How Feeling Sadness Heals My Soul

‘Life is not an interruption to my coaching business.

Emotions are my life. All emotions are beautiful and a necessary part of being human.

‘Shame cannot thrive in the light of vulnerability’. This is a quote from Brene Brown, who writes about wholehearted living.

I may feel shame when I am sad, lonely, discouraged, angry or anxious.This shame is released when I admit these feelings to myself and accept that these feelings are part of my humanity. The next step is finding a person I trust with whom to share my experience. As a result I feel closer to them and I am connected and less lonely.  

Sadness is an important part of healing. Tears are cleansing and love is deepened as I admit my heart break and show my grief openly and with courage.’

These ideas and thoughts come from the speech I gave at the Coaching Retreat I recently attended.

Last month I travelled to New York City and Connecticut to be with my coaching colleagues. Part of our experience included performing a speech.This talk was to show case my message to the world. It was my story of healing and transformation.

Little did I know that on my return home I would be challenged to practice the very things I had talked about.

Grief and loss visited our family this week. My daughter-in-law’s father died suddenly. He was a passionate outdoorsman who loved nature and spent hours hunting, camping and playing in nature with his family. A big man with a teasing glint in his eyes, he was an integral part of his family’s life.

I am allowing myself to experience the mix of emotions that, in the past, I would have pushed away.

Marjorie would have managed.

I feel shock, anger, grief and worry for his wife and family. I am exhausted and I feel helpless.

And, I am noticing my emotions, accepting them and asking for support. I reach out to my husband and my own children. I ask my friends and coaching colleagues for their love and healing messages. I am receiving love with a soft heart and open arms.

I am also receiving from my grandchildren. We share stories about ‘Grandpa Peter’ and I tell them, ‘It is okay to be sad’. I hug them and smile as I see my little granddaughter wearing her grandpa’s t-shirt as a dress. I hear the story of Peter’s beloved dog sitting on a pile of his clothes waiting in vain for his master to return. We read books and play Lego. Life goes on.

There is a new reality ahead that is still foggy. I think of a hiking trail with its twists and turns. There are unexpected rocks to climb and branches to push aside. Once in a while, there is the glimpse of a far off mountain peak. Or a valley stream way below. Beauty accompanies the steep climb.

I have no pat answers or easy solutions at this sorrowful time. I do know that Love is present. The comfort of being with those I love is wonderful gift. The unexpected phone calls and loving messages fill me with tenderness.

This is my life right now. I am fully experiencing all my emotions. I am struck by the healing power of authenticity and vulnerability. I am wholehearted and I am being me.
Thank you to all of you who have reached out to me. I receive your LOVE.