A new season, a new month, different activities, weather changes, old traditions, and new opportunities all wrapped up in the fall/autumn time of year.

As with any new season, along with the positives we might enjoy, there’s also a mixture of grief, lone, and bittersweet memories thrown into our lives as widows.

Facing fall traditions can be hard! Attending festivals, football games, family gatherings, and other activities become an obstacle to overcome – faced with decisions about attending, if going alone is feasible for you, or if avoiding them completely is best for you at this time. All of these factors are personal and may fluctuate from day to day. It’s perfectly normal to have mixed emotions about going places and doing activities you previously did with your husband.

No longer being part of a couple and having your person to do things with makes a huge difference in how we perceive our sense of belonging. We can easily feel that we are left out or no longer belong with groups and activities that were once a part of our lives.

You may feel the pressure to “be okay” and join in with family and friends. I would encourage you to take part where you’re comfortable. Be honest with others when you’re not okay and explain why so they understand better. You may have to push yourself to participate at first. But at the same time, it is perfectly fine to avoid situations until you feel like you’re ready. Just don’t isolate yourself too much. That only leads to depression and self-focus, neither of which is healthy.

So while grief triggers may come with this new season, precious memories will also come along with hopefully enjoyable new moments. Embrace those and acknowledge your feelings.

The widows’ walk is complicated, but keep stepping forward, trust God, and rely on Him.

“…my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: …His compassions never fail; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:20-23