Third Wednesday of Month (FMM) - Peer-Led Support Topic Meeting - August

Our topic this month is: "Re-Discovering Our Identity After Loss"

At The W Connection, we know that many of us feel differently after the death of our partner –a loss of our identity. At our meetings, we will begin to explore the process of Re-Discovering Our Identity.

We start our meeting by reminding ourselves that changes in our identities can occur with any life transition, and we continually evolve throughout our lives.

We also realize that through these transitions, there is a process whereby parts of our identity remain the same and there are parts of our identity that change. We will explore this process that includes:

• realizing that our identity will be different,
• realizing that different doesn't mean negative,
• acknowledging that we bring parts of our past self to our new self
• and recognizing that there is another chapter to write.

To hear more about this month's topic, watch Dawn's Video.

Or, read these articles

Identity and Sense of Self in Widowhood

Don't Know Who I Am Anymore

Co-Leaders:  Mary, Ilene & Michelle

Mary Smith zooming in from Rockville Center, NY

About me: I am a lifelong learner -- a perfect match as an educator and former corporate mainstay.  As an active member of my local community, you can find me volunteering as a literacy coach, working with English language learners, keeping up to date on current events, or attending art lectures.  Or you might find me at a favorite rock concert singing the night away.

Interests: music, traveling, socializing, volunteering

Works well with: retired career widows, widows with grown children, and  caregivers 

Ilene Frisher zooming in from Bayville, NY

About me:  I have 2 grandchildren that fill my heart with joy! I am also a retired Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator, active volunteer for The W connection and MJHS hospice. I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family and wonderful friends, some of whom I met through the W connection.

Interests: Travel, theater, golf, kayaking and I recently entered into a new loving relationship.
 

Works well with: widows hoping to create new lives, new friendships, and new relationships.

Year of Loss: 2014