Helen Wilkie is the vibrant and energizing founder of the new community
Suddenly Single Woman.
After 41 years as part of a happily married couple, she is learning to live as a happily single woman after being widowed a few years ago. Helen is quick to express, in her delightful Scottish accent: “It hasn’t been easy. In fact sometimes it was so hard I just wanted to stay home and see nobody ever again.”
Well, she didn’t just stay home and she is encouraging other women who are suddenly on their own to follow her lead.
After a long and successful career as a writer, speaker and communication specialist, Helen gradually worked through the unexpected change in her life. Finding her own footing, she was motivated to help other women find their way out of the dark place of a divorce aftermath or the death of a husband, or even the breakup of a long term relationship.
If you are asking yourself, “What happened to my life?” or “What am I going to do now?”, you will find plenty of articles and information to help you move forward on the SSW website.
My readers know that embracing change during life’s later years is a theme I like to include in my novels. After being widowed myself many years ago at the age of 43, I’ve experienced the journey. Grief is not linear nor is there a specific timeframe. Everyone is affected differently and yet there are certain aspects shared by all going through the process.
The most important lesson I learned is that it’s never too late to begin something new. As the years roll by , I realize more clearly that getting older offers us more opportunities to do follow dreams. Helen is a woman who has embraced the change in her life and started on an entirely new path.
I’m excited to be one of the contributing writers for Suddenly Single Woman and have an article on their website today giving a shout out for the great friendships so many women share.
Even if you aren’t single, this website offers all sorts of great information and ideas, pop on over and explore it for yourself. See you there!
Suddenly Single Woman also has a Facebook page where Helen is looking forward to welcoming you and anyone you can think of who might be looking for this kind of support and incentive to move forward with their life.
Have you found yourself suddenly in a situation that requires a change in the dynamics of your life? Share your story with us!
Patricia Sands 
It sounds like she is in a very good place now!
Yep. I went through pretty big changes when my kids went to college. Then I made some self-defining changes after a health issue. Now it’s smooth sailing for me! It’s amazing how hard it is to cut out the toxic relationships, but it makes a huge difference!
Susie, you’ve certainly had opportunities to take a look at your life and make decisive changes. I am a great fan of the way you handled adversity! You set the bar high for the rest of us … and that’s a good thing!
I don’t know about that, but it did give me clarity! 🙂
What a great concept! Thanks for sharing, Patricia. 🙂
Ver nice of you to post this. Must be hard to adjust to the change when becoming suddenly single due to becoming a widow. I’m sure many people handle grief differently.
We never know what life has in store for us, Phil. Even though it can sound kind of cheesy, the most important lesson I learned through my experience is that every day is a gift and we need to make the most of each and every one.
I am not suddenly single, but I’ve stood by (somewhat helpless) watching my mom make the transition. Surprisingly, it gave me much to think about, what do you do…. ? It does sound as if you’ve found your stride, and will continue to bloom.
You are right, Brenda, it’s a helpless feeling when you watch a loved one struggle but every small act of support can make a difference. Your comment is right on : everyone needs to give some thought to these kind of changes when they are young and one important aspect of that is life insurance. I’ve always said we were the poster family for life insurance as I was the stay-at-home mom, community volunteer, President of the parent council at our sons’ school, etc, etc, = $0.00
income! I’ve thanked my late husband every day since for providing for us. It’s so important.
Such a lovely courageous woman. This is a very nice post, Patricia. Thanks for sharing.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
You’re so right, Patricia. Helen is a strong, fabulous woman and the support she hopes to offer to other women will make a difference to many.
Pat,
I love Helen’s story and find it inspiring. It makes me realize how lucky I am to have you and Helen in my life!
Susan
Are there gonna be some suddenly single men folk over there we can chat it up with?
Hey Totsy, you never know! You’ll have to hang out there to see … or I can send some around to get you when they show up!
I did visit and didn’t see any suddenly single men folk over there. Y’all gonna have to do something about that. 🙂 Will be back though.
It’s always interesting when my finger hits a wrong key. I always know I’ll end up someplace with an interesting read on your site, Patricia. You’ve never let me down.
Thanks so much, Sheri. I must admit I’ve been very remiss about keeping up with blog reading these past few months and am working on catching up now. I hope your summer is going as well as can be expected and you are finding some peace.
I am thrilled to report I believe the worst of this terrible 4 1/2 year siege of one life threatening illness after another with Tom ended with his emergency heart surgery. We went to the movies and dinner on Monday with friends. It was positively divine.