It’s OK to Feel Sad

Sadness is a sign of being fully human

Many of us (including me) are going through a period of grieving. Many have lost jobs, family members, businesses, homes, money, and closure on so many things.

It is a real time of sadness for many.

I want to say that it’s OK to feel sad, fearful, and even overwhelmed. Feeling these things is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign that you are a normal and healthy human being.

Speaking for myself, I personally miss all of the concerts that my students always have in May. I have always known that my students were important to me, but I didn’t appreciate the magnitude of how much I need to be cheering them on. Greeting my students as the stepped on stage, and then applauding them as the left the stage means a lot to me. To not be doing that in May is a massive loss to me.

I miss the hugs I give and receive at my spiritual center. The physical touch from my friends there is something I am sorely missing. I miss playing my saxophone next to my wife every Sunday.

I missed my trip to the mountains in March to go hiking in the snow. My soul is missing the recharge.

I miss scuba diving with my wife. This seems to be coming back, so I’m grateful for that.

I feel guilty in sharing these things, because I understand that many people have it far worse than me.

Anyone who knows me will appreciate that I feel everything. I am an incredibly sensitive human being who is now feeling the pain of our planet very deeply.

To the front line essential workers I say thank you! To the doctors, nurses, hospital staff, bus drivers, trash collectors, grocery store workers I say thank you.

Without these heroes my life would really stink right now.

I share this personal message with you, because I hope that you can give yourself permission to feel whatever it is you are feeling right now. Give yourself the space to explore whatever it is that is coming up for you.

Your ability to feel all of your feelings is awesome!

And, if you are numb and can’t feel your feelings that’s fine too.

I ask that you please share this post with anyone who is having a tough time right now. Maybe you have a friend who lost a family member or a job. Maybe you know someone who just lost their home or business.

I want to be a reminder that it’s OK to feel whatever you are feeling.

And, if you feel a selfish to feel sad when there are thousands dying around you that’s OK too. I understand that.

You are still allowed to feel sad.

I pray for a day when we can just all learn to be kinder to each other. Maybe this pandemic is helping us to remember what really matters in life.

I know that this situation is changing me in ways that I never imagined.

Maybe, we will all learn to love each other a little better.

I pray for this every day.

Thanks for reading.

Share if you feel led.