This reflection today comes to us from Chaplain Teresa, who explores a common feeling and offers … well, read on to find out!
A friend of mine called me the other day sobbing. In fact, sobbing so hard it took a few minutes for her to speak. When she was finally able to get a few words out, she cried, “I’ve been spiraling down the last few days to a place I have never been. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?” It took me by surprise because (A) This person is the type who no matter what is happening in her life, things are always “good,” and (B) That she felt something was wrong with her.
Why, when feelings erupt, do some of us feel something is wrong? Is it that feeling anything other than “good” is a failure?
My friend is an extrovert who finds meaning and fulfillment in her relationships with friends and family. She has been isolated for 3 months and her soul was responding to this tremendous loss. Nothing was “wrong” with her. She only needed permission and grace to express her deep seated sorrow to a caring listener.
I have had that same reaction in my life when sorrow comes sneaking around the backside or erupts from seemingly nowhere. Why can’t I just be grateful? Happy? Content? What is “wrong” with me? NOTHING. It is not easy to be a human being, especially during a pandemic. I have worked and continue to work at giving myself permission and grace to accept my feelings and allow grief to heal my sorrows.
May we all be especially tender and kind to ourselves during this time … and always.