MONTHLY TOPIC
Kindness Over the Holidays
Our December 2023 topic is found under our Purpose & Meaning Pillar of Healthy Widowhood. MWC Founder Carolyn Moor shares a preview of this month’s video:
This month may be full of what we call “trigger moments” that remind us of past holidays and rituals we had with our loved ones. These memories can feel overwhelming or comforting — it can vary from year to year.
If this is your first holiday season without your person, let me share that showing yourself kindness during the holidays is how you will get through it. Kindness to yourself is a new superpower for you to activate.
Even if it’s year 2 or 22, kindness over the holidays needs a new approach. So this year, I invite you to join in a short “Kindness Manifesto for Widows” exercise. I’m going to give you a real tool that you can use to get through the days, weeks, and months ahead.
Are you ready? Grab a piece of paper and a pen or pencil…
#GIVINGTUESDAY
Thank You for Your Generosity!
We’re grateful for your support and compassion on Giving Tuesday.
The grief-to-growth process in widowhood is multilayered and three-dimensional. One day you’re certain of who you are and the next, after becoming detached from your loved one, you’re no longer certain of anything.
It’s crucial for widows to be able to connect with one another to build friendships, community, and hope. Because of you, widows can receive services and support through our regional and virtual groups long after most become ineligible for traditional grief support.
On behalf of our organization and all of the widows we serve, thank you for making an important difference in the life of a widow.
WELLNESS WINDOW
Healthy Gift Guide
By Tara Gidus Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, ACSM-CPT
If you’re like me, you’re stressing about what to get everyone on your list for the holidays. I’m always looking for unique ideas — and even better, something that can promote health, wellness, and joy to my friends and family.
I’d love to share some ideas that you might find helpful for others, and maybe you’ll decide to pamper yourself with a gift!
Body Scrubs and Bath Salts: You can really go all out and make these yourself with any variation of recipes you can find online and decorate jars with your own flair. Or you can purchase them from bath/body stores in a variety of scents.
Rice Bag Warmers: I have a friend who makes these as a side business, but again, you can purchase these as well with lavender or other scents for relaxation. When I say I use my bags daily, I am not exaggerating! I have two that I put in the microwave and use them on my neck or lower back, sit on them when my office is cold, put them in the bed while I brush my teeth so I come in to a warm bed, and more!
Gratitude Jar: I made gratitude jars for about 15 people last holiday season and they were a hit! I simply bought a large glass jar with a lid from a home goods/decor store. Then I took colored blank paper and cut them into strips. It’s as simple as that! I also bought a little book called The Gratitude Jar by Katrina Liu and Bella Ansori to go along with the gift. It’s a heart-warming story about a mom starting a gratitude jar with her son, and the impact it had on their lives.
Journaling Prompting Cards: I found a set called “Empowering Questions Cards” online but I’m sure there are others as well. Pair the cards with a new journal.
Personalized Cosmetic Bag: You can find various places online to order (or DIY!) cosmetic bags with a friend’s/family member’s initials or names on them. Depending on your budget you can fill it with pampering goodies or just give the bag as the gift itself!
Click below to continue reading Tara’s article.
Tara Gidus Collingwood is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Personal Trainer, and fellow Wister. You can find her at dietdiva.net.
MWC VIDEO
Choosing Life Again in Widowhood
Almost three-quarters of married women will become widowed.
At nearly 12 million, the widow population in the United States exceeds that of New York City, the country’s most populated metropolis. These are our grandmothers, mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, aunts, nieces, and friends.
Our video “Choosing Life Again: 7 Out of 10 Married Women Become Widows,” created in collaboration with Full Sail University SPARK students, shares two impactful widowhood stories. The video sheds light on the challenges they and their families face while underscoring the critical need for public awareness and support.
Visit our YouTube channel to view additional videos from Modern Widows Club — and please be sure to click “subscribe”!
MENTORING PROGRAM
PIVOT 6-Month Virtual Mentoring Program with Carolyn Moor
The transformative PIVOT mentoring journey, which runs from January through June 2024, is designed to empower widows to embrace their new life with a well-rounded, positive mindset and a drive for continual progress.
“I would encourage all widows who are trying to move forward with their ‘new normal’ to consider PIVOT. It gave me the confidence and clarity to step into a future that I did not ask for, as we widows well know.” – Beth P.
We invite you to join this powerful journey of growth.
This workshop-style program offers a personalized and supportive environment to foster your pivot towards a more fulfilled life.
MWC TRAVEL CLUB
Parents and Kids, This Cruise is for You!
Parents, you and your children are invited to join members of our Travel Club and Parenting Club on Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Breakaway” vessel for a 7-night cruise in June, 2024 from Miami, Florida to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; Tortola, Virgin Islands; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.
The Breakaway was voted “Best Cruise Ship for Families” by USA Today, and it offers plenty of fun activities for the whole family: aqua parks (including one just for kids!), ropes course, age-tailored kids’ programs (including one for teens), sports complex, video arcade, and much more!
To learn more about room options, amenities, costs, flight packages, and other details, join the MWC Travel Club and click the “Events” tab.
If you’re not already a member of our Parenting Club, please click the link and join us!