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

Our topic this month is: "Taking Steps Towards Understanding Our Loneliness"

Taking Steps Towards Understanding Our Loneliness," is Part I of a two-part series on overcoming loneliness. In September, we will acknowledge, explore, and decipher our feelings of loneliness. (Hint: sometimes we are really feeling other emotions that we assume are loneliness).

We will begin with the definition of Loneliness.

We return to Dr. Vivek Murthy's book, “Together – The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World”, where he defines the feeling of loneliness as:

- lacking social connection

- lacking the feeling of closeness, trust and affection

- lacking community.

Together, we will begin to explore and decipher our feelings of loneliness with courage, compassion, and connection.

Join us this month as we explore this topic.

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

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