11 Comments
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Nancy Kong's avatar

Bravo 👏. This is so enlightening and encouraging. My life, at this point, lost both parents, and no children, no siblings, I felt stuck for a while, but I practiced the little things that brings me back to life again. Your article echoed what I have experienced, it’s a wonderful reminder and refresher to live day to day with one step a time to change for better, and if possible, more meaningful and purposeful. Thank you for the inspirational writing.

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Carla Moss, NBC-HWC's avatar

Thank you for this. Great reminders for me.

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Savitree Kaur's avatar

“Failure is a teacher. Fear is a thief.”

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Debra's avatar

Your articles are wonderful and so on point, thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.

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lenny's avatar

Yes, yes, thank you so much for this article. It hit the spot! I relate to everything you spelled out. I also am influenced by your certainty.

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Maryann Boyd's avatar

Thank you so much for this article that spoke to me. I've been stuck ever since my husband passed away in May of 2023. Then 9 months later I lost the cat I was closest to. He was always loving and protective of me. More like a dog. He hung close after my husband passed. Since then I have mostly isolated. This needs to stop. Frankly, I'm afraid of everything today, but I WILL leave the house today. Thank you doctor!

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Kristy's avatar

You got this!

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Laurie Marbas, MD, MBA's avatar

Maryann, thank you for your courage in sharing your story—and for taking that powerful first step today. Grief is not linear, and losing both your husband and your beloved cat in such a short time is a profound weight to carry. That fear you’re feeling? It’s your nervous system trying to protect you. But the fact that you will leave the house today tells me your inner strength is still very much alive.

You’re not alone. One small healing habit at a time, we can build our way back to life. Be gentle with yourself. Today, it’s the front door. Tomorrow, who knows? I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

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Maryann Boyd's avatar

I did it! Made 4 stops and was exhausted afterwards. Slept 12 hours, but feel better today. Calmer, more focused. Your column helped me take that first step, and I thank you whole heartedly. Please keep writing doctor!

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Laurie Marbas, MD, MBA's avatar

OH this is wonderful! Great work!! Congratulations!

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Maryann Boyd's avatar

Thank you so much for your kindness. Haven't stepped out yet, but have to go. Been out of my BP medications almost a month, same with my antidepressant. I have to keep going...I still have to keep going. I have 2 more cats who I also promised I would go with them to the end and then bury them in my pet cemetery. More sadness ahead.

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