The Widow's Handbook
@widowshandbook.bsky.social
http://thewidowshandbook.com - a guide to being widowed from someone who's been there
This is not the life I planned but it's the one I have and I'm living it the best I can
Helen Bailey blog award winner 2022
#widow #youngwidow #grief #support #LGBTQ
This is not the life I planned but it's the one I have and I'm living it the best I can
Helen Bailey blog award winner 2022
#widow #youngwidow #grief #support #LGBTQ
Pinned
Home
The Widow's Handbook is about what it's like to be widowed young, and it's for people who are trying to cope with widowhood, or help someone else
Www.thewidowshandbook.com
When I became part of
Widowed And Young
after Tim's sudden death, there was a running joke about who had the latest copy of the handbook. And so, three years later, The Widow's Handbook blog was born. Its aim is to help widows and those around them.
Www.thewidowshandbook.com
Widowed And Young
after Tim's sudden death, there was a running joke about who had the latest copy of the handbook. And so, three years later, The Widow's Handbook blog was born. Its aim is to help widows and those around them.
Www.thewidowshandbook.com
I live with depression & have since my teens. It is well-managed, though sometimes it breaks through. Thinking of those who struggle or can't find help. Thank you to the friends, family and professionals who look after us.
#WorldMentalHealthDay
#WorldMentalHealthDay2025
#1in4
#WorldMentalHealthDay
#WorldMentalHealthDay2025
#1in4
October 10, 2025 at 8:28 AM
I live with depression & have since my teens. It is well-managed, though sometimes it breaks through. Thinking of those who struggle or can't find help. Thank you to the friends, family and professionals who look after us.
#WorldMentalHealthDay
#WorldMentalHealthDay2025
#1in4
#WorldMentalHealthDay
#WorldMentalHealthDay2025
#1in4
Reposted by The Widow's Handbook
“I’d rather try being distracted…
Grief is handled differently by everyone.”
Grief is handled differently by everyone.”
“I. . . know that.”
[Well, sort of. She couldn’t exactly relate. She holds onto Tron’s hand for a few seconds before letting go.]
“Would you. . like to talk about her? Or is a distraction preferable. .? I am unsure of how to approach ‘grief.’”
[Well, sort of. She couldn’t exactly relate. She holds onto Tron’s hand for a few seconds before letting go.]
“Would you. . like to talk about her? Or is a distraction preferable. .? I am unsure of how to approach ‘grief.’”
Oh.. it looks as if Tron had been crying again.
“I can’t help how I’m feeling Tempo.”
She accepts the helping hand as she gets up.
“I can’t help how I’m feeling Tempo.”
She accepts the helping hand as she gets up.
September 26, 2025 at 10:01 PM
“I’d rather try being distracted…
Grief is handled differently by everyone.”
Grief is handled differently by everyone.”
Reposted by The Widow's Handbook
This is good, on grief.
September 18, 2025 at 4:24 PM
This is good, on grief.
Clearing out after someone dies is hard #widow #grief
From The Guardian - Sort as you go and don’t rush: six steps to clearing out a loved one’s home when they die
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/s...
From The Guardian - Sort as you go and don’t rush: six steps to clearing out a loved one’s home when they die
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/s...
Sort as you go and don’t rush: six steps to clearing out a loved one’s home when they die
From telling the insurers to accepting you may need to get the experts in, tips on dealing with the deceased’s property
www.theguardian.com
September 17, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Clearing out after someone dies is hard #widow #grief
From The Guardian - Sort as you go and don’t rush: six steps to clearing out a loved one’s home when they die
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/s...
From The Guardian - Sort as you go and don’t rush: six steps to clearing out a loved one’s home when they die
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/s...
Reposted by The Widow's Handbook
"After 3 months, peoples' lives have changed, they've moved on, but your entire world has changed." Dr Bill Webster on #grief #loss #mourning
open.spotify.com/episode/66cV...
open.spotify.com/episode/66cV...
Episode 67: Dr Bill Webster
open.spotify.com
September 16, 2025 at 9:16 AM
"After 3 months, peoples' lives have changed, they've moved on, but your entire world has changed." Dr Bill Webster on #grief #loss #mourning
open.spotify.com/episode/66cV...
open.spotify.com/episode/66cV...
