Last week I got to take an all-day class on hand lettering. The session is meant as a way to get in touch with your creative side. I knew when I saw the class description it was one I wanted to take. During the wedding years of my 20s, I addressed my own and wedding invites for a few of my friends. I have no classical training in hand lettering, but I enjoy it, nonetheless.

Our first assignment was the word “Fire,” and we were to infuse fire elements into our lettering.

Next, we scripted the word “Bloom” and used flowers to adorn it.

Lastly, we lettered the phrase, “Success isn’t Final”. I used stars, a little comet, and arrows to add flourish.

I think all of these tie into the feelings of what it’s like to be widowed. In the beginning, our world is on fire. Everything we knew has been reduced to ashes. Emotions burn just under the surface. At the same time, we are becoming someone new. Not necessarily, someone brighter and better, but we are blooming into something fresh.

In the early weeks and months, I defined success as making dinner or going to the grocery store. Five years later, that is still a success in my book, but the goal posts have moved. Success is making dinner a few nights a week, carving out time for myself, and supporting the kids in their endeavors.

I keep walking through fire, blooming, and trying to succeed knowing there is no final goalpost.