NOT JUST A WIDOW LLC

06/15/2023

DO WIDOWS FEEL A SENSE OF GUILT DATING AGAIN??

Guilt is a common emotion to feel in any grief. Starting to consider seeing a new potential partner after someone dies can bring up feelings for your spouse who has passed.

It’s not always easy to understand that it is possible to love and miss someone, but having room to be happy and involved with someone new.

Talking to widows (only a small percentage date again) and an even smaller percentage marry.

We become independent and marrying again is not a priority.

We would love to hear your take on this:
Email: [email protected]
Or share on line here!

The Not Just A Widow Guidebook is a widow's guide to surviving her new reality and transforming into her bold new self. Get your copy today!

06/01/2023

From funeral and cemetery news - my article June 2023

To the sisterhood:

Widows feel lost besides being overwhelmed. Where is my place now?
For a while you feel like a third wheel ….. how do you overcome that feeling of being lost. How long does it take? Is it different for everyone? The answer is: there is no answer you do it on your own terms and yes, everyone is different.

You learn to venture out on your own. You come to a point where you can be that third or fifth person in the group. It’s all part of widowhood.

I guess one could say that your current purpose is incorporating loss into your life. Grief is huge, complicated and many layers. Taking matters into your own hands is key. Marching forward is daunting.

NEED TO TALK OR NEED ASSISTANCE please feel free to reach out:

The Not Just A Widow Guidebook is a widow's guide to surviving her new reality and transforming into her bold new self. Get your copy today!

05/24/2023

A common theme among people who have lost their spouse is the debilitating effects of feeling entirely alone and incomplete. The sense of feeling like you have lost an essential part of yourself is both painful and disconcerting. The world suddenly looks like a different place, often odd and distanced.

Need assistance - email [email protected]
We are here to help.

The Not Just A Widow Guidebook is a widow's guide to surviving her new reality and transforming into her bold new self. Get your copy today!

05/23/2023

Widows …… what do we need????
Early on
1. We need to be listened to and heard.
2. We need a professional support system that is trustworthy; since
Something will break sooner or later we cannot fix by ourselves.
3. Secondary losses early on hit us harder so we need to take care of ourselves. Keep those doctor appts.
4. Widows are not always afforded respect. The looks, the words from others …
We need to respect ourselves first.

www.notjustawidow.com
His Death was just the beginning .............................

The Not Just A Widow Guidebook is a widow's guide to surviving her new reality and transforming into her bold new self. Get your copy today!

05/08/2023

To the Sisterhood:

The scammers are out in full force. Spring is here. Looking for an easy mark! Let that not be YOU.

I want to share a story I heard the other day. Scammers are working a new way! It does not need to be the ‘DATING SITES’ …. it’s regular department stores now.
They call to follow up on a purchase or to renew a warranty.
The other day a woman told me that she was scammed for $95,000. She sold her house to get the money to give to this person. It starts with loneliness. Someone pays attention to you. They work it for six months and you start to feel comfortable …. and you may do crazy things. They prey. They tell the person they are not going anywhere. Get inside their head and when you feel comfortable, they lower the boom.

And then, here is my story. I met someone on line about 5 years ago. Dated for over a year. My antenna was not up because I saw his license, went to dinner on a Saturday night, etc.
I had no clue he was trying to scam me. I don’t like to part with money. Once it goes in the bank, I like it to stay there. He asked me to buy him a motorcycle for his birthday. Are you kidding me? I put my antenna up, and said something is wrong here. I started noticing things that maybe I ignored before. Bingo he was married with kids and lived 20 minutes from me. Did not know ……… but I did wise up. Never got that motorcycle from me! At that point, I said it’s not worth it to be on the dating sites. Cannot trust anyone. More inflation we have, the more scammers come out of the woodwork.

No matter how savvy you think you are. There is always someone who finds that vulnerability and bingo ……………………take advantage of you.

Need someone to talk to: [email protected]

05/05/2023

GOOD MORNING:

Carry yourself with confidence ……… tips for career and personal safety!