Writing got me through #grief. While it isn't specifically about #writing for #grief, if you are in North Yorkshire in early November come along to my #monologue workshop and see if writing works for you.
#WhitbyLitFest #widow
whitbylitfest.org.uk/event/suzann...
#WhitbyLitFest #widow
whitbylitfest.org.uk/event/suzann...
Suzanne Elvidge – Writing workshop: Writing Monologues That Speak to an Audience - Whitby Lit Fest
Suzanne will guide you through creating a monologue – a story with a single voice – from the idea to the final draft. Whether you are a beginner or an […]
whitbylitfest.org.uk
September 16, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Writing got me through #grief. While it isn't specifically about #writing for #grief, if you are in North Yorkshire in early November come along to my #monologue workshop and see if writing works for you.
#WhitbyLitFest #widow
whitbylitfest.org.uk/event/suzann...
#WhitbyLitFest #widow
whitbylitfest.org.uk/event/suzann...
Reposted by The Widow's Handbook
Grief and loss affects us all differently and you might experience many different emotions, like shock, tiredness, or guilt. There is no right or wrong way to feel - we all react in our own way. If you're struggling after a bereavement, find trusted advice and support: swlstg.nhs.uk/bereavement
September 12, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Grief and loss affects us all differently and you might experience many different emotions, like shock, tiredness, or guilt. There is no right or wrong way to feel - we all react in our own way. If you're struggling after a bereavement, find trusted advice and support: swlstg.nhs.uk/bereavement
I've had a birthday this week.
My birthday has long been a bittersweet day.
www.thewidowshandbook.com/home/bitters...
My birthday has long been a bittersweet day.
www.thewidowshandbook.com/home/bitters...
The Widow's Almanac: Bittersweet birthdays
I've had a birthday this week. My birthday has long been a bittersweet day. My first husband's mother died suddenly and unexpectedly on my 24th birthday, nine months before we got married. He rang...
www.thewidowshandbook.com
September 12, 2025 at 9:32 AM
I've had a birthday this week.
My birthday has long been a bittersweet day.
www.thewidowshandbook.com/home/bitters...
My birthday has long been a bittersweet day.
www.thewidowshandbook.com/home/bitters...
Reposted by The Widow's Handbook
Loss changes everything…
It cuts deep - but when we find the strength to guide the pen and control the flow, love and hope can carve deeper still.
Redefine your story 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #Grief #Bereavement #SuicideAwareness #Hope 🐦⬛
It cuts deep - but when we find the strength to guide the pen and control the flow, love and hope can carve deeper still.
Redefine your story 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #Grief #Bereavement #SuicideAwareness #Hope 🐦⬛
September 9, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Loss changes everything…
It cuts deep - but when we find the strength to guide the pen and control the flow, love and hope can carve deeper still.
Redefine your story 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #Grief #Bereavement #SuicideAwareness #Hope 🐦⬛
It cuts deep - but when we find the strength to guide the pen and control the flow, love and hope can carve deeper still.
Redefine your story 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #Grief #Bereavement #SuicideAwareness #Hope 🐦⬛
Reposted by The Widow's Handbook
My therapist said something similar to me. Julian's death created a detour toward my life's destination - a happy and fulfilling life. But, it hasn't ended the journey. I'm just now on it alone and will have to take a new route.
#grief #bereft #widowhood #rerouted #lifejourney
#grief #bereft #widowhood #rerouted #lifejourney
September 9, 2025 at 3:40 AM
My therapist said something similar to me. Julian's death created a detour toward my life's destination - a happy and fulfilling life. But, it hasn't ended the journey. I'm just now on it alone and will have to take a new route.
#grief #bereft #widowhood #rerouted #lifejourney
#grief #bereft #widowhood #rerouted #lifejourney
I have found that #grief really isn't linear - it's more like a pinball machine
www.thewidowshandbook.com/home/models-...
#widow
www.thewidowshandbook.com/home/models-...
#widow
September 9, 2025 at 8:42 AM
I have found that #grief really isn't linear - it's more like a pinball machine
www.thewidowshandbook.com/home/models-...
#widow
www.thewidowshandbook.com/home/models-...
#widow
Last weekend I was part of Felix Rackow's Virgin Radio Pride documentary Grief in the Shadows - here's the catch up link
shows.acast.com/virgin-radio...
shows.acast.com/virgin-radio...
