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INNER PEACE It may take time to get used to, but there is life after Comment By Jerry Hauck DailyTidings.com By Jerry Hauck Posted Mar. 20, 2015 at 12:57 PM By Jerry Hauck Posted Mar. 20, 2015 at 12:57 PM Share your Inner Peace --> The Ashland Daily Tidings invites residents of the Rogue Valley to submit articles on all aspects of inner peace, including intuition, inner guidance, mind t... » Read more X Share your Inner Peace The Ashland Daily Tidings invites residents of the Rogue Valley to submit articles on all aspects of inner peace, including intuition, inner guidance, mind training, courage, fearlessness, forgiveness of self or others, honesty, gentleness, humor, open mindedness, friendship, tolerance, trust, faith, kindness, gratitude, overcoming and/or accepting life’s challenges of addictions, loss, grief, pain, awareness of presence and more. Send 600- to 700-word articles to Sally McKirgan, [email protected] . » Social News What does a man do when he loses his wife of 52 years? Fall into depression? Go wild and crazy? Or move toward a new life? After all, one can’t just sit there waiting to die. Grief is handled in many ways. If the loss is from a sudden accident it is more difficult, but if it is the result of a long battle with a disease, such as cancer or Alzheimer’s, the caregiving may go on for eight to 10 years or more, and that worry and stress takes its toll on your health as well. It’s a well-known fact that many caregivers die before the person they are caring for. It is important to take care of yourself and prepare for your emotional, physical and financial well-being.  As difficult as it is to lose the partner one has had for so long, steps can be taken to make the transition easier. Old habits are hard to break, but when one works at changing those habits, amazing things can happen. It may be a time to pick up the pieces and forward. Consider volunteering — you may be surprised at the satisfaction you get from the time spent helping others. Do things you have always wanted to do, but were unable to accomplish. Take a bucket-list trip, replace the furniture you’ve been living with for 40 years, do some remodeling or paint the house. Sometimes the smallest adjustment can make a huge difference in your outlook on life.  How about establishing a new relationship? How does one find a new partner? Go to websites? Ugh. Go to singles events? Nope. Get out, do things and, if you are supposed to meet someone, that person will appear in your life. And if it happens, celebrate your good fortune. When friends and acquaintances say, "You look great. It’s good to see you smiling again," don't panic and think you shouldn’t be happy. Continue to look for and take advantage of opportunities presented to you. Happiness should be your goal. This not being hedonistic, it is practical.  If your family is resistant, assure them that their mother is gone but not forgotten. Tell them that you will always have your memories and they will always have theirs. Remind them, also, that this is your life and you intend to live it to the fullest. Some of you may have children who try to tell you what you should do, where you should live, and how you should spend your money. They mean well, but you are the one who must decide what your next steps will be. Life does not have to end because of the loss of a spouse. Life can take new turns and go in new directions. You must look to the future with a new approach to life. Jerry is a retired teacher and coach from Ashland High School. He lost his wife to complications from Alzheimer’s in 2013 and has met a lovely woman who had a similar situation. They have developed a lasting relationship and are looking forward many happy and love-filled years together. Send 600- to 700-word inner peace articles to Sally McKirgan at [email protected]. By Jerry Hauck DailyTidings.com By Jerry Hauck Posted Mar. 20, 2015 at 12:57 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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