Recovering from a heart event affects every woman differently. Many women look back on it as a life-altering experience that gave them a special gift: the opportunity to examine their life's priorities, make choices about with whom and how they spend their time, and find new meaning or direction for their life. It’s likely, however, that you probably won't have this perspective until some time has passed after your heart event, when you will feel more secure about your health and can look back on the changes you have made. Well-meaning friends may ask you soon after your heart event if you have had a spiritual awakening or will be making dramatic life changes - taking a trip around the world or retreating to a Buddhist monastery. They don't understand that you are too traumatized to do much of anything, and that it will take time to recover and sort out the rest of your life.
Eventually and over time, you may let go of old friends who are not taking you where you want to go - who may still smoke and won't exercise or eat healthy. You may even question your marriage or intimate relationship, especially if you have been unhappy for a long time or if you spouse/lover doesn't support your healthy behavior changes. (Remember that your changes will likely affect your whole family. Go together and talk with a marriage and family therapist -- check out the
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy if things get too difficult.)