A Sense of Happiness

A widow’s life is anything but happy, as just getting out of bed can be a real trial.  A sense of happiness starts with some easy tasks that can be done when you are grieving and have no energy for large projects.

First – Compliment someone every day.  If you think of something nice, say it.

Second – Forgive everyone because holding grudges hurts you more than them.

Third – You don’t have to always be right.  Sometimes it is more important to have a sense of happiness than to be right.

Fourth – Smile more as it sends a positive message to your mind that you are open to having a sense of happiness.

Fifth – Do you actual know what makes you happy?  Write out what it will take for you to have a sense of happiness – what steps can you take towards achieving it.

Widows are led to believe that if they can’t handle their grief, all they have to do is take a pill to feel calm and content.  Yet, it is important to know that antidepressants have been linked to significant side effects, including weight gain and even an increased risk of suicide.  To make it even worse, studies have found that the drugs may not work as well as advertised.

All in all, the prescription route when grieving may not give you the sense of happiness that you are seeking.  To help cut through the confusion, I am passing on three common misconceptions that Dr. Oz has identified:

Myth # 1 – “You should feel happy all the time”.  Sadness and grief are a normal part of being human.

Myth # 2 – “Pills offer the easiest fix”.  Research has shown that lifestyle, such as therapy and exercise, can be as effective as medication.

Myth # 3 – “Depression looks the same on everyone”.  Everyone experiences depression differently and if your doctor says that you are depressed and recommends antidepressants, consider seeing a mental health specialist for a second opinion.  Untreated depression can be dangerous, but taking medication when you don’t need it can expose you to potentially harmful side effects.

A true sense of happiness means that you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others.  We need to acknowledge that we share our world with others and it can be a curse or a blessing – you decide.

To Our Shared Journey,                                                                                      

Mary Francis is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist®,  Certified Law of Attraction Facilitator,  Early Intervention Field Traumatology (EIFT) and Author/Founder of “The Sisterhood of Widows”