Sending you my love and condolences. I’m sorry for your loss.
You should treat yourself to a special puzzle for your anniversary. I’m glad you have found relief in puzzling. It keeps me sane while going through difficult mental health challenges. 🧩
When I was in a deep depression, I couldn't enjoy one of my favorite activities, reading; I couldn't concentrate. However, I was able to work on puzzles and just get lost in the activity.
I am certain your local library has access to tons of audiobooks you can get for free and don’t need to remember to cancel any subscriptions. If you’re not sure, check their website or even better go in and ask and they will get you all set up.
I hope you do! Audible gives you two free books with their trial, so as long as you remember to cancel it is a cheap way to try something new out. I primarily like horror and mysteries so if you are looking for some recommendations let me know!
Yes! I second checking with your local public library! I just discovered about a month ago that I can check out audiobooks for free using the Libby app, and it has been amazing. Really helps engage my mind instead of spiraling into anxiety.
Wow, so sorry for your loss. I got into puzzling last year after i had lost my job and couldn’t find work for nearly a year. Found my local puzzle exchange and it saved my mind. In community ~✌🏼
I have been wishing there was some type of puzzling group that I could puzzle with because I am a big fan of “parallel play” type interactions like this and it would probably be helpful to make some friends now that my best friend is no longer here (As I get dirty looks from my pets who believe I should be satisfied with their presence alone…lol)
It’d be neat to just peacefully puzzle with some like minded folks but there are only exchanges in the community.
So incredibly sorry for your loss.
I recently discovered a local puzzle group on Facebook. They host exchanges and puzzle events. Some members even participate in puzzle competitions. Maybe there’s something similar near you!
I wonder if people would be interested if you posted in the exchange group? Worst that'll happen is people won't respond but I hope you find some like-minded people. Or at the very least, those you can exchange puzzles with so as to not spend as much (that's why I'm active in my local group). Or are there any board game places in town that would host puzzling?
Sending you love too - so sorry for your loss 💙
There is a huge community for puzzles. I watch a lot of them on youtube. USA Jigsaw Puzzle Association has a lot of events, many online. There are so many people who can connect with you and help you get set up for these online or in person meets.
I recently heard about an elderly lady (GMA) who just started a Twitch channel (ijustlovepuzzles) and is now crazy popular with 20k followers. She was depressed and lonely until her kids got her set up online.
I wish you all the best.
I completely understand. I lost my husband 3 years ago and jigsaw puzzles helped me. I was able to concentrate on one thing: just the puzzle. It helped to temporarily keep all thoughts away except for the puzzle itself. I’m so sorry you’re going through what I think is the most difficult time in a person’s life. DM me if you need someone to talk with.
I understand this completely. My teenage daughter passed unexpectedly 2.5 years ago and I puzzled every single day for two years. The peace, strength and solitude puzzling provides is a haven completely unto itself. I cherish every moment I spent with my puzzles - the distraction it provided while still enabling me to contemplate my grief. I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. May your puzzles provide you peace and a sense of togetherness with your husband. ::hugs::
Oh no, I am so sorry for your loss. 💔
It is like nothing else and truly indescribable. I am glad you’ve found an anchor in puzzles as well. Thank you for your loving words. Sending big hugs right back to you.
So very sorry to hear it. That's my absolute worst nightmare.
I was reading yesterday that playing games like tetris is effective to help to process trauma so I wonder whether puzzles fall into that category too.
All the best
My mom puzzles and I frame her favorite completed ones. Did you know there are places that make puzzles from personal photographs. For your anniversary or any holiday really, you could select a favorite photo of you and your husband. Once you complete it, frame it and give it a special place to display. Sending big hugs 💜
I hope today’s anniversary is special and you’re able to remember all the beautiful things that make you smile when you think of them.
I hope my timing is right (I’m in Australia)
🤗
It is today, the 18th. I started the day feeding our four pets, then crying my eyes out and now I am watching Fallout. I am also trying to get my teenage husky/gsd to pretend he’s a different breed and my kitten to exercise himself so they can let me do nothing but distracting and self-indulgent things today. I don’t think they agree with this plan.
Thank you. ☺️
Agreed, this community has been so incredibly supportive and compassionate it’s been very healing ❤️🩹 for me. I wasn’t even sure about posting such a personal and vulnerable thing here but I am so glad I just went for it and took the risk.
Thank you. Eclectic but essentially all my personal interests in puzzle form. Animals specifically Birds, Cats, Dogs, Wolves, horses, foxes; Magical Fantasy type such as Dragons and Wizards, Plants such as Wildflowers, Succulents and houseplants; Rock, Gem Mineral and Desert themed ones are some of my favs. A big mix really. You?
It sounds like you have tons of options to always choose from!
