I Don't Apologize For Crying

In the media, if someone starts to cry, the person usually apologizes. It usually makes me cringe. Not because they are crying, but because they are apologizing- for what seems like- being human. Every time I see it, I secretly hope they don’t apologize. Waiting with bated breath saying “please don’t say ‘sorry’!” to myself. Then 10 times out of 10, the person apologizes.

What are we teaching ourselves (and each other) is that we’re not allowed to have feelings- well not the feelings on that side of the “feelings wheel.” That side might include, sadness, overwhelm, anxiety, and sometimes even deep deep joy. Tears are such a wonderful part of our experience as human beings and should never be apologized for- in my opinion.

But to each their own, yes? Yes. Enough with the criticism.

I make it a point not to apologize for my tears- no matter the cause- because I see tears as a connection to and the presence of the Divine. Just as laughter comes so effortlessly, tears are very similar in nature. I find tears to be beautiful, a reminder of our humanness. Tears show depth and freedom of emotion, emoting. It’s vulnerable which means it’s a sign of strength.

I also find tears useful to get emotions out of my body. It’s as if the feelings are bottled up in there until the dam is released through my eyes. Yes, tears are a release, friends. Don’t be backed up with emotions. Let them flow right through your eyes!

That’s my advice. Take it or leave it.

*In a world where anything written on a screen on the interwebs might be seen as “truth, fact or gospel” I think it’s important to remind the reader of the choice to take it or leave it. *