Kind of Down Day

Hello Readers

I am having a kind of a down day today as I wait to receive feedback on the newsletter I sent out Friday night. It is nothing even close to what Cassie would have come up with and so will have to get my act together and do a lot more studying on how to present it in a way that you, the reader will appreciate. There is so much involved in formatting and using the right html code, java script stuff and I am just a newbie.

I have to stop writing on how hard things are for me and concentrate on the topic at hand which is giving you the tools to help your children with goal setting, which will in turn lead to more confidence and higher self esteem, as well as give them a skill they can use for life - the foundation of kidsgoals.

So without further ado I will stop lamenting and continue bringing fresh content to this parenting blog for anyone who happens to stumble upon it. :))

Happy Parenting,

Monicka

I did it!!

Dear readers, I finally did it! I sent out the first kidsgoals newsletter. It was difficult writing the word from the editor as I had to let our subscribers know about Cassie. I have to tell you it was touch and go there a few times as I am so unskilled in the area of code and I wanted the newsletter to look nice. I persevered and the first attempt was sent out just before 2 AM in the morning and now I am waiting to hear any feed back from the readers.

I was unable to use any photos in the newsletter - I just couldn't figure out how to size them properly. I am hoping to have that remedied soon as I want a pic of Cassie and myself on the front. Cassie was a huge part of kidsgoals and she will continue to be a huge part of kidsgoals!

So bear with me folks as I muddle through the next few months. I have much to learn and I am very eager - a good combination I would say!!

Hope you all have a great weekend and I will try and blog as much as possible.

Happy Parenting,

Monicka

Challenges

I am really starting to feel like I am being tested. I was just starting to move forward after the sudden death of my best friend Cassie at the end of December, and now I am dealing with the sudden loss of my Father on February 6th 2011. It was like the grieving never stopped - just amped up up quite a bit after the news of his demise. Now the funeral is over and he has been laid to rest, and I am trying to get myself back on track again.

I have so many things that I need to do and so many people that depend on me, but how to get that motivation and drive back again is the big question? We all are given challenges - some big and some small. The thing is not to let the challenge overwhelm you for in each challenge there is a lesson to be gleaned. I have yet to discover what my lessons are, but I am positive that in time they will be revealed to me. There is a saying, that what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger, and I am discovering that through all of this, that I was stronger than I even knew - who would have thunk it. I am usually the one that falls apart when the going gets rough, but somehow I found a quiet strength in myself that I never knew existed.

So no matter what you are dealing with in your life at this time you can, no you WILL, get through it. Be kind to yourself and don't do more than you are ready to do, but do one small positive thing each day no matter what. As I have said many times, being able to run the kidsgoals website and newsletter by myself is a huge part of my healing and helps to keep me moving forward. I know Cassie would have been so proud of me for facing all of this - she always believed in me. Now, I am learning to believe in myself - I shall persevere!!

Moving Forward

It has been a little over a month now since my wonderful friend Cassie passed and I miss her terribly. Grief is a journey, but one you shouldn't travel alone. If you are experiencing a loss it is imperative that you have support from family and friends and perhaps even seek professional help. I have been seeing a grief counselor and it has helped me to deal with the myriad of emotions that are part and parcel of the grieving process. She told me it is very common to feel guilt for not having done enough when that person was alive, and of course if your loved one was taken suddenly you also want answers as to why it had to be that way - answers you may never get.

All of this is a natural, normal and important part of the healing process. I have been told by others who have experienced a tragic loss, that one day it will all feel different. You will still be sad for something very precious has been taken from your life, but it will not be the overwhelming, debilitating sadness that you may be experiencing right now. In time, and please bear in mind it is different for everyone, but in time you will be able to accept that this person is no longer in your life, but you will forever carry the love they gave you in your heart, and the memories of your loved ones will bring you joy not pain.

My counselor told me not to wait until I feel better to do more she said, "Do more and you will feel better." For some just getting out of bed may be a tall order so keep in mind It doesn't have to be anything monumental, just one small thing that keeps you moving forward. Part of my healing is to continue with the Kidsgoals website and newsletter. My goal is to have the next issue out before Valentines day. It gives me something to occupy my mind and I know it is something that my dear friend would have wanted.

Wishing you all love and support on your own healing journey,

Monicka