Dealing with Sadness

What is Sadness?

As I continue on my healing journey, I often (sometimes daily) find myself overcome with sadness. It hits me as quickly as the snap of your finger. As much as I embrace myself with faith, positivity, and love, it finds a way to creep into my life. I remind myself that God sees my sadness. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed" (Psalms 34:18). I allow myself to release the pain through my tears and let God collect them just like in Psalms 56:8, "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have each one in your book." I remind myself that it's okay.

So, what is sadness? Sadness is a natural human emotion often triggered by loss, disappointment, hurt, stress, or difficult life experiences. It’s a feeling that can make everything seem gray and tough to handle. An immense emptiness and heaviness in the heart. Whether it is the weight of the world or just a tough day, sadness can creep into our lives unexpectedly. But understanding what sadness is can be the first step towards overcoming it. It's crucial to remember that experiencing sadness is normal and it does not define us.

How Can We Help Lift Our Sadness?

While sadness can feel overwhelming, we sometimes have to move through it with intention, grace, and care. Here are some practical steps to help you cope:

1. Let Yourself Feel It
Don’t rush to “fix” sadness. Acknowledge it without judgment. It’s okay to cry or be quiet—this is a natural part of the healing process.

2. Journal Your Emotions
Writing helps you process what you’re feeling.

3. Practice Gratitude
Sadness can narrow your view. Gently widen it by noting small blessings: sunlight, a friend, a warm meal, or a breath of peace.

4. Talk to Someone You Trust
Opening up to a friend, mentor, therapist, or family member can bring relief. Sadness shrinks in the light of connection.

5. Seek Spiritual or Faith Support
If you're spiritual, prayer, meditation, or reading comforting scriptures (like Psalms) can be a source of deep peace.

6. Move Your Body
Go for a walk, stretch, or dance. Physical movement gently shifts emotional energy and boosts mood.

7. Get Outside
Nature has a calming, restorative effect. Even 10 minutes in fresh air can help shift your perspective.

8. Nourish Yourself
Sadness can dull appetite or energy—try to eat nourishing foods, hydrate, and sleep well. Your body and soul are connected.

9. Create Something
Paint, draw, write a poem, or play music. Creativity channels emotion in healing ways.

10. Do Something Kind for Someone Else
Serving or helping another shifts the focus outward and reminds you that you still have light to give.

Seeking Help

Sadness reminds us of what we value. It can build compassion, deepen our appreciation for joy, and connect us to others through shared vulnerability. It becomes a concern only when it lingers too long or interferes with daily life—then it may point to something deeper, like depression. Each day is a new opportunity to fight against sadness. Remember, it’s okay to seek help and take steps at your own pace. Remember that there is always "A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance (Ecclesiastes 3:4)."

I know these tips may not solve the problem, but I want you to know that you are not alone. If you could close your eyes for a moment and take a deep breath, slowly exhale, and remind yourself that beautiful moments are to come, moments that will make you laugh and fill your heart with joy. Open your eyes and know that you are loved!

Thank you for taking the time to share this space with me.

Love Always,

Rosie