A grief journey is a lot like going on a diet. In the beginning, the weight is so heavy it seems an impossible task to lose. Plus, the path to wellness is filled with confusing advice and opinions. How does one reach a healthy goal? Try one diet plan, lose a couple of pounds. The next day feel so overwhelmed by the loss that the weight on your heart gets even heavier. It’s a real yo-yo ride.
It’s been this way with my blog. So anxious to write William’s story in hopes of shedding 100 pounds of sadness quickly, I neglected, in fact, to do it with long term benefits. After all these years of writing, I may have lost 95% of my sadness, but from a technology point of view, I haven’t lost an ounce. Poor planning and lack of knowledge on my part seems to have compounded my grief by not creating the back end of the blog the best that it could be. Like dieting there is no quick fix. A new grief journey diet was much needed.
Like a Fork in the Road
I’ve known about my blog technology issues for quite some time. You may not see the problems on the surface, but behind the scenes they are huge. The motivation to be better was there and even the inspiration, but the clarity of how to fix was not. It was hard to admit, but I knew I could not change technology problems that I did not understand. The work would be too hard. Like a fork in the road I had a choice to make.
It came to a point that I wasn’t doing William or you, my readers, justice and I thought about abandoning the blog completely. I felt like I had failed him, me and maybe most importantly you. The weight was so heavy. In fact, I felt so terrible about it that I actually apologized out loud to my son. Later that day, I met Sireesha (Siri). Over the years, William has brought many gifts into my life. Siri is the latest addition. She will help me bring to you a much improved user experience.
Did you notice?
Have you noticed the blog looks different? Siri is an amazing and brilliant young woman. Not only did she bring the clarity on how to improve the blog, but also a kind and gentle teaching style that I can relate to. The journey to blog wellness is much like the grief journey. Being better doesn’t happen overnight. There is no quick fix. She is guiding me one step at a time until I have reached my goal to make the blog the best that it can be. It is a huge work in progress, so bear with me as I get it done. The reward is that I honor my son to the best of my ability while providing a better blog experience for you.
Gratitude for a new year
In this new year, as I approach the 10 year anniversary of William's death, I want you to know how grateful I am that you continue to take this journey with me. Truth is that losing that last 5 pounds of grief on my heart is unrealistic. However, losing the actual blog issues is totally doable. Moving forward, I promise to continue to test my recipes and to recommend only quality products that I love. Further, I promise to provide honest answers to all your questions in the comments. If there are recipes that you are looking for or have questions about, I am here to help. If you are trapped in your grief I am here to listen and maybe bring a bit of clarity.
MARY R SHIVERS
So inspiring, as always, Lisa. Hugs.
Lisa
Thank you Mary. It's dear friends like you that keep me motivated.
Rebecka Evans
Just when I think I can’t love you more, poof! I’m inspired by your tenacity and willingness to share the good and bad bits about your life’s journey. I know William is smiling down on his sweet momma!
Thank you for connecting me to Siri. We’re on the same blog diet journey and she’s the wind beneath our collective wings.
Love you, friend!
Lisa
Yes, I share the good, the bad and the ugly. Just being my authentic self. Glad you love Siri as much as I do. Her gifts are great.
jill
Lisa,
You and your journey that you have chosen to share, has given me such insight into grief, loss and love. Thank you for being so honest and open. always. So excited to see what amazing new enhancements you have for your blog and look forward to what you have coming up in the new year. William has to be so proud of his Mom!!!😍💞
Lisa
I suppose when I die and hopefully meet William again he is probably going to have a few words to say to me about all this, but in the meantime I will do my best to get the blog up and running. I hope you and I can collaborate on a fun project in the future. If you have learned something about grief here than I know I am doing my job <3. Thanks for that comment.
patrice
As I sit, basking in rays of sunshine ... here you are, back again. Good Morning, Sunshine ... meant in many ways 🥰
Lisa
Took me a long time to become sunny 🙂 So glad you are here to cast some light and love.
Sue Afams
Hi Lisa,
I love reading anything you write and share. I am so happy that I was able to share that one Beringer Challennge weekend in Newport so long ago. You inspire me....whenever I need a pick me up or inspiration I can always find it with you..
Thank you now and always💚
Lisa
I remember that day in the pouring rain.It is a wonder any of us got our steaks grilled. You really do honor me with your kind words and make the hard work all the more worthwhile.
Julie Rainbow
My precious friend at it again and again. You're an inspiration and a gift! Please know that we love you and miss you and cannot wait for this covid cloud to lift. So looking forward to some time with you and your beautiful self! Good work, KikiMa!! <3
Lisa
All will be well soon. I so look forward to gathering with you and maybe doing a little cooking in your kitchen. We are so close my dear.
Linda Bibbo
(((((((❤)))))))
Lisa
thank you
Ava Marie Romero
I know how much it means to you. Your blog is very inspiring base on your son. I as food blogger myself took a hiatus after a terrible lost at world food championships and at the beginning of the covid 19. I feel like we're all very insecure but never let my independence define me during the epidemic. I hope to see you in November until then stay healthy and strong and its all about healing 💛
Lisa
Oh Ava thanks so much for reaching out today. We all suffer with a variety of loss, but there is always hope for tomorrow to be better. Stay strong and remember you are never alone.
Anna Ginsberg
It's looking good! I love the font. Good luck with the recipe index. That took a while for me to learn how to do correctly.
Lisa
I so appreciate your input. In the process of re-doing all my featured images in preparation for the index. Much of my mess did not migrate properly.
Carol R.
Wow I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since Will left us. You are one talented Badass cook and mom. I miss our times we played Bunco together with all the girls and all the laughs we had over the years. You and your family are always in my prayers. So glad you have those two beautiful grandchildren to enjoy. 💕 Keep on blogging and cooking. Love to see your creations.
Lisa
I so miss you, too. You always kept us laughing at BUNCO with your wonderful sense of humor. In some respects the time has flown by. It still feels like yesterday to me when that Navy Chaplain knocked at my door. Many good things have happened since then and I am so grateful for friends that carried me through. Love always dear one.
Carol Walsh
I guess I'm missing something because I never once felt that your blog was lacking...well anything! Your words and recipes have inspired me and so many others and I don't think William ever could be disappointed in you! I haven't been checking in on a regular basis, been in a little bit of a funk and neglecting the things that keep me in check like exercise, taking time for myself and reading your wonderful blog! Ugh...time to change all that!
Hard to believe it will be 10 years in April...where did the time go? I still remember taking this picture of you and William in your kitchen. *(sigh...)
Anyway keep cranking out those wonderful recipes and words of wisdom, we appreciate all that you do my friend! <3
Lisa
As always you are my rock and I don't know what I would do without you. I get how hard it is to get motivated to change things. Just do one thing different and the rest will follow. I so look forward to seeing you in 2021