*Art credit Sheri Howe
Being the mother of an 18-year-old daughter just embarking on her journey to Portugal for a gap year after graduating high school, Brené Brown’s words hit close to home for me. The embrace-release cycle resonates deeply – the struggle of holding on and then letting go.
This is a familiar dance for every parent facing an empty nest – the mix of excitement for your child’s future, the bittersweet anticipation of their independence, and the personal process of mourning the inevitable changes as they venture out on their own.
In my own life, I find myself in a period of letting go. The pending departure of my daughter, combined with her father and a close friend also moving abroad, has left my heart heavy with grief. The experience of loss triggers memories of past pains, stirring up emotions that need space to heal before I can openly share.
As I navigate through this period of transition, I am reminded of the physical toll grief takes on the body. The contractions of the heart, like labor pains, leave me breathless and in tears, only to eventually subside and offer moments of respite. It’s a process I know well, having faced significant losses in the past.
Some may question why we hold onto love so tightly, why we struggle to let go. To me, it’s a testament to the depth of our feelings, the essence of attachment and love intertwined.
I find solace in the words of Jamie Anderson, who beautifully captures the essence of grief as unspent love seeking a place to reside.
If you’re grappling with similar emotions due to an empty nest, a breakup, a relocation, or any other trigger, know that you’re not alone. The process of letting go is universal and deeply human.
So, whether you’re journeying through loss or transition like me, I invite you to use your creative outlets as a form of healing. Write, create art, make music, dance – allow the embrace-release cycle to transform into beauty and healing.
Sending you a virtual hug,
Lissa
