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Tricia Thirey

Choosing Joy in Every Moment

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Check out Tricia’s Flourish Journal for sale on Amazon. This journal is designed to help widows make actionable progress through grief as they process and journal their thoughts regarding loss.
https://a.co/d/dBrFcGc

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Tricia

Tricia is a remarried widow and mom to three treasures (and a bonus mom to two).  She lost her husband to brain cancer in 2017 and was blessed to strike gold a second time by meeting another amazing man of God in the summer of 2023. They married in April 2025, and she is learning how God can redeem even the most difficult circumstances. God is continuing to teach her how to count it all joy and she is excited to share all that she is learning in this new season!

choosingjoyineverymoment

*Widow, Friend, Mom, World traveler, Bible believer, Teacher educator, Nonstop reader, Joy seeker, and Truth writer!* “Love bears all things!”
Today is Single Parents Day—never a day I thought Today is Single Parents Day—never a day I thought I would identify with, and certainly not one I ever wanted to celebrate. But as I look at the kids I’m raising, I’m grateful—not just for who they’re becoming, but for the strength God has given me to do this alone longer than I had Ben by my side. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been filled with love, growth, and unexpected blessings. And while I don’t believe for a minute believe that a one parent household is the way God designed it, I am grateful that we have the choice to not give in to being a part of the typical single-parent statistics. I am the first one to admit that I can’t do all that a mom and dad can do. But I am so grateful for the strength that God has given me to do the things that I do. And I’d be lying if I didn’t also say that I’m also incredibly grateful that God has given me somebody to parent alongside in the future. 😉 To every single parent out there—you are seen, you are strong, and you are never alone. 💛 #SingleParentsDay #GodsGrace #UnexpectedBlessings
The widow journey has brought people and friends i The widow journey has brought people and friends into my life who I never would have met otherwise. Those people have impacted me in ways that I never would have expected. Dana Lewis is one of those people. We met through a Widow group last summer (that no longer exists) and became fast friends! She came into my life when I was struggling with stress, overwhelm, and wondering if I was ever going to make it through a full year without seasonal depression! And she introduced me to this amazing cortisol mocktail that quickly became a part of my everyday routine! It was exactly what I needed! It’s called Happy Juice because of the gut-brain axis connection. It helps correct gut imbalances to optimize mental wellness and triggers certain hormones in our brain. The ingredients in Happy Juice have been shown to increase happy hormones - GABA, serotonin & dopamine. These studies really stood out to me: Lowers tension by 45% Lowers feelings of sadness by 55% Lowers anger by 54% Lowers fatigue by 64% Raises vigor by 44% Decreases irritability by 60% Decreases anxiousness by 55% A healthy gut microbiome is linked to: 🎉 better sleep 🎉 less cravings 🎉 more motivation 🎉 improved mood 🎉 reduced inflammation 🎉 decreased bloating 🎉 more energy 🎉 balanced hormones 🌿 Natural ingredients with completely transparent human clinical studies 🙌🏼 🌿NO GMOs, NO preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners 🌿Vegan, All Natural, Sugar Free, Gluten Free, Soy and Dairy Free I have a few 10-dollar discount codes if you want to try it. And if you want more info, I’m happy to share! Shoot me a message or call me and we can chat!! ***Also, if you know me, you know I’m not a salesy person at all… and you won’t be seeing posts like this from me all the time 😊*** #mentalhealth #mentalwellness #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #microbiome #happyhormones #livehappy #guthealth #selfhelp #selflove #findingmyself #happyjuice #recovery #healing #naturalwellness #wellness #guthealthmatters #guthealing #gutmicrobiome #theHAPPYlife #trustyourgut #mentalwellness #challenge #thegoodmoodcrew
There was a time when the picture of me and three There was a time when the picture of me and three kids on the right would make me cry (let’s be honest, sometimes it still does)… But there is something beautiful about being able to look at the love shown on the left and see the family that was created by that love on the right. And to know that even though Ben isn’t pictured he is always present. We are still a family. It may not look like what we thought it would, but there is something beautiful about learning to flourish exactly where God has placed you. Thank you Benjamin Thirey for helping me build this family. I know that you are watching from above and are just as proud of them as I am! And thank you to my beautiful and talented niece for this work of art! I love that you created it exactly the way I saw it… and added in characteristics of my kids that I will always treasure! #widowhood #treasure #flourishafterloss #lostlove #widowmom #singlemom #familyof5and4 #alwaystogether #alwaysremembered #griefjourney #grief #widowjourney
