For some people, Grief shows up without a name, like the unidentified sales person knocking at your door in the middle of a Hallmark Movie Marathon. You can ignore it after peeking through an upstairs window in your pajamas. For others, Grief shows up like the telemarketer at dinner time. Ringing ringing ringing. And for some of us, Grief shows up like the family member who walks right in and sits down at the table. I’ve known grief for most of my life, but never wanted to give it a proper name. I’ve served up coffee and a slice of pie to my Grief, I’ve embraced him in family photos, and I’ve brought Grief with me, quietly piled in the back seat. Grief has been a normal and welcome part of the journey because I understand the profound place that grief has in our development. Not avoiding, not ignoring, and not escaping. As I prepare the words and themes of “For She Who Grieves”, Grief still doesn’t get center stage in the story, Hope does. But, it has gotten me to start thinking, maybe my heart only knows how to beat when it’s broken. Grief is as much a part of me as Hope is, as being Brave is. Grief is not an unwelcome guest, but part of the family that garnishes respect.
Let’s talk about grief for a moment. What it is? Where does it come from? And what are we to do when faced with it?
grief[ greef ]
noun
keen mental suffering or distress over affliction or loss; sharp sorrow; painful regret.
a cause or occasion of keen distress or sorrow.
Grief looks different on everyone. This Year of Grief has given me an opportunity to dig in deeper to my own grief, and act with greater compassion and empathy. I want to hear your stories of grief--share it with me here. Join the #bravewomenproject and let’s walk together.
Even though I’ve lived with Grief for a long, long time, I don’t understand it. I do know that when Grief knocks, some response is demanded. My response is “For She Who Grieves: Finding Hope”.
Grief shows up in so many ways, we can’t ignore it. We can’t run from it. We can’t numb ourselves to it. We need to see it. Find it. Learn from it. Release it.