On Grief

The process of naming an emotional experience is so important. It's a way to stay present, to remain in our humanity. And oh, how humanity is suffering right now. I felt the word grief was appropriate because

inside the realm of grief is deep anguish, the ache and sorrow of the heart; anger, rage, despair, fear, and even-hope.

We have to let our hearts break during this time.

Feeling the grief is one way to heal and to potentially bring about change. There has been so much loss in our country and world, yet, we are holding it, all of us, together. We are grieving for innocent people everywhere- good folks on ordinary days going to the grocery store; children- God, children- going to school, parents saying goodbye. Our love and compassion for all the family members left grieving is also part of the healing.

The last picture is a photo of my sweet, lively, all-boy brother who I played with non-stop, who made us all laugh, and who was so emotional he endeared everyone around him to him forever. My family knows grief because David left this earth as a child, way too soon. So my compassion for the parents and siblings in Uvalde feels palpable.

Wherever your heart is today, know that what you are feeling is normal. Stay with it. Share your thoughts with others, we need each other so badly right now. Work for change. Loose laws lead to loose boundaries. It's time to shore up. And may we remember that while we have witnessed the dark horrors of humanity, I believe in the goodness of people, and this goodness represents the majority. While there is darkness, there is still so much light.

May we take the time to be conscious of loving each other well, savoring every moment, of being kind.

Kindness is the light that will warm us through this chilling time, it's the arms of comfort that will hold each other tight. If you need someone to talk to, reach out. I want to validate that our world is too much to hold alone. Salt has an amazing team of therapists, we are here for you!