21 years ago, I randomly sat next to you in church 21 years ago, I randomly sat next to you in church, and 18 years ago we stood before our family and friends and said “I do.” We had no idea what we were committing to at that time: infertility, miscarriage, deployments, traumatic births, cancer and the never-ending grief that comes with loss. We chose to marry Memorial Day weekend for multiple reasons, none of which included this weekend having double meaning for the kids and I for a lifetime to come. I have grown and changed so much since that day in front of the gazebo in North Carolina. I am a different person then I was then, and if you were still here, I imagine you would be too. You would love my stubbornness and the way I have gotten better about standing up for myself and speaking my mind. You would probably still make me go hungry if I wouldn’t pick where we were going to eat dinner. You would still refuse to argue with me and insist on making me laugh when I wanted to be mad. And you would keep reminding me we shouldn’t take life so seriously. Most of the time I am grateful for the way that loss has taught me to be flexible and not cling too tightly to the way things “are supposed to be.” I know you would be proud of the way that the kids and I have learned to do hard things and let them grow us. We learned that from you and the way that you picked yourself up after every negative report or tragedy. You always reminded us that life is truly what you make of it. You would be so proud of the way that they love others, embrace serving, and truly love to learn! I really do think they got that from you. We only got to celebrate 11 anniversaries together. It was not nearly enough, but it came with a lifetime of lessons and priceless memories. And no matter how much time passes, I know that I will always remember this day and the way that our innocence allowed us to run headfirst into the unknown future together with no regrets! And tonight I will celebrate us, because I know that given the chance, I would do it all over again. Love you, mean it! Happy 18th anniversary in heaven!
Mom guilt is no joke. Sometimes I overwhelm myself Mom guilt is no joke. Sometimes I overwhelm myself by not measuring up to my own expectations…. And then it feels like I am letting my kids down (in ways I can't always control). While I've learned not to let guilt consume me every day, there are moments when it hits hard. Moments when I feel like it is so unfair that Ben is not here to help juggle… and sad about how many special moments he has missed out on. Today was one of those days. My youngest had a district competition an hour away, and as I juggled the logistics of being there for her awards, I realized I couldn’t get back to pick the others up from school if I was… I felt the weight of unfairness, guilt, and disappointment. I couldn't be in two places at once, and it stung. So I stayed home. I picked up the big kids. And then I picked her up, praying she was not disappointed that I didn’t show. And despite all my guilt, something beautiful happened. She came home with two awards and three more for her brother. Her smile and excitement overshadowed any guilt I felt. She was proud, and so was I. She spent twenty min telling me all about her day… and how big she cheered when her brother’s name was called even though he wasn’t there to hear it. I could have wallowed in self pity. But instead, I let go of the sadness that I wasn’t there and got lost in her retelling of what I missed. I imagine that I’m not alone in these feelings… the guilt, the shame. The feeling of missing out. Whether a single parent or not, we can’t do it all. But I’m learning. I may not always get it right. I make mistakes daily. And I'm not failing as a mom. I’m not failing as a parent. I’m not failing!!! My kids are amazing, both because of me and in spite of me. 🤣 And that's something to celebrate, even if I can only witness it through their stories. #MomLife #ParentingJourney #ProudMom
I was honored to sit down with my friend Ashley an I was honored to sit down with my friend Ashley and share my story a few months ago. She has an amazing testimony of all God has done in her life and uses her podcast to allow others to share their stories. Thanks so much for letting me share about grief and loss!!
Are any of you people pleasers? My whole life I h Are any of you people pleasers? My whole life I have wanted to be liked… wanted to be chosen… tried to be a people pleaser. I’ve never wanted to rock the boat, be disagreeable, or put my needs or wants above others. I have hidden the real from all but a few close friends in an effort to be chosen, liked and “pretty” to the rest of the world. And I have never wanted anyone to think I was needy. And I’m learning that’s not always healthy and that relationships that are built around me people pleasing are not real OR pretty, deep down. I fear letting the real me out… telling people how I really think and feel… standing up for what I believe in and what I need for fear that those relationships will not be able to survive the real. Lisa Whittle wrote a wonderful book about choosing Jesus Over Everything, and she said, “Real may not be pretty but it beautifully saves our hearts.” I don’t know about you, but I am learning that facing the fear of what will happen if I’m not chosen is a lesson I’m having to learn in this season. In this season of trying to put Jesus first… in everything. I know that some pretty relationships are going to fail, in my effort to truly be real… and I’m scared… but also choosing to be bold enough to walk forward anyways despite my fears. Do you choose real over pretty or the other way around? Are you willing to sacrifice pretty to truly be real with people?
