“What we don’t need in the midst of struggle is shame for being human.” ~ Brené Brown

This is for the tender-hearted souls with a fiery passion for life.

This is for the brave warriors who feel everything so deeply and the honest humans who know the risk of living authentically.

This is for the vulnerable humans who’ve been hurt and who’ve felt loss. This is for all who know the pains of unspeakable grief and the depths of anxiety.

Dear hearts, you are so brave.

Just remember that even when it doesn’t feel like it, and even when you can’t and don’t want to believe it, you’re so courageous and strong. That’s never left—sometimes we just forget.

Even when you’d rather hide in your sorrows and protect your vulnerability, remember that you are never alone.

We’re all just doing our best at any moment. It’s not pretty sometimes and it’s painful what we can face. But the act of showing up for ourselves in honesty even when we don’t feel like rising up is the greatest gift to our deepest healing.

The grief will ebb and flow, like the waves of ocean.

“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not a mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition and of unspeakable love.” ~ Washington Irving

If you’re shaking in fear, remember how strong you are.

“Fear is a natural reaction to moving closer to the truth” ~ Pema Chödrön

Be kind and gentle with your heart. Remember there is tenderness in strength, and strength in vulnerability. And remember that you are never, ever alone.

“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” ~ Brené Brown

~

Author: Caitlin Oriel