Please call someone and confide to them, opening up will give them a chance to do something for you, even if it’s just to provide a listening ear. Luckily, spending time with friends can chase away that loneliness and even nourish your soul.  Friends are angels and when you bring them into your life, they brighten everything with their playfulness and love. How often in our daily lives have we put conditions on our happiness?  When we get older, retire, pay off the mortgage, get the children grown – then we will find the time to do what we want. I’m often too serious and get too involved in my projects.  That is when my friends come to my rescue with some fun and laughter. I celebrate my blessings more because of them.  I saw this plaque while shopping with my friends from “Chicks Night Out” (a group of ladies that have lost loved ones). “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” I stopped and asked myself, “So, am I dancing in the rain?”  I think I am.  I do know that I’m more committed to taking time to recognize and be grateful for the immense blessings that are around me. Yes, one step at a time, I’m learning to dance in the rain but I would never have gotten to that place without trusting my instincts. How do you relate to the most important people in your life?  Ask yourself “Do I get what I need from my relationships?” and “Am I investing enough time and effort in my relationships?” When we lose our loved ones we get very lonely and our biggest mistake may be in believing that what others offer is more important than what we can give ourselves.  You are going to be okay, you just need is to trust your instincts. To Our Shared Journey,                                                                                       Mary Francis is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist®  , Certified Law of Attraction Facilitator, Early Intervention Field Traumatology (EIFT), Author/Founder of "The Sisterhood of Widows"