Honored to be featured by @voyagedallas today shar Honored to be featured by @voyagedallas today sharing my story and my why!
There are moments when I find myself at a crossroa There are moments when I find myself at a crossroads, grappling with questions about my identity and the path I'm on. The uncertainty can be overwhelming, making me question my purpose and the direction I should take. 🤔💭 Yet, amidst the confusion, I find solace in knowing that my identity in Christ provides me with a powerful perspective and a renewed sense of hope. It's a constant reminder that I am valued, have direction, and can strive for greatness. I'm learning to navigate life's twists and turns with faith as my compass, trusting that my journey is beautifully unfolding according to a divine plan. #FindingPurpose #EmbracingHope #IdentityInChrist #choosingjoyineverymoment #widowlife #widowdiaries #hopewidows
Last week the kids and I visited a Gold Rush Cemet Last week the kids and I visited a Gold Rush Cemetery and had a conversation about the headstones that were found there. We talked about how we want people to remember us when we are gone. As believers, we know our faith calls us to make a difference in the world. 🌟 What impact do you hope to have on the world during your life's journey? 🤝 Do you aim to spread love, compassion, and understanding wherever you go? 🙌 Are you striving to live according to your faith's principles and values? 🤲 Do you desire to help those in need and make a positive impact on their lives? Let us know in the comments! 👇 I also want to know what you want people to say about you when you are gone. My hope is that my kids will say, “our mom thrived and shared hope in spite of all the hard things she went through. She never let her circumstances control her joy.” I would love to hear the thing you want people to remember most about you when you are gone! #choosingjoyineverymoment #ChristianImpact #FaithInAction #MakingADifference #LegacyOfLove #InspireOneAnother #hopewidows
I’m incredibly thankful that my past mistakes don’ I’m incredibly thankful that my past mistakes don’t define me. I don’t have to live in fear, pain or regret for all the things that are in the past… I can leave them there! Instead I can leave free because of the Love of a Father who surpasses all understanding and peace! #livefree #choosingjoyineverymoment #choosejoy #choosepeace #widowdiaries #redemption
One of the best realizations I have come to in los One of the best realizations I have come to in loss is that nothing about our circumstances surprised God. It may be hard to acknowledge that He knows our pain before we face it, but it is so encouraging to me to remember He is right beside me no matter what I face. This book is so good and so encouraging #hemofhisgarment
Car rides are perfect opportunities for teachable Car rides are perfect opportunities for teachable moments. As we drove yesterday, a simple conversation between my daughters about lending turned into a profound reflection on kindness and selflessness. My daughter mentioned, "If I do this for you, you'll owe me something." 🤔 Instantly, I asked them, "Is it truly kind to expect something in return for helping others, or is it even kinder to give without expecting anything back?" The car fell silent for a moment, and then my son shared a thoughtful insight, "The kind thing would be to give without expecting anything in return. But, if I'm honest, I find myself wanting something in return most of the time." Isn't that the truth for many of us? 🌟 We genuinely desire to give, serve, and love others wholeheartedly, but deep down, we often hope for reciprocation and appreciation, don't we? It's a natural human instinct. We decided to challenge each other to embrace a Christ-like perspective. To aim to show love and kindness without expecting anything back, just as God's love is unconditional and freely given to us. To remember, God's grace and love are boundless, and when we extend love without expecting anything in return, we reflect His divine nature. Don’t we all want to adopt that attitude? One where we embody selflessness and love in all our interactions? Let's be a shining light in this world, spreading kindness and compassion wherever we go. 🌟🌎 #ChristianLiving #Selflessness #GodsLove #KindnessMatters #choosingjoyineverymoment #hopewidows #widowdiaries #choosingjoy
I’m forever grateful for every way this boy remind I’m forever grateful for every way this boy reminds me of his dad! My sister captured these heartwarming photos, and she said one of the things she loved about them was the way they reminded her of how Ben made me laugh! I love that they beautifully reflect the joy and laughter that Ben brought into my life. He was a true embodiment of life's vibrancy, always spreading happiness and making people smile. I was telling someone this morning how thankful I am for the valuable life lessons he shared with me, even in the little time we had together: Embrace every moment with enthusiasm and appreciation. Live life to the fullest, without holding back on your dreams and passions. Cherish laughter and find joy in the simplest of things. Leave a positive impact on others, making them happy to be in your presence. Never give up, persevere through challenges, and keep moving forward. Of course, there are days that we still struggle to see the good, but Ben's wisdom reminds me that it's worth it to embrace those we love, to keep smiling, and to find gratitude in even the smallest blessings. Today, I am especially thankful for the way this boy makes me laugh, just like his dad used to. It's a beautiful reminder of the legacy he carries forward, and it fills my heart with warmth. So, my question to all of you is: What are you thankful for? Take a moment to cherish the little joys and the special people in your life, for they bring meaning and happiness beyond measure. #choosingjoy #choosingjoyineverymoment #widowgoals #widowdiaries #hopewidows
Do you know who you belong to? Do you live every Do you know who you belong to? Do you live every day like you are His?? “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭8‬ I don’t know about you but I want to live every day like I am His!!
