Blogging My Way Through Widowhood

July 10th of this year marks four years that I’ve been fortunate enough to share my journey right here, at the Hope For Widows Foundation blog. Being involved with this wonderful group has been an exponential part of my healing process.

Prior to being welcomed aboard here, I had been writing about my new life over at Medium. In those early days, it was really helpful to get my feelings out in front of me so that I could sort through them in a less chaotic way.

I had been a blogger from way back–before “blog” was even a word–and knew how cathartic it could be to share both the highs and lows of life. So naturally, taking my widowhood journey to the blogosphere, once I felt up to doing so, was a no-brainer for me.

I cannot preach the merits of journaling one’s grief enough! Even if starting a blog isn’t for you, journaling either digitally or in longhand can be incredibly helpful.

I’ve mentioned journaling numerous times to those deep in grief, and oftentimes people will say, “I just don’t know where to start.”

Writing a letter to your departed loved one is an excellent way to begin.

I wrote several longhand letters to Bret in the days following his death back in 2018.

Simply write them a letter, as if you are catching them up on what’s been going on in your world. Send an email. A text. Even a Facebook post.

I still sometimes post on his Facebook page as if he will be reading it later on in the day.

Blogs and journal entries are also great ways to be able to look back and see how far you’ve come. (And if you have any interest in writing at all, they are also great for looking back and seeing how much you’ve improved as a writer!)

For me personally, writing has been everything.

I’ve written and published several books and am working on two more. Bret always supported my writing, but I (sadly) would never have been able to write with the freedom I do now. And if I can’t be vulnerable and transparent in my writing, then what am I even doing?

Whether you’re new to grief or a “seasoned pro”, as I sometimes call myself, it’s not too late to start journaling or blogging.

Or maybe you have a book or two just begging to come out.

You may never know until you pick up a pen and write.

Other creative outlets can be equally helpful: painting, sculpting, sewing, candle-making, anything that you can pour your heart and soul into.

When I see a completed writing project in front of me for the first time, I feel another layer of healing form around my heart. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to turn such pain into something beautiful.

It’s an added bonus when that beautiful thing can go on to somehow help someone else in the process.

Image via BingAI

About Layla Beth Munk

Layla Beth Munk is a blogger & author who was thrust into this widowhood journey abruptly and tragically on February 11, 2018. Her husband of 12 years had ended his pain once and for all. She soon made the decision that she would not let his final decision define the rest of her life or their daughter’s life, so with her sense of humor at the helm, she started writing about her newfound station in life. Grief waves still get to her, and probably always will, but with the help of her fellow widows as well as friends and family, she has been able to realize her dream of becoming a published author! Layla is so grateful to Hope For Widows Foundation for providing this level of support to her, and so many others! Layla has two amazing children, one who is grown and one who is almost grown. She lives in eastern Oregon and has a wellness & beauty background. Layla enjoys writing poetry, watching anime, and homeschooling her daughter.

Her blog can be found at laylabethmunk.medium.com and her debut novella, 24 Hours in Vegas, is available on Amazon.