1. Know your Strengths – I do love to people watch. You can learn a lot by observing
2. Beware of your weaknesses – cannot grow and improve without being aware
3. Eyes up – when talking with someone make eye contact!
4. Practice good communication – out in a crowd? Mingle – get comfortable speaking to people you do not know.

The Not Just A Widow Guidebook is a widow's guide to surviving her new reality and transforming into her bold new self. Get your copy today!

04/25/2023

Had a great business lunch with Raven Allred today
Raven Allred is a networking and advertising professional connecting businesses to those they need to reach, Raven In Real Life (RiRL).

Met at VERTIGO FUSHION KITCHEN AT 117 12th St. in columbus, ga. Check them out: www.vertigoon12th.com

Great menu and delicious! From Pastas to Wraps, to Burgers, and don’t forget to check out their APPETIZERS!

For info on the Not Just a Widow Guidebook, drop me a note
[email protected]

http://www.notjustawidow.com

The Not Just A Widow Guidebook is a widow's guide to surviving her new reality and transforming into her bold new self. Get your copy today!

04/20/2023

FROM LOSS ….. GRIEF ….. TO GROWTH

As your widow sister, I know that some days are harder than others. A couple of years after Basil’s passing, I had decided to venture out once a week with an activity and dinner. I was in Maryland then, and knew a lot of people through business. I would run into people all the time.

Lately, when I hear from widows about feeling like a third or fifth wheel, I tell them to venture out alone. I just decided to start that again here in Alabama. Now that I have been here 4 yrs. I do know quite a few people and always running into someone I know.

I plan a once a week activity/dinner and just do it. It is daunting if you are shy (at first) but maybe start with an activity. For instance, last week went to the Farmer’s Market. Then stopped for lunch at a local place. If shy about that, pick up lunch. But do something to get out alone. Maybe a museum or a walk at the park.

You will feel so much better getting out. TAKE BABY STEPS …..
IT WORKS!!!!

Need to talk drop me an email at: [email protected]
Always available to assist!

The Not Just A Widow Guidebook is a widow's guide to surviving her new reality and transforming into her bold new self. Get your copy today!

03/21/2023

PSOA (professionals serving older adults) monthly meeting today. Held at Spring Harbor, 100 Spring Harbor Drive, Columbus, GA.

Beautiful facility and a great networking meeting as always. Reconnected with Valley Benefits, Office on Aging, Covenant Woods, etc.

Looking for a place with lots of options:
check out
https://www.springharborseniorliving.org/about

03/08/2023

Good Afternoon:
Great East Alabama Chamber biscuits and business this morning.
Keynote Speaker from the ARMY Ft. Benning - Col Colin Mahle, Garrison Commander, talking about the renaming of Ft. Benning to Fort Moore; after Lt. Gen. Harold Moore and his wife, Julie.

Hal Moore is a decorated and highly regarded commander of the Vietnam War and his wife, Julie is equally distinguished as a leader of Army family programs.

GREAT NETWORKING AS ALWAYS!

HTTP://WWW.NOTJUSTAWIDOW.COM

01/25/2023

Here is a quick catfish tip:

Romance scams using fake photos are skyrocketing. Up more than 80% in the last five years.
The FTC has said that victims have lost a whopping $1.3 billion dollars.

Tips:
Never provide your bank account or routing number or send wire transfers.

Don’t let someone you just met online invest your money.

CATFISH aren’t just on dating apps anymore! Watch out for scammers on all social media. With the economy the way it is (inflation) it is all around you.

When someone wants to Direct Message (DM) chances are they are setting up a scam.

When in doubt, did you know that you can do a reverse image search on profile pictures to see if a picture being used on other platforms with different names exists. RED FLAG!

Need assistance or to talk: get in touch!

The Not Just A Widow Guidebook is a widow's guide to surviving her new reality and transforming into her bold new self. Get your copy today!

01/25/2023

Attended the East Alabama after hours last evening. Great chamber. Met some new business contacts. Always great!!!!
LOOKING FOR A GREAT CHAMBER OF JOIN CHECK OUT THE EAST ALA CC ealcc.com

01/10/2023

Good Afternoon:

Another great PSOA meeting. Great way to start the New Year.

