Young Widows - Peer-Led Support Topic Meeting (First Tuesday of Month) - Sep

Our topic this month is: "Building Resilience After Loss"

In this month’s topic meeting, we will recognize the strength and resilience that our members have shown.

The American Psychiatric Association defines resilience as the process of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences by altering behaviors, thoughts, and actions that anyone can learn.

While there is no playbook for grief, we have seen members build resilience and grow through their grief by building connections, fostering wellness, healthy thinking, taking control, finding purpose or meaning, and seeking help when needed.

In preparation for these meetings, our Topic Committee GEMs suggests:

Reading these articles used to research this month's topic

Resilience

What does 'Resilient Grieving' Mean?

Listening to this Dawn's Video on this months theme

Fostering Resilience After Loss

Bringing a paper and pen to the meetings

Co-Leaders:  Anjalee,  Laura & Michelle

"Being a GEM volunteer allows me to return and share the kindness, support, and encouragement that other widows may need. I sincerely wish that every widow can find happiness again.".

Anjalee Dave:  Zooming in from Queens, NY

About me:  I am a mother, physician, widow, wife and a different woman.

Interests:   I  was a part of W Connection during its infancy, 13 years ago. The organization and women I met, were crucial to my ability to build a new life. This inspiration, sense of community and support has been with me since. 

Works well with:  Young widows.  I was 37 when my husband died of cancer and our son was almost two. The path to creating my present life was challenging but I can proudly say that I am genuinely happy and fulfilled once again.

Year of loss : 2010

"The support of other widows was a lifeline for me when I lost my husband; as a "GEM volunteer, it is my goal to now be a source of hope and encouragement to other widows new on this journey."

Laura Fallon: Zooming in from Souteast Florida
About Me: Registered Nurse in Neonatal Intensive care, but I loved being a stay-at-home mom to two daugters.

Interests: Yoga, boating and even some golf.  I recently joined a crossfit gym.
Works well with:  Young Widows.  I was suddenly widowed 2 months before my 40th birthday. 
Year of loss: 2001, when my daughters were 8 and 11 years old.

Michelle Las:  Zooming in from Weehawken, NJ

About me:  I left my NYC legal recruiting career after 17 years to pursue my passion after I lost my husband and became a certified health coach. I try to practice a lifestyle of gratitude, learning, positivity and fulfillment, and glad I found the W Connection to help others get there as well.

Interests:  Cooking and creating new recipes, being outdoors, reading, podcasts, fitness, travel, organizing (literally) everything!

Works well with:  Young widows, career women trying to rebalance life and move forward, NYC-area members

Year of loss : 2018