It takes courage to tell our stories

It is sounds so easy.

When we suffer loss, if we'll talk of our loss with others, we'll more quickly work through, and learn lessons, from the loss.

That's what psychologists who study trauma say.

A different set of psychologists -- those who study women in our society -- say that talking of our sadness, mourning out loud, if you will, requires us to appear vulnerable, needy even.

Which we are loathe to do.

So, we need to talk, but we don't.

Which is why two blogs I read this week were so moving.

Macy Robison, wrote of the loss of her mother, in Mom, while Jennifer Judd-McGee, reluctantly talked of her stepbrother's death, in an entry titled bittersweet.

After you listen to -- and bear witness -- to their stories, will you take a moment to thank them for their courage?

What story of loss have you yet to articulate, to make meaning of?

Related posts:

Tell your story
Storytime by Ashley Goldberg
Three cheers for oxytocin
Making meaning in Malawi
Handicrafts for the hero's journey

Comments

[tracy Ho]

You post really touches my heart, wishing to hear your side of story be it happy or sad,
I think that is bloging about ,
Hope to read more ,
Thank you

With Loves
Tracy Ho
wisdomgettingloaded

[Macy]

Whitney,

I'm glad you liked the post, and I appreciate your comments. I was surprised that I wrote the things I did about my mom and how I hesitated when I was about to push the "publish" button. I think I was worried about appearing vulnerable in that moment of hesitation. I've been surprised at the response I've received from the post - especially from my brother and sister. We all experienced the death of my mom in very different ways and it is always interesting to me to hear them talk about their own experience. But, now I'm rambling. Thanks for making me feel better about the choice to be vulnerable.