PSOA - Professionals Serving Older Adults

Held at the Legacy Reserve Old Town in Columbus, GA
Phone 762-900-0336 for a complimentary tour

The Not Just A Widow Guidebook is a widow's guide to surviving her new reality and transforming into her bold new self. Get your copy today!

01/07/2023

Happy Saturday!!!!!

Here is a a life rule I just read about and it pertains to widows:

If you do not step forward you will remain in the same place.

To be honest, there were times early on, after hubby's passing I could not move forward.

I always said to myself PICK YOURSELF UP BY THE BOOTSTRAPS.

Times I had to do that. In order to come out at the other end.

NEED ASSISTANCE ..... NEED TO TALK ....... NEED HELP WITH SOMETHING - or just to talk reach out!

The Not Just A Widow Guidebook is a widow's guide to surviving her new reality and transforming into her bold new self. Get your copy today!

01/06/2023

Good afternoon, Widows:

I recently have been reading articles about “scammers” pertaining to MONEY!

Here are some things that you be aware of to keep you safe – as a widowed person is a potential target (it’s like wearing a sign over your head WIDOW):

1. Be careful of any stranger you meet soon after the loss of your spouse. Be kind and acknowledge your grief but have your antenna up. Be aware if they try to sell you an annuity for example or ask you how much you have in your bank account. The widowed are targeted (scammers read the obits).

2. What if you meet ‘someone special’ tell your family about it because they need to do some digging. Where did this person come from. Google it! Look out for a loved one. If it’s too good to be true, remember it is. Your family can help you.

3. Your lonely and very vulnerable. Ask yourself even if the person being helpful to you knew your loved one, why all of a sudden are they so interested in helping you with things. Did they ignore you before? Why now so chatty. It is time to keep everything close to the vest.

The internet has given everyone a way to scam. Making it a lot easier to get names and addresses and social media has helped getting inside your world.

Be careful what you post on Facebook or Twitter, etc. This gives a scammer a lot of info about you and they will play on your vulnerability. It’s a business for them.
Remember, don’t give money away during the first few months after loss. Do not sell the house. Don’t make any financial decisions that you cannot undo at this time. You are not in any state of mind to make these decisions and could make a decision that is not in your best interest at this time.

Need assistance: email [email protected]
We are here to assist and offer support.

The Not Just A Widow Guidebook is a widow's guide to surviving her new reality and transforming into her bold new self. Get your copy today!

01/01/2023

HNY! New Year, Clean Slate, New Opportunities

What are you planning to do to lift yourself up in the new year.

Some ideas to consider:

1. Volunteer – at your local hospital or a non-profit. Helps you find purpose.
2. Find a New Activity – maybe something you have not done before ….
If you don’t like it, you can try something else and maybe along the way. Make new friends.
3. Reach out to friends you have not heard from in a while and reconnect.

It is hard, but we don’t know how much strength we have until we re-engage with LIFE!

TELL YOURSELF EVERYDAY – I WILL STRIVE TO BE THE BEST POSSIBLE WOMAN I CAN BE

Have ideas or stories, we would love to hear from you.

Again, Happy New Year from NJAW!

The Not Just A Widow Guidebook is a widow's guide to surviving her new reality and transforming into her bold new self. Get your copy today!

12/31/2022

12/05/2022

This time of year is especially difficult for widows. In particular, if it's your first holiday season after your husband's death.

Holiday parties attended alone. Decorating the tree, receiving cards only addressed to her now. Friends and children can be helpful but at the end of day when she goes home she is alone.

It's hard but start a new hobby, or a new tradition to get your mind off being alone.
Need to talk ......... get in touch we are here to assist!

The Not Just A Widow Guidebook is a widow's guide to surviving her new reality and transforming into her bold new self. Get your copy today!

11/23/2022

From NOT JUST A WIDOW LLC
Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

11/21/2022

THANKSGIVING TIME Marks the start of the Holiday season. For widows, it can be a drag because it brings back memories that keep popping up in your mind.

