Thank you, Mariah xoxo. I appreciate you reliving this heartbreaking time and sharing your experience of crying with us.
You raise an important point that communities can respond to puffy eyes and connect vulnerably when they see them.
I appreciate this: "I believe it begins with a change in the cultural narrative. With more paid time for bereavement. With learning how to stay out of “fix-it” mode and enter the sacred ritual of witnessing without trying to solve the unsolvable pain of grief." SO true
'By embracing our tears as a natural expression of being alive, we can honor life more deeply, celebrating its wonder, beauty, and mystery.' Love this expression - Our tears are a form of honouring life in its fullness, together.
It takes so much bravery and softness to let our tears fall when they need to. When I was traveling around the world for a year solo, I had a lot of intense emotions and zero privacy to express them. So I cried in public a lot! At first I felt so vulnerable but after a few times it was liberating to just be my whole self and not try to hide any parts of me.
Of course, it’s not always easy and takes practice but I think the more we allow ourselves to be seen, the more we see others’ humanity too.
Thank you Kristin! Working in critical care, staring down death every day for a “job” is something I feel like only fellow ICU nurses and staff can truly understand! Thank you for sharing your stories. I’m still healing and processing my time in that arena, doing my best to offer compassion and grace for who I was at 22, attempting to navigate such an intense experience. 💗
P.S. Have you read “Every deep-drawn breath?” By Dr. Wes Ely? I’m halfway through and wish I had this book when I was still in the ICU.
This is a beautiful piece. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Thank you for reading Alicia! 🙏💖
:) You’re so welcome! I’m with you 100% <3
Thank you, Mariah xoxo. I appreciate you reliving this heartbreaking time and sharing your experience of crying with us.
You raise an important point that communities can respond to puffy eyes and connect vulnerably when they see them.
I appreciate this: "I believe it begins with a change in the cultural narrative. With more paid time for bereavement. With learning how to stay out of “fix-it” mode and enter the sacred ritual of witnessing without trying to solve the unsolvable pain of grief." SO true
'By embracing our tears as a natural expression of being alive, we can honor life more deeply, celebrating its wonder, beauty, and mystery.' Love this expression - Our tears are a form of honouring life in its fullness, together.
It takes so much bravery and softness to let our tears fall when they need to. When I was traveling around the world for a year solo, I had a lot of intense emotions and zero privacy to express them. So I cried in public a lot! At first I felt so vulnerable but after a few times it was liberating to just be my whole self and not try to hide any parts of me.
Of course, it’s not always easy and takes practice but I think the more we allow ourselves to be seen, the more we see others’ humanity too.
Sending you love 💗
Thank you Kristin! Working in critical care, staring down death every day for a “job” is something I feel like only fellow ICU nurses and staff can truly understand! Thank you for sharing your stories. I’m still healing and processing my time in that arena, doing my best to offer compassion and grace for who I was at 22, attempting to navigate such an intense experience. 💗
P.S. Have you read “Every deep-drawn breath?” By Dr. Wes Ely? I’m halfway through and wish I had this book when I was still in the ICU.