The Destiny of Our Stars is a heartfelt memoir about love, loss, and renewal, sharing your grief and spiritual awakening alongside reflections on fate, synchronicity, and the mysterious ways the universe brings meaning to suffering. Why was this an important book for you to write?

Turning my personal tragedy into a source of strength led to a profound commitment to help others find their own path through sorrow.  I found it to be a vital step in my own healing.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

That grief is a natural response to losing someone dear, but it’s how we navigate that pain, and adjust to a changed life, is what determines our path forward.  Loss is an unavoidable part of the human experience, but our ability to adapt and build resilience is what truly allows us to continue living fully with dignity and purpose.  Our focus should be on healthy coping, and finding ways to integrate the loss into our lives, rather than being consumed by it.

Never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone; take risks, face new experiences, and push beyond your routine.  Have the courage to grow and the integrity to be yourself.  Rebuild your life parallel with grief, rather than trying to conquer it, and keep a strong support system around you as you seek out social interactions that promote joy and connection as you move ahead.

What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir, and what was the most rewarding?

Well, reliving the moments was a brutal challenge; it was an agonizing ordeal, like a descent into a dark and emotionally devastating place.  But, I knew I had to face it head-on, as my goal was to heal and reclaim my life.  I acknowledged I needed to confront the past as a necessary step toward facilitating acceptance and inner peace.  Ultimately, my greatest reward was a fundamental shift in perspective, reminding me that the life I shared with my beloved, though fractured by illness and loss, held an enduring value and beauty worth cherishing for the rest of my life.

What advice do you have for women navigating widowhood who are just starting this phase of their lives and trying to find themselves?

Following a loss, you should allow yourself to be vulnerable and recognize that it’s okay not to be okay.  Realize that acceptance, healing, peace, even closure, do not happen overnight.  Grief is a nonlinear process that is beyond your control. You must permit yourself to feel the full spectrum of emotions, and concede that struggling is a natural part of the healing process.  You’re about to experience what I call a “necessary pause” in your life, a type of sabbatical, so take it all in and process it at your own pace.  Most importantly, take the time to focus on yourself, and cultivate your self compassion.  Healing from loss is a process of transformation.  By honoring the grief, validating the pain of loss, and allowing yourself to feel and express your emotions without judgment, eventually nurtures the strength needed to redefine your path forward while carrying the loss with you.