Lately, I’ve been waking up feeling extra heavy and my sadness is both deep and profound. There’s so much going on in the world and even though it’s impossible to know what another person is feeling or going through, it’s impossible to ignore that so many people are hurting and suffering in the world.

And the truth is, when people are already carrying the wounds of a devastating loss, there’s an added layer of vulnerability that sets in and wounds get ripped open a little more when the world around us is falling apart.

There’s so much loss and grief in the world and people are hurting everywhere. And when people are already grieving a painful loss of their own, to hear about and witness tragedy around the world will make life feel even heavier than before.

I’ve come to learn that the grieving are some of the most compassionate and kind people around and while no two losses are the same and it’s impossible to walk in anyone’s shoes, it’s difficult to NOT feel concern, compassion, and heartbreak when others are suffering and struggling.

The added weight can feel even heavier and it’s imperative that you recognize when it’s too much and you need to pay attention to your mental and emotional health.

Also, it’s frustrating to feel helpless and especially when others are in pain and there’s very little any of us can do to change what’s going on in and around our lives and the lives of other human beings.

And while we can’t even begin to know what others are experiencing, the grieving do understand the pain of loss, uncertainty, deep sadness, and sometimes feeling abandoned, and judged.

When life feels extra heavy and it does right now, please take good care of your mind, body, and soul. Give yourself grace and allow your grief and the many emotions to flow through you. Talk about your feelings and give yourself permission to sit inside of the grief and pain.

And when it’s hard to know what to do or say, always lead with kindness, love, and support. Show up without judgement and keep an open mind. And - I hope people give the same gifts to you.

As I’ve said many times before, grief doesn’t make you or me different from other people in the world. Grief makes us human and it creates an invisible but universal bond.

A bond that can bring comfort when you feel isolated, misunderstood, and alone.

From the foundation of humanity, we need one another and when grieving, everyone needs an extra dose of compassion and kindness.

I’m sorry if you’re hurting and I know how heavy loss and grief feel. And I know life feels extra heavy right now too.

Sending love -

michele