Traveling after loss can be a transformative experience, offering both a change of scenery and opportunities for healing. Discover how stepping outside your comfort zone can help you reconnect with the world, gain new perspectives, and find joy again.

…there’s lots of truth to the old saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.”  I found that out first-hand. In my search for ways to manage grief, I came across the works of Allen Klein, who is also known as “Mr. Jollytologist.” Klein has written several books that are helpful to anyone who seeks to manage adversity with humor and positivity.

Do you ever catch your inner voice whispering doubt, fear, or loneliness? Inspired by psychologist Ethan Kross’ book, Chatter, see how shifting our thoughts can transform daily moments and bring light into a life reshaped by loss.

The Laughing Cure is a joy to read and would be a wonderful addition to your library if you’re interested in reading about how humor can help you get through almost anything.

If you are grieving the loss of someone you love, here’s a book to check out: Lucy Hone’s Resilient Grieving: Finding Strength and Embracing Life After a Loss That Changes Everything (2017). Thank goodness I found this book!

I began searching for books on my own. Once I retired, I spent quite a bit of time researching and reading more and more about the power of humor and positivity. One book led to another, and I learned about how humor may, indeed, be the best medicine.

That’s what happens when somebody dies. We discover the terrible ache of missing them as a person. We also discover the awful truth that we depended on them for so many things, and now that’s gone.

Diane’s book, Grab Life by the Bungees, was recognized as a finalist in The 2024 National Indie Excellence Awards. Full press release available here.

But one of the most difficult things that people who are grieving must face is the fact that the world continues to revolve and people continue to live as they always did. In spite of the fact that my world stopped dead in its tracks, to expect people to keep my surroundings “trigger free” is unrealistic.

Just as I can reach in the closet and pull out a gift, I can also reach into that vast store of memories I have, and pull one out to share. Since my husband died, I’ve realized the importance of pulling out memories and stories to share with our family and friends, so that his presence is still part of us.

Thus, if you’re a woman whose partner died (a WWPD), save whatever you want to save, if it makes you feel better. Eventually, you may let it go, but maybe now is not the time.

With their dad’s memory cheering them on, and with help and support from lots of friends, volunteers, sponsors, and professional as well as amateur golfers, Chuck and Tom Nettles launched the Timothy E. Nettles Memorial Invitational Tournament in September 2020, held at St. Clair Country Club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.