1. Everyone loves to say, “thanksgiving is a holiday that’s not commercial, it is just about family”. So yes, it is really nice having family around but there is always that one person missing and it never goes away. THINK OF HAPPY TIMES. TRY TO ENGAGE WITH FAMILY.
2. It is a holiday in which you are supposed to be abundantly grateful. Widows have a hard time with this one. Because we think about
what was and sometimes we get sad and angry. TRY TO KEEP UPBEAT. YES, IT IS SOMETIMES HARD – BUT TRY!
3. Thanksgiving marks the beginning of a crazy stretch of time. It’s the start of the holiday season and the memories of days past. MAKE NEW MEMORIES WITH FAMILY. DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT. MAKE A NEW TRADITION EVEN IF IT MEANS GETTING IN THE CAR AND TRAVELING TO VIEW HOLIDAY DISPLAYS. SMALL STEPS

THANKSGIVING IS A MARKER IN TIME, ONE WHERE YOU NOTICE SO OBVIOUSLY THAT A TABLE THAT WAS 6 CHAIRS NOW ONLY HAS FIVE.
On the other hand, we are resilient ………. So, we do what we have to do.

Need to talk?? Need assistance?? Contact us.

The Not Just A Widow Guidebook is a widow's guide to surviving her new reality and transforming into her bold new self. Get your copy today!

11/14/2022

New Relationship and Dating

Most widows and widowers get into their new relationship within ten years of the loss of their spouse. Statistics show that approximately 29% of widowers and 7% of widows get into a new union within a decade.

For some people who’ve experienced this type of loss, and some have suffered through their spouse battling a long illness, and they may now find they are ready to find love again. Widows I talk to (a large majority) don’t even want to dip their toe in the water. WHY? It’s a fishbowl out there. Lots of deceit!

Grief and loss are complicated. There is no timeline for when and if you are ready to date again. Consider that love is a precious gift to have in your life. If you are lucky to find it twice, go for it.

Just be careful. SCAMMERS ON THE LOOSE! Lots and lots of them. For some reason, honesty is rare these days. Just part of life.

For more information visit our website at: www.notjustawidow.com
-Patty

The Not Just A Widow Guidebook is a widow's guide to surviving her new reality and transforming into her bold new self. Get your copy today!

10/26/2022

Great networking last night at the East Alabama Chamber of Commerce.
Business After Hours - wine tasting and art show!

check out www.ealcc.com for more info
Always great networking and promoting your business!

10/14/2022

Widows and Loneliness
I just read something on line and wanted to share it with the sisterhood.

story: a lonely woman in a retirement center accepted calls from a man she did not know. Had never met but he was an interesting conversationalist. After building a phone friendship, he stated he had a medical problem and could not afford treatment.

She sends him $100,000.00 and you guessed it never heard from him again although he promised to repay her when he was healthy.
Lots of stuff out there going on. Don't need to be a widow to be taken. However, widows are targeted as lonely. And we are sometimes. Don't get caught up in these scams.

TO THE SISTERHOOD: REACH OUT: [email protected]
Have a story to share to assist other widows, let me know.

PATTY

10/10/2022

Widow Identity Transformation Workshop

For further information, contact [email protected]\

This workshop discusses how your identity changes as a widow. It's about change - your change. You can reconfigure yourself.

It's all possible!

10/02/2022

News! New Columnist for Funeral and Cemetery News

Click on the link to read article:

This interactive publication is created with FlippingBook, a service for streaming PDFs online. No download, no waiting. Open and start reading right away!

09/20/2022

Great PSOA meeting today. Large group. Great networking. Held at the columbus public library. - meeting hosted by Direct Services.

Magnolia Manor in attendance. As well as The OAKS Maple Ridge. Mel Thornton valley benefits and a host of others.

NJAW raffle prize. I hope you enjoy Van from Magnolia!

09/09/2022

CALLING ALL WIDOWS:

Have an issue you want to discuss with your fellow “widow” sisters?
Feel like you are in a slump?
Don’t know what to do with an issue you recently came across?

NEW GROUP - WIDOWS IN TRANSITION II

A safe, comfortable place to discuss issues that other WIDOWS only get! OR IF YOU Just Want Some Camaraderie – we are here to listen!!
EMAIL HERE OR AT: [email protected]

Group forming soon!!!!
OR CALL: 443.528.3415