What if everyone else’s life isn’t as perfect as i What if everyone else’s life isn’t as perfect as it looks?
I am in a season where I am learning so much about I am in a season where I am learning so much about what my identity is. And about Who my identity is found in. In a world where opinions can be so loud and judgments are so harsh I have to keep reminding myself that I am fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. He crafted us with purpose, uniqueness, and infinite worth. Our value is not measured by the number of likes or followers, but by the love and grace bestowed upon us by the Creator of the universe.⠀ Our true identity is not determined by what others say about us, but by what God says about us. We have to let His words be the guiding light that determines our path.⠀ God sees the beauty within us, even when we can't see it ourselves. He knows our heart, our dreams, and our potential. I am not defined by my past mistakes, failures, or shortcomings; and neither are you! God sees the incredible potential that is in us, waiting to be unleashed. So let go of the need for validation from others. Seek your worth in the arms of your Heavenly Father. Listen to His voice above all others. Believe in the incredible person He has created you to be.⠀ You are enough. You are loved. You are beautifully and wonderfully made. Embrace your true identity in God, and let your light shine for all to see.⠀ #IdentityInGod #YouAreLoved #EmbraceYourself #UniquelyMade #BelieveInYourself #choosingjoyineverymoment
It’s been awhile since I shared who I am and a lit It’s been awhile since I shared who I am and a little bit about me so I thought it might time for a little intro! I’m Tricia Thirey! (Here is something 99% of you don’t know. My last name is pronounced Terry 🤯) 1. I lost my husband to cancer in 2017 and spent years refusing to accept the term widow! Now I embrace that term because it explains a loss that stays with you no matter how much you have healed! 2. I have a doctorate in educational leadership and teach graduate school as my day job! 3. I am passionate about helping people heal and move forward with grief and loss! I am a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist and if you have a loss you are processing I would love to talk with you about how to move forward healed! 4. I am a Hope Ambassador for Hope Widows and want to empower widows to live life to the fullest, in spite of loss. I believe that no matter what tragedy has found you, you can flourish again! 5. I have homeschooled, unschooled, and sent my 3 kids to public and private schools since losing their dad. Every year we pray about the best choice and I what’s right today may not be right tomorrow! 6. I am the proud owner of thousands of books… and that’s not an exaggeration. I love to read and believe that as long as we are learning, we are growing. It’s when we stop learning that we stop growing! I set my goal at reading 100 books a year and have met it the last several years… though I’m a little behind this year! 7. I am an avid traveler. For a few years I thought my travel itch would end as a single mom… but it has not been lost. My kids are great travelers and together we have visited 7 countries and 45 states… I love looking for deals, planning budget travel and working small jobs so that I can afford more trips. Stay tuned cause another country and state are coming this month! 8. I have wanted to be an author for as long as I can remember. The story I am writing is still being written, but I am determined that it’s coming soon! Now tell me a little about you! How did you find your way here and what’s something you want people to know about you? Anything you want to know about me that I didn’t answer?
Do you have those people in your life who speak yo Do you have those people in your life who speak your “love language” without even saying a word? Those people who make sure you know you were loved, heard, and thought of before you even show up? My sister in law is like that. Everytime I visit Ohio I find a treat waiting for me… something she knows that will make me smile and bring me joy! And I’m incredibly thankful for the way it makes me feel welcome with even the smallest of gestures! Who can you make feel loved today? What can you do? Who can you make smile just by making them feel seen? #loved #seen #heard #choosingjoyineverymoment
My favorite childhood story still reminds me that My favorite childhood story still reminds me that our circumstances do not change who we are! That we can let our joy shine through in even the most difficult times!
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