Why We Don’t Need to Stay Silent During Times of Grief and Heartache
I’ve spent the last two months mostly in solitude, a solitude induced by an unexpected fork in the road and the hardest decision I’ve needed to make in my life yet. During the process, I’ve been quietly reassessing what matters most, and looking at myself and my relationships in a deeper and more honest way than ever before.
While it was necessary I spent a significant amount of time alone during the process – to silence excessive noise and opinions from the outside as I came to a decision – sharing what I was going through with a few trusted confidants, including a coach who was beside me every step of the way, was essential.
To have a listening ear, a voice of reason, someone to remind us of our goodness when we are in a hole of darkness, can fortify us to move through the depths of our pains with greater strength and courage. Sometimes all it takes is speaking our worries and concerns out loud to find clarity. Expressing ourselves verbally also has a calming effect on the amygdala, the part of our brain responsible for processing emotions, including fear and anxiety, which tend to be higher when we’re triggered or up against decisions that activate the fight-or-flight response.
Although my recent circumstances and experiences around them have been unique to me, the battles and feelings that arose as a byproduct are not unique at all. Grief and heartache are much more common than any of us would like them to be, but we don’t talk about them nearly enough. When we don’t speak up about the things that pain us, we preclude the opportunity to help one another, and ultimately prolong unnecessary suffering.
Heartache and vulnerability are the doorways to becoming a whole, fully realized person. Silence, stillness, and being able to sit with our pain is important, but so is reaching out for support. If you or someone you know is navigating the terrains of grief and heartache right now or going through a major transition, I’m here to help. Radical life changes can be difficult. It makes a world of difference to have an unwavering force of support by your side along the way. Reach out to me today.
With love,
Samantha
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