It's Okay

We are all different people - different personalities, likes and dislikes, different perspectives and different views of the world so why do we presume there is an appropriate way of grieving? Why do we judge ourselves and others against some unwritten, traditional standard of mourning? Is there really a 'right' length of time to wait before sorting through personal items? ...before dating or marrying... before moving on? Are there really predetermined behaviors that must be adhered to? ...standards for or limits on feelings? Must we demonstrate our sadness for the world to see, or hide our feelings behind veils and Kleenex? Grief is personal. Like prayer, it is our own to share or hide, to laugh or cry, to shout or whisper. We have a right to wear our grief in whatever form it takes without judgment for however long it takes us to work through it. It's okay. You're okay. There is no set amount of time for mourning, no limit on memories. But own it - see it, accept it, live it and move through it - without judgment, without fear or anxiety or guilt. It's okay to laugh. It's okay to enjoy life. It's okay to feel angry and lonely and sad. Wherever you are is the right place to be. Just know where you are, even if where you are is lost. That's okay too.