Good Grief...

     Being the 'upbeat' and positive, person, whom I, typically, am, I'm, sometimes, 'caught off guard' when the sad situations in my life, and, of those whom I love, begin to overburden, and, overwhelm me. It seems, at times, that we are, simply, asked to bear more than we can bear; and, yet...we must. For, if we allow our emotional, challenges, to 'best' us, what good is there in this? Naturally, it it quite normal and acceptable to be saddened, when faced with painful life experience(s); we must mourn when it is appropriate to do so. However, for the sake of one's self, and, one's sanity, it is vital to keep from 'drowning in sorrow, or, self-pity'. Grief is something, none of us can escape, as, it seems, that suffering is a great, part, of the 'human-condition; and, in this, we are not so very different from one another. For this reason, when we are faced with the life-situations which demand of us, and our emotional well-being, and, wish for our loved ones to support us through them, similarly, it is only fair to be understanding, empathetic, and, sympathetic to others, during their moments of pain and suffering. Grieving takes on many different shapes and forms. Although, in grieving well, there are certain, specific, stages we go through, and, ought to allow for, this does not imply that there are 'set-rules' to the process. Because we may wear our pain different than someone else, is no indication of, or implication that, one way is better than another.There ought never be a place for negative opinion when we witness people, seemingly, struggling while in crisis. Rather than casting judgement, we must allow for folks to handle their situations, as they do. We may think or believe that our way is the best and only way, but, this is untrue. As in any other regard, during our lives, we all have our, specific, view as how to 'handle' things. This is not to suggest that if we witness loved ones flailing that we might not offer our 'assistance'. But, we must 'tread lightly' while doing such; as, when people are, already, in an elevated, emotional-state, they may not be receptive of suggestions, lest they come from a, complete, place of love. Otherwise, the offered help may become more of a hindrance. Not unlike all others, it seems, of late, that it my family's 'turn' to experience sadness; this coming in a myriad of ways, impacting on many, immediate, and extended family members. We are ALL being burdened by these situations, with some, more influenced than others, due to each, unique, occurrence, and, circumstance. The bottom-line in all of this, is that, we are all managing to the best of our capabilities; and, throughout the pain-filled processes, are attempting to be available to one another. In the grand scheme of things, the reality is that we can, only, 'be there' for one another, as, as individuals, we must process our own, personal, pain. It's wonderful knowing that there are loved ones who care enough to extend support; yet, we must get to the other side of grief on our own, and, without feeling pressure from others as how to accomplish this. Words can be wonderful, as they express to others our feelings; However, sometimes, a HUG, which lets someone know you love them and are there for them, is a, more, welcome, expression of 'love and support'. Just Sayin'...