Grief in the Shadows | Virgin Radio Pridecast
shows.acast.com
September 5, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Last weekend I was part of Felix Rackow's Virgin Radio Pride documentary Grief in the Shadows - here's the catch up link
shows.acast.com/virgin-radio...
shows.acast.com/virgin-radio...
On the podcast Living with Dying with @dilysmorgan.bsky.social I talk about the creation of @widowshandbook.bsky.social, support from the amazing charity WAY Widowed And Young & the the taboo topic of the impact of the loss of intimacy for a #widow
open.spotify.com/episode/2BDS...
open.spotify.com/episode/2BDS...
Episode 66: Suzanne Elvidge
open.spotify.com
September 2, 2025 at 8:41 AM
WAY Widowed and Young Chair Jo Sedley-Burke and Andrew and I, both Way members, have been interviewed for VirginRadioUK Pride for Grief in the Shadows, exploring how being LGBTQIA+ can complicate the process of grief and bereavement.
7-8pm Sun 31 August
virginradio.co.uk/play/virginr...
7-8pm Sun 31 August
virginradio.co.uk/play/virginr...
virginradio.co.uk
August 30, 2025 at 1:03 PM
WAY Widowed and Young Chair Jo Sedley-Burke and Andrew and I, both Way members, have been interviewed for VirginRadioUK Pride for Grief in the Shadows, exploring how being LGBTQIA+ can complicate the process of grief and bereavement.
7-8pm Sun 31 August
virginradio.co.uk/play/virginr...
7-8pm Sun 31 August
virginradio.co.uk/play/virginr...
Reposted by The Widow's Handbook
Healing doesn’t happen just by moving forward. It happens when you stop long enough to feel. Don’t skip that step.
#Healing #GriefWork #MentalHealth #LifeCoach
#Healing #GriefWork #MentalHealth #LifeCoach
August 7, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Healing doesn’t happen just by moving forward. It happens when you stop long enough to feel. Don’t skip that step.
#Healing #GriefWork #MentalHealth #LifeCoach
#Healing #GriefWork #MentalHealth #LifeCoach
Reposted by The Widow's Handbook
Reminder that grief does not have a designated time frame. Insensitive weirdos.
August 7, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Reminder that grief does not have a designated time frame. Insensitive weirdos.
Reposted by The Widow's Handbook
When grief feels overwhelming, come back to your senses.
Try the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method:
5 things you see
4 things you can touch
3 things you hear
2 things you smell
1 thing you taste
Breathe. You’re still here. You’re safe.#GriefSupport #GroundingTools
Try the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method:
5 things you see
4 things you can touch
3 things you hear
2 things you smell
1 thing you taste
Breathe. You’re still here. You’re safe.#GriefSupport #GroundingTools
August 1, 2025 at 11:13 AM
When grief feels overwhelming, come back to your senses.
Try the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method:
5 things you see
4 things you can touch
3 things you hear
2 things you smell
1 thing you taste
Breathe. You’re still here. You’re safe.#GriefSupport #GroundingTools
Try the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method:
5 things you see
4 things you can touch
3 things you hear
2 things you smell
1 thing you taste
Breathe. You’re still here. You’re safe.#GriefSupport #GroundingTools
Reposted by The Widow's Handbook
A common theme in our Grief Circles is "I thought I was doing better." You were. Yesterday.
But today the reality hit you in the face anew.
It's ok. You'll never be "over it" but you will find new ways to co-exist with your pain.
There's no timeline for healing.
#GriefJourney #ODAAT
But today the reality hit you in the face anew.
It's ok. You'll never be "over it" but you will find new ways to co-exist with your pain.
There's no timeline for healing.
#GriefJourney #ODAAT
July 22, 2025 at 8:54 PM
A common theme in our Grief Circles is "I thought I was doing better." You were. Yesterday.
But today the reality hit you in the face anew.
It's ok. You'll never be "over it" but you will find new ways to co-exist with your pain.
There's no timeline for healing.
#GriefJourney #ODAAT
But today the reality hit you in the face anew.
It's ok. You'll never be "over it" but you will find new ways to co-exist with your pain.
There's no timeline for healing.
#GriefJourney #ODAAT
Reposted by The Widow's Handbook
Every photo, every letter, every joke becomes more precious. Grief teaches us to hold tighter to those tiny things.
