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I take each day as it comes, try to have a focus for that day. Today is pretty good, but it gives me a nudge every now and again. H

Lizzie when we loss loved ones some people are expecting to grieve in the same way with each bereavement, and are even more upset because they dont. this can be for many reasons, for example it could be the age of the loved one, how close you were to a certain person, how well they physically or emotionally knew a loved one. or lastly some of us may never have met a loved one for many reasons. or if physical events had taken place ,and a loved one could not be viewed by family and friends

this happened me was because, my son and i parted with bad blood between us, and when his baby daughter was born , and died age 50 minutes i was banned from attending her service or internment, her name was Rebecca Jade, but i called her Becky, and i bought her a small headstone and i go to her grave at least once a month with fresh flowers. i will always love my grandaughter, but possibly not as much as my Angel wife or son, who took his own life.?

I have not been seen by an individual therapist.

For my Fibromyalgia I attended a 3week course followed by a 6-month and 12-month review. It involved a Psychiatrist, Rheumatoid Consultant, Physiotherapist, Occupational therapist and specialist nurse. We covered the possible triggers of the condition, how to pace one self which is very important, when an achievement was made to treat yourself, meditation, a discussion about medication. Physio group and hydrotherapy and how to cope at home with daily living. This course was very good, at the end of 12 months I no longer attended the hospital outpatient clinic, the course was self-management, any concerns were to be directed to the general practitioner. I must say initially I felt they didn't know what to do with Fibromyalgia patients, I felt insecure but now feel comfortable with it.

I think throughout life one suffers from all the stated anxieties but as one grows older, more experience, encouragement, support one can jump from one to another leaving some, or most of the old feelings behind tucked away but they can rear their ugly feelings at times, it's trying to find a suppressant method.

I personally feel secure this has taken many years to develop gaining life experiences, knowledge and confidence so if the demons return I can cope with them to stop any damage they would like to do. Everyone is different.

I have to be very careful with what I drink as lots of drink has gluten and wheat in as being a coeliac I can only non gluten and wheat and it is very hard when celebrating or Xmas time or holidays when I. Celebrating anything I drink preseco or gluten free beer or can of coke can't drink bottle ones as they are made differently it is very hard to know what is safe and what is not that is why I joined coeliac UK because they have a scanner that is for coeliacs and to me I scan everything just to stay safe as I was diagnosed when I was 49 but been like this from birth so everything I enjoyed having was slowly killing me that's why I was anorexic had 2.5 foliate.. Suffered with anomeia left me with brittle bones which I didn't have any calcium my teeth was crumbling had to have them all extracted by an operation which meant I couldn't have false teeth for an Year, so if you have stomach problems, indegestion, then get checked out,. Tigger

While retirement for me has been quite a ride dealing with other family members and issues, so never had time to rest. We have today a great new world to explore online which was never really existed before. I am not a member of Facebook or any social media but discover so many groups operate online that are very accessable. For me I took over caring for our grandchild, finding no help anywhere, until I used my wife's account to explore groups, Bingo, there was several excellent groups. So whatever your interest in life there will be groups online of like minded people. These groups are quite good of ensuring your identity so you don't get any 'strange individuals' in your chosen group. Like you say you have all sorts of charity work to explore, my brother's widow volunteers to help out at the old peoples home her mother enjoyed her last days. Holiday options for our age group for singles as well as couples.

I have a static in Norfolk that we could stay March until November at a relatively low price which has been a fantastic haven in the summer. Being a little old fashioned it does not have large groups of children, mainly like minded people like ourselves, so a great social life if you want it. Some older people do the opposite in winter seasons and stay abroad, out of season for pennies with like minded people. Sadly for us we are back to school holidays due to our 9 year old grandchild so greatly restricted, thrust into being a parent again is quite a lesson in life.

Family is you greatest asset as we get older we need their support and safeguarding covering our backs. So the 'world is your oyster' but you have to put yourself out there, it won't come to you. Get out there and embrace it, it can be great fun, good luck!