Sadness

You've probably met me before. I'm Sadness. I'm the heavy feeling in your chest when you miss someone, or the quietness that comes after a disappointment. People sometimes think I'm a bad thing, something to push away. But I'm actually here to help you notice what's truly important to you. I am the feeling of loss, and I help you understand what you value. For example, I was with Maria on the 12th of August, the day her family moved and she had to say goodbye to her best friend.

I visit during all sorts of moments. I might show up when you feel left out by your friends at lunch, or after an argument that leaves things feeling unresolved. I'm there during big life changes, like when a beloved pet gets old and passes away, or when your family structure changes. I also appear during personal setbacks. I was with Jamal on the 3rd of November when he found out he didn’t make the final cut for the basketball team after practicing for months. I’m the feeling that reminds you, 'This mattered to me.' My visit can feel overwhelming, but I don't plan to stay forever.

Think of me as a signal pointing to something that needs your attention. When I arrive, it's often a sign that you need to connect with someone you trust. Talking about me with a parent, a friend, or a teacher can make my weight feel much lighter. I am a necessary part of healing; you can't just skip over me to get to the happy parts. Sitting with me for a while lets you process what happened and gives you the space to figure out how to move forward. I help you understand your own heart.

I'm not the opposite of happiness; in many ways, we work together. You can't fully appreciate the warmth of joy without understanding my coolness. I help make the happy moments in your life feel even brighter and more meaningful. Because you've known me, you can also recognize me in others. This is how I help you build empathy and compassion. I help you become a better friend to someone who needs support. I am not an ending; I am part of the journey of understanding yourself and others.

I continue to visit people every day, reminding them of what they hold dear. I am learning that my presence isn't an interruption to life, but a vital part of it. My story matters because it teaches you that acknowledging me is a sign of strength and a path toward deeper connections with yourself and the world around you. Understanding me helps you grow.