When I was a mere 25 I moved from Eastern Washington to Portland, Oregon. It was the best decision I ever made. Soon after moving to Portland I began a relationship with a young man who I fell for quite quickly. After six months we moved in together and shared everything for two years. As most every story goes where a break up is involved, “we grew apart”. I wasn’t ready to call it quits but he was. He moved out. I moved to crazy town! I was so distraught.
In my heartbreak I learned from a counselor to “swim in my sadness”. There is joy in succumbing to sadness, to just letting yourself soak in it. So I soaked for two months. My friends got sick of it, I got sick of it. I came out the other side after a good, finger pruning submersion. When I came out from the water I saw the world in a new light- it was bigger and full of more possibility. I met some of my dearest friends at that time in my life. I know if I hadn’t really experienced that sadness and let myself soak in it I wouldn’t have fully recovered. When I experience sadness or disappointment of any kind to this day I will take the time to really feel it. I believe this helps to truly move forward without “pop up” sadness when we least expect it. It also allows me to always be connected to others, as there is nothing in the way!