Just Cry

Just cry already!

That’s what I told myself before writing this.

If you’re like me, crying isn’t automatic it’s a process. Five to seven steps before a single tear gets permission to fall. I have to allow myself to cry, which sounds wild, but it’s true.

I’ve labeled crying as many things: weakness, release, strength, resilience. Yet weakness always comes first. Maybe it’s my ego gripping my conscience, whispering, “Don’t you dare.” Maybe it’s survival. Maybe it’s fear of what happens once I let go.

But I’m tired of treating tears like failure.

Maybe crying isn’t weakness at all

maybe it’s just honesty with no armor.

Crying is a natural human response that serves several important functions. Here are some key reasons why crying is significant:

1. Emotional Release

Crying provides an outlet for expressing emotions such as sadness, frustration, or joy. It can help alleviate emotional pain and tension.

2. Stress Relief

Shedding tears can reduce stress by lowering levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. This can lead to a feeling of calm and relief after crying.

3. Communication

Crying can serve as a non-verbal form of communication, signaling to others that we need support or that we are experiencing a strong emotional state.

4. Physical Benefits

Crying can have physical benefits, such as flushing out toxins and reducing eye irritation through the production of tears.

5. Empathy and Connection

Seeing someone cry can evoke empathy and