Sometimes We Cry--But It's Okay

Sometimes its bad when the going gets tough
When we look in the mirror and we want to give up
Sometimes we dont even think well try
Sometimes we cry

Well were gonna have to sit down and think it right through
If we're only human what more can we do
The only thing to do is eat humble pie
Sometimes we cry
from Sometimes We Cry by Van Morrison

There are times in our lives--not just as parents, but as humans--when we need to sit down and cry. We all have moments in life where we are overwhelmed by stress, indecision, regret, sadness, and many more reasons why we want to cry. No, that is not accurate. Actually we need to cry. Crying releases powerful internal natural substances that elevate our moods. Have you ever been crying your heart out when an offbeat comment from someone else can suddenly sent you into uncontrollable laughter? In the movie, Steel Magnolias, Dolly Parton claims laughter through tears as her favorite emotion.

Crying is cleansing and purifying. God have us tears because it is healthy for us . When you hold deep emotions inside, any doctor will say that you are raising your risks for all sorts of physical ailments, such as high blood pressure, ulcers, heart attacks, depression, lupus, and many more diseases and conditions. Is it worth it?

Feeling overwhelmed by life is one of the hardest things any of us face. There are many causes of that feeling--many of which deal with loss in our lives. Cry. Keep crying--get it all out. But find a way to keep doing the little things of life that keep you connected to the world and to your family and friends. Get out of bed. Go to work. Cook dinner. Call someone else who is suffering and do something for them. Sometimes you will have to fake it a little, but even that will help.

Confiding in someone you can trust can really give you a lift. It also lets you know that you are not alone. Or you can get help from outside your cirlce of friends--a therapist, AA, Alanon, a spiritual advisor, or even a stranger on a help line.

Crying is not abnormal or strange. It is a normal part of life. As the song says, "sometimes we cry" and the Bible says that there is "a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." I listened to this song the other day and have not been able to get it out of my mind or my heart. A deepseated need to blog about this topic grew in my consciousness. So, if you are the reason, please heed the words and know you are okay. You will be fine--maybe not the same--but fine.

Blessings to all.