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Personal Perspectives

Read the latest Personal Perspectives Articles from Next Avenue.

An aerial view of a swimmer in deep blue water. Next Avenue, coping with mother's death

Swimming on Cerulean Days

A daughter reflects on her mother's final months and allows herself permission to feel “blue”
October 3, 2022
A man cooking alone in his kitchen at home. Next Avenue, loneliness after death of spouse

No Longer Having Dinner with Loneliness

A widower recalls many difficult mealtimes after he lost his wife, and how he now keeps loneliness away from the table
September 29, 2022
A row of retro hair dryer chairs. Next Avenue

The Beauty Parlor as a Sacred Space

Her late mother, a former beauty queen, was devoted to her weekly hair appointments. The daughter who honored that still prefers to cut her own hair.
September 26, 2022
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A stack of old report cards with handwritten notes. Next Avenue

Why Did I Keep My Elementary School Report Cards?

Finally arriving at the right conclusion should be worth an 'E' (Excellent)
September 21, 2022
A rearview mirror of a truck with a dog in the bed. Next Avenue

If You're on the Wrong Road, Should You Stay the Course?

When your heart is telling you something isn't right, whether it's moving ahead with a project or buying a car, listen
September 14, 2022
A close-up of a person's hands holding old family photos. Next Avenue, forgiving your parents

Forgiving a Parent You Love to Hate — Even After Their Death

It wasn't until after she was gone that I realized how complicated my mother was, and how her vulnerabilities impacted her love for me
August 30, 2022
People waiting at a subway stop. Next Avenue, why change is good

Have No Fear: Change is Good

How breaking one little habit can result in surprisingly big benefits
August 9, 2022
A couple hugging in front of a setting sun. Next Avenue, aging, reasons to live

Finding Reason to Stay Alive Past Age 75

At 90, a grieving widower read an essay from medical ethicist Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel and realized he's grateful for all his years, even in the face of sadness
August 8, 2022
S bear standing at the edge of a lake, near the woods. Next Avenue, Move forward after becoming a widow

Our First Bear

My husband and I had always hoped to see one of these magnificent creatures from a distance. When it happened, I was on my own and seeing it for both of us.
August 3, 2022
A black and white photo of the Rolling Stones during a concert. Next Avenue, the rolling stones 1972 tour

A Rolling Stones Memory That's Lasted 50 Years

At the first Stones concert I saw, at Madison Square Garden in 1972, I discovered you CAN always get what you want
July 25, 2022
A grandparent being hugged at home by her grandchildren. Next Avenue,

Who Needs a Hug? We All Do.

Hugs can be like an infusion of emotional medicine when we're sad and a burst of celebration when we're happy
June 23, 2022
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