Hi @mlenney167 and @jerrynord Your posts really rekindled memories for me. I lost my wife five years ago now and often still find trouble with my emotional equilibrium. NIghts are always worse, but I remind myself that all my life I'd been told your troubles always look worse in the dark. Plus the triggers keep occurring. Just the night before last I burst into tears during the Tom Rush concert over one of his songs (These Days). I was there with our daughter. Our grandsons laugh at me when I inevitably cry while watching any Disney movie with them.

I've quit trying to manage my grief emotions and instead focus on letting myself feel however the moment moves me. I've also learned to ignore those (usually well-meaning) folks who tell me how I should be grieving, how I should be feeling or reacting, or how I should be 'moving on'.

I've probably mentioned my 'To Do' list idea before, but JIC. I began a list of things I want to do and make sure I do at least one a day -- and never strike off the top item without adding a new one to the bottom of the list. Early on the items were tiny, now many still are, but I've also added some more complex ones. I enjoy the feelings of accomplishment they each bring, plus I like always having something to do in my future.

While certainly not for everyone I also added a rescue dog to my life, which has been a solid addition!

Strength, Courage, & Peace