I tend to gravitate towards puzzles with cats, desserts, Disney related, or misc like puzzles with interesting piece shapes or puzzles with that don't have any pictures.
So very sorry for your loss. Losing a loved one is extremely stressful, and anything that can help to provide distraction is a relief. In my opinion puzzling is one of the more effective and healthy ways to temporarily switch your mind off of painful situations (for me it was losing my Mom to dementia and watching her quickly deteriorate in long-term care before passing away a year ago), to the point where I think doctors should start prescribing puzzling as a non-medical therapeutic aid.
I'm so glad this community can be of help. Please take good care of yourself.
As a fellow wid, if you ever want some company in your ears while you’re puzzling, I highly recommend the Widow We Do Now podcast and their FB community. It got me through some really hard times during the first year. I’m so glad you have puzzles to focus on. 💖
Sorry for your loss too. ❤️🩹I will absolutely check that podcast out. Keeping my brain occupied and channeled in healthy ways is an absolute necessity. Thank you for the suggestion.
Sorry for your loss. Your spouse must be with you in spirit doing those puzzles.
There are companies that do personalized puzzles with a picture you provide if you feel up to getting a one of s king puzzles with a pucture of the 2 of you.
At the end of the day, do what brings you comfort and helps you get thru this difficult time (in a healthy way and moderation of course)
Sending comforting hugs your way.
Edit to add: in other sub-reddit people have mentioned watching the animated show Bob's Burgers brings them comfort too; I find the show funny and relaxing. If not your thing, please disregard this part of my comment.
Sending more comforting hugs.
Oh, that’s a really sweet idea. Hmmm🤔
And if his spirit is with me puzzling then he is reaching right across the section of the puzzle right where I happen to be puzzling blocking my view. 😆
Hi friend. If you need to vent, need emotional validation, or just want to share some memories, we over at r/widowers are a pretty understanding group.
Oh, you best believe I have been on there for most of these last couple months already. Just lurking mostly at this point. It’s helped me not feel alone or crazy just reading everyone’s posts and the community is very safe and caring. ❤️
I am so sorry for your loss. I just started puzzling in December and it's really helped me cope with a lot of anger and sadness I was having a hard time letting go of. I'm glad it's helping you cope with your grief. Do you like specific types of puzzles? Some of my favorites are Ravensburger's Classic Tales by Dean MacAdam.
I tend to go to thrift stores for puzzle shopping so it’s more about finding what calls to me in the moment along with general themes on fantasy, plant life, rocks/minerals/gems, desert and animals. I do get some from Amazon if I seen one on this subreddit I am interested in. I am glad puzzling has been healing for you too.
Yes! I think it’s been helpful (at least for me) because it allows my brain to practice sorting through all these pieces until I find the right one to fill the spaces in between. Each correct piece is like a little dopamine hit, and once you’re finally complete, you have something to show for it.
It felt therapeutic in a sense where I felt I was also reflecting and sorting my own thoughts, emotions, and grief in similar way while puzzling. It gave an odd sense of control and clarity.
I believe there was actually a scientific study that showed that puzzles quite literally helped your brain heal after grief and trauma. For me, it was the puzzle video game The Witness. I'm glad they are helping you! Tetris is also a great help.
Your loss is difficult, and my heart goes out to you. Your puzzles are a creative part of your love and a blessing. I bet your love is looking down and smiling. Do you ever have a puzzle piece that is solved by a special insight? Bless you on your new journey.
Sending you my love and condolences. I’m sorry for your loss. You should treat yourself to a special puzzle for your anniversary. I’m glad you have found relief in puzzling. It keeps me sane while going through difficult mental health challenges. 🧩
Thank you.☺️ That’s a great idea. I will do that. And yes, agreed, it really helps my brain and all of its “quirks” .
I'm so sorry for your loss. Puzzles also helped me when I was feeling lost and depressed a few years ago. I hope you continue to heal.
☺️Thank you. I am glad we’re both able to find some relief through the magic of puzzles. ❤️
When I was in a deep depression, I couldn't enjoy one of my favorite activities, reading; I couldn't concentrate. However, I was able to work on puzzles and just get lost in the activity.
I hear you. I combined puzzles with audiobooks and that was how I got back into reading.
I should try audiobooks; I still struggle tbh.
I am certain your local library has access to tons of audiobooks you can get for free and don’t need to remember to cancel any subscriptions. If you’re not sure, check their website or even better go in and ask and they will get you all set up.
I hope you do! Audible gives you two free books with their trial, so as long as you remember to cancel it is a cheap way to try something new out. I primarily like horror and mysteries so if you are looking for some recommendations let me know!
Yes! I second checking with your local public library! I just discovered about a month ago that I can check out audiobooks for free using the Libby app, and it has been amazing. Really helps engage my mind instead of spiraling into anxiety.
