We all know that person. The one who breaks into sobs while shopping for cabbage at Safeway. The son holding a lump in his throat until it can no longer be suppressed--in row 17, seat C. The mother dabbing tears before they fall at her son's fifth grade graduation, hoping no one will notice. Maybe their sorrows ignited your own, so you pushed them away with judgment: "Some people really oughta learn how to keep it together."
We know that person because we are that person. So many times, we shun grief or sorrow that could not wait for a convenient time to be felt. In these moments, it is as if life has stolen our undergarments and hung them in the public square to dry. We feel exposed, raw, ashamed--if only our feelings would show up right on time, in the privacy of our homes or the folds of our most trusted inner circles. Feelings can be messy. There will be moments when the thread unspools faster than we can wind it. This is okay. In fact, it is when we are vulnerable that we are most deserving of compassion. There are two kinds of people in the world: those who have been that person and those who will be. If you are that person, offer yourself a blessing of loving grace. If you are a witness to the unspooling, offer your fellow human the same blessing: I see you. I hear you. I love you. Your thoughts? Dr. Jill Gross is a licensed psychologist, therapist, and counselor. She offers grief therapy, divorce support, and other counseling services in the Phinney Greenwood area of Seattle, WA. Feeling overwhelmed by your emotions? Schedule a free consultation to find out how therapy or counseling can help you feel better--faster!
2 Comments
Sandy D.
1/28/2016 09:46:42 pm
Thanks for the reminder to choose kindess. Lord knows I have been "that person!"
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Jill
1/29/2016 07:05:25 am
You're welcome, Sandy. We've all been that person. Thank you for being brave enough to step forward!
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AuthorDr. Jill Gross is a licensed psychologist, specializing in grief and divorce. Her coaching and therapy practice is located in the Phinney - Greenwood area of North Seattle in Washington. Archives
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