Grief sucks.

Grief sucks. And the reality is, it is inevitable.

So are other hard feelings, like anger, sadness, and fear.

You don’t have to avoid the feelings, and you also don’t have to let yourself be controlled by them.

Many of us were taught to hide and disregard our feelings. If “don’t be upset” is something that you regularly heard as a child, there is a strong chance that you’ve learned to diminish the feelings that you experience now. Our feelings and emotions have important messages for us, and if we learn how to honor them, we can work with them rather than against them.

I believe that behind every grieving heart is a deep love.

The Guest House
by Rumi

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.