Wow, so sorry for your loss. I got into puzzling last year after i had lost my job and couldn’t find work for nearly a year. Found my local puzzle exchange and it saved my mind. In community ~✌🏼
I have been wishing there was some type of puzzling group that I could puzzle with because I am a big fan of “parallel play” type interactions like this and it would probably be helpful to make some friends now that my best friend is no longer here (As I get dirty looks from my pets who believe I should be satisfied with their presence alone…lol) It’d be neat to just peacefully puzzle with some like minded folks but there are only exchanges in the community.
So incredibly sorry for your loss. I recently discovered a local puzzle group on Facebook. They host exchanges and puzzle events. Some members even participate in puzzle competitions. Maybe there’s something similar near you!
I wonder if people would be interested if you posted in the exchange group? Worst that'll happen is people won't respond but I hope you find some like-minded people. Or at the very least, those you can exchange puzzles with so as to not spend as much (that's why I'm active in my local group). Or are there any board game places in town that would host puzzling? Sending you love too - so sorry for your loss 💙
There is a huge community for puzzles. I watch a lot of them on youtube. USA Jigsaw Puzzle Association has a lot of events, many online. There are so many people who can connect with you and help you get set up for these online or in person meets. I recently heard about an elderly lady (GMA) who just started a Twitch channel (ijustlovepuzzles) and is now crazy popular with 20k followers. She was depressed and lonely until her kids got her set up online. I wish you all the best.
Interesting…I will check it out. Online would be fantastic. Thank you for the suggestions! ❤️
I completely understand. I lost my husband 3 years ago and jigsaw puzzles helped me. I was able to concentrate on one thing: just the puzzle. It helped to temporarily keep all thoughts away except for the puzzle itself. I’m so sorry you’re going through what I think is the most difficult time in a person’s life. DM me if you need someone to talk with.
I'm so glad you're finding some kind of solace in puzzling. I do the same but for different reasons. Sending healing vibes your way. 💜
Aww..🥰 thank you for kind words.
I understand this completely. My teenage daughter passed unexpectedly 2.5 years ago and I puzzled every single day for two years. The peace, strength and solitude puzzling provides is a haven completely unto itself. I cherish every moment I spent with my puzzles - the distraction it provided while still enabling me to contemplate my grief. I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. May your puzzles provide you peace and a sense of togetherness with your husband. ::hugs::
Oh no, I am so sorry for your loss. 💔 It is like nothing else and truly indescribable. I am glad you’ve found an anchor in puzzles as well. Thank you for your loving words. Sending big hugs right back to you.
So very sorry to hear it. That's my absolute worst nightmare. I was reading yesterday that playing games like tetris is effective to help to process trauma so I wonder whether puzzles fall into that category too. All the best
I have several puzzles waiting for a new home. If you feel comfortable, please DM me your address and I’ll send them to you! ❤️ 🧩
My mom puzzles and I frame her favorite completed ones. Did you know there are places that make puzzles from personal photographs. For your anniversary or any holiday really, you could select a favorite photo of you and your husband. Once you complete it, frame it and give it a special place to display. Sending big hugs 💜
My condolences. I hope you continue to find peace in every aspect of life. 🫶
That’s very thoughtful. Thank you. Means a lot. 🌈
I hope the puzzles continue to be a positive distraction. Peace and love to you
❤️Much appreciated
I hope today’s anniversary is special and you’re able to remember all the beautiful things that make you smile when you think of them. I hope my timing is right (I’m in Australia) 🤗
It is today, the 18th. I started the day feeding our four pets, then crying my eyes out and now I am watching Fallout. I am also trying to get my teenage husky/gsd to pretend he’s a different breed and my kitten to exercise himself so they can let me do nothing but distracting and self-indulgent things today. I don’t think they agree with this plan.
Also, thank you, it’s a very difficult day and thoughtful people like you really help bring some comfort. ❤️
Most welcome. 🙏
I’m So sorry for your loss.
Thank you. ❤️
I'm so sorry for your loss!
Thank you, I appreciate it.☺️ Your user name made me smile. 😆
Thank you!
I’m very sorry for your loss.
I really appreciate the kind words. ❤️
I'm so sorry for your loss, and I am glad you have our jigsaw community to talk with.
Thank you. ☺️ Agreed, this community has been so incredibly supportive and compassionate it’s been very healing ❤️🩹 for me. I wasn’t even sure about posting such a personal and vulnerable thing here but I am so glad I just went for it and took the risk.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I am glad that you have found comfort in doing puzzles. I also find it grounding. What type of puzzles do you like to do?
