Grief…

Today, I sat down with an old friend—grief. It's an acquaintance I've met many times before, each encounter leaving me with a sense of bewilderment and an unspoken understanding. But today was different. Today, I didn't shun it away or drown it in distractions; instead, I invited it in, sat down, and conversed with it, seeking to understand the depths of its presence.

This revelation unfolded as I tuned into the latest episode of Anderson Cooper's podcast, "All There Is." In his gentle yet profound words, Anderson explored the idea that, despite the immense difficulty, we can learn to live with our grief and, remarkably, find lessons within its heavy folds.

Expressing grief has always been a challenge for me. I've painted it in various hues—withdrawal, anger, denial, and occasional outbursts. Yet, I've never attempted to articulate it to anyone, mainly because I couldn't find the words. Grief seems to be a language only comprehensible to those who have walked its winding path.

The struggle to explain our grief is universal. It's a feeling so intricately woven into our being that it feels like attempting to describe a colour to someone who has never seen it. The essence of grief is elusive, and I believe everyone has grappled with its weight in some form or frequency.

What makes expressing grief even more challenging is the fear of vulnerability. Being brutally honest about our pain can open us up to wounds more profound than the grief itself. Some may wield our vulnerability as a weapon to inflict more pain. Hence, we learn to be selective about with whom we share our most profound, raw emotions.

Yet, sharing our grief is not about finding a solution. It's about laying bare our souls, revealing how something has shattered us, leaving an indelible mark on our identities for as long as we shall live. In these moments, we must choose our confidantes wisely, for only some are equipped to hold the weight of our unfiltered emotions.

While I don't claim expertise in navigating grief, one truth has emerged—I must face it alone. As grief becomes a lifelong companion, and we remain the sole constant in our lives, we must cultivate the strength to coexist with it. It's an intimate journey that demands introspection, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the ebb and flow of sorrow.

Dealing with grief doesn't necessitate relinquishing the joys of life. It invites us to acknowledge sorrow and pleasure, allowing them to coexist harmoniously. Grief need not be an all-consuming force; instead, we can live authentically, holding space for our pain and happiness.

For those inclined, transforming grief into art becomes a powerful outlet. Expressing the unspoken through writing, visual arts, or music can be cathartic. As the day transitions into night, remember that the universe cradles our grief, allowing us to find solace in the peace of sleep.

In the delicate dance between sorrow and joy, we discover the resilience of the human spirit—the ability to carry the weight of grief while savouring the beauty of life. So, let us be kind to ourselves, embrace the complexities of our emotions, and find strength in the understanding that, just like the stars above, our grief is an integral part of the vast universe within us.

Its because I can understand, the grief I hold

That I am the strongest one I know…