#GriefAndHealing #SentimentalQuotes
quotes.thisgrandpablogs.com/memory-becom...
#GriefAndHealing #SentimentalQuotes
quotes.thisgrandpablogs.com/memory-becom...
Memory Becomes a Treasure: Finding Comfort After Loss
When someone you love is gone, their memory becomes a treasure—a lasting source of comfort, love, and healing through grief.
quotes.thisgrandpablogs.com
July 22, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Every photo, every letter, every joke becomes more precious. Grief teaches us to hold tighter to those tiny things.
#GriefAndHealing #SentimentalQuotes
quotes.thisgrandpablogs.com/memory-becom...
#GriefAndHealing #SentimentalQuotes
quotes.thisgrandpablogs.com/memory-becom...
Reposted by The Widow's Handbook
At @dyingwithdignity.ca 's blog, a new feature spotlights BIPOC Death and Grief Talk, a collective care group located in Tkaronto that supports racialized and Indigenous folks through #grief and loss.
Learn more at DWDC's website: www.dyingwithdignity.ca/blog/bipoc-d...
Learn more at DWDC's website: www.dyingwithdignity.ca/blog/bipoc-d...
BIPOC death and grief talk | Dying With Dignity Canada
Kaylce Carter (they/them) and Carmen Galvan (she/her) are the co-founders of BIPOC Death and Grief Talk, a collective care group…
www.dyingwithdignity.ca
July 20, 2025 at 2:36 AM
At @dyingwithdignity.ca 's blog, a new feature spotlights BIPOC Death and Grief Talk, a collective care group located in Tkaronto that supports racialized and Indigenous folks through #grief and loss.
Learn more at DWDC's website: www.dyingwithdignity.ca/blog/bipoc-d...
Learn more at DWDC's website: www.dyingwithdignity.ca/blog/bipoc-d...
Reposted by The Widow's Handbook
Here’s to the semicolons.
To the pauses that hold us.
To the strangers who show up with kindness.
And to the ongoing sentences - messy, painful, hopeful - that we’re still here to write 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #Grief #Loss #Semicolon #Hope
To the pauses that hold us.
To the strangers who show up with kindness.
And to the ongoing sentences - messy, painful, hopeful - that we’re still here to write 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #Grief #Loss #Semicolon #Hope
Hope in small symbols
Daddy Blackbird #12
shorturl.at
July 5, 2025 at 7:03 AM
Here’s to the semicolons.
To the pauses that hold us.
To the strangers who show up with kindness.
And to the ongoing sentences - messy, painful, hopeful - that we’re still here to write 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #Grief #Loss #Semicolon #Hope
To the pauses that hold us.
To the strangers who show up with kindness.
And to the ongoing sentences - messy, painful, hopeful - that we’re still here to write 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #Grief #Loss #Semicolon #Hope
Reposted by The Widow's Handbook
Grief is a windowless room
doors of opportunity
to see them again
all shut, for which
no God(s) can open.
#vssdaily #grief #poem #poetry #micropoem #micropoetry
doors of opportunity
to see them again
all shut, for which
no God(s) can open.
#vssdaily #grief #poem #poetry #micropoem #micropoetry
June 30, 2025 at 8:21 AM
Grief is a windowless room
doors of opportunity
to see them again
all shut, for which
no God(s) can open.
#vssdaily #grief #poem #poetry #micropoem #micropoetry
doors of opportunity
to see them again
all shut, for which
no God(s) can open.
#vssdaily #grief #poem #poetry #micropoem #micropoetry
Reposted by The Widow's Handbook
Reposted by The Widow's Handbook
Missing your past self doesn’t mean you love your child any less.
That ache? It’s part of change.
#GriefInMotherhood #SelfLoveStillMatters #PostpartumGrowth #QuietConnection #MomsEvolveToo
That ache? It’s part of change.
#GriefInMotherhood #SelfLoveStillMatters #PostpartumGrowth #QuietConnection #MomsEvolveToo
June 22, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Missing your past self doesn’t mean you love your child any less.
That ache? It’s part of change.
#GriefInMotherhood #SelfLoveStillMatters #PostpartumGrowth #QuietConnection #MomsEvolveToo
That ache? It’s part of change.
#GriefInMotherhood #SelfLoveStillMatters #PostpartumGrowth #QuietConnection #MomsEvolveToo