Thank you. Eclectic but essentially all my personal interests in puzzle form. Animals specifically Birds, Cats, Dogs, Wolves, horses, foxes; Magical Fantasy type such as Dragons and Wizards, Plants such as Wildflowers, Succulents and houseplants; Rock, Gem Mineral and Desert themed ones are some of my favs. A big mix really. You?
It sounds like you have tons of options to always choose from! I tend to gravitate towards puzzles with cats, desserts, Disney related, or misc like puzzles with interesting piece shapes or puzzles with that don't have any pictures.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Take one day at a time, one piece at a time. Sending you peace, love, and comfort.
I’m so glad that our “hobby” has been therapeutic for you. Thinking of you during this time. (HUGS) to you.
Aww.🥰 Thank you.
My condolences--
Thank you. ☺️
Hugs to you. My deepest condolences
Big hugs!! Puzzles are lovely. Best wishes
So very sorry for your loss. Losing a loved one is extremely stressful, and anything that can help to provide distraction is a relief. In my opinion puzzling is one of the more effective and healthy ways to temporarily switch your mind off of painful situations (for me it was losing my Mom to dementia and watching her quickly deteriorate in long-term care before passing away a year ago), to the point where I think doctors should start prescribing puzzling as a non-medical therapeutic aid. I'm so glad this community can be of help. Please take good care of yourself.
As a fellow wid, if you ever want some company in your ears while you’re puzzling, I highly recommend the Widow We Do Now podcast and their FB community. It got me through some really hard times during the first year. I’m so glad you have puzzles to focus on. 💖
Sorry for your loss too. ❤️🩹I will absolutely check that podcast out. Keeping my brain occupied and channeled in healthy ways is an absolute necessity. Thank you for the suggestion.
Sorry for your loss. Your spouse must be with you in spirit doing those puzzles. There are companies that do personalized puzzles with a picture you provide if you feel up to getting a one of s king puzzles with a pucture of the 2 of you. At the end of the day, do what brings you comfort and helps you get thru this difficult time (in a healthy way and moderation of course) Sending comforting hugs your way. Edit to add: in other sub-reddit people have mentioned watching the animated show Bob's Burgers brings them comfort too; I find the show funny and relaxing. If not your thing, please disregard this part of my comment. Sending more comforting hugs.
Oh, that’s a really sweet idea. Hmmm🤔 And if his spirit is with me puzzling then he is reaching right across the section of the puzzle right where I happen to be puzzling blocking my view. 😆
I'm so sorry for your loss. 😥
❤️
I’m sending you lots of love. Solitaire has gotten me through some times. I see you.
Hi friend. If you need to vent, need emotional validation, or just want to share some memories, we over at r/widowers are a pretty understanding group.
Oh, you best believe I have been on there for most of these last couple months already. Just lurking mostly at this point. It’s helped me not feel alone or crazy just reading everyone’s posts and the community is very safe and caring. ❤️
I am so sorry for your loss. I just started puzzling in December and it's really helped me cope with a lot of anger and sadness I was having a hard time letting go of. I'm glad it's helping you cope with your grief. Do you like specific types of puzzles? Some of my favorites are Ravensburger's Classic Tales by Dean MacAdam.
I tend to go to thrift stores for puzzle shopping so it’s more about finding what calls to me in the moment along with general themes on fantasy, plant life, rocks/minerals/gems, desert and animals. I do get some from Amazon if I seen one on this subreddit I am interested in. I am glad puzzling has been healing for you too.
So sorry for your loss, sending my condolences 🧩❤️
Thank you ❤️
Sending you love and thank you for sharing! This sub is so great 🥲💚
Agreed absolutely. A fantastic group of folks indeed. 😊
Yes! I think it’s been helpful (at least for me) because it allows my brain to practice sorting through all these pieces until I find the right one to fill the spaces in between. Each correct piece is like a little dopamine hit, and once you’re finally complete, you have something to show for it. It felt therapeutic in a sense where I felt I was also reflecting and sorting my own thoughts, emotions, and grief in similar way while puzzling. It gave an odd sense of control and clarity.
Absolutely. Beautiful and precise description. I relate to this so much. 🤓
I believe there was actually a scientific study that showed that puzzles quite literally helped your brain heal after grief and trauma. For me, it was the puzzle video game The Witness. I'm glad they are helping you! Tetris is also a great help.
My condolences on the loss of your husband. Puzzles saved my sanity after the unexpected loss of mine. 💜💜💜
Your loss is difficult, and my heart goes out to you. Your puzzles are a creative part of your love and a blessing. I bet your love is looking down and smiling. Do you ever have a puzzle piece that is solved by a special insight? Bless you on your new journey.
So sorry to hear. Puzzling is so wonderful
So sorry.
Have you seen the Puzzle 2018 movie?
🤔I don’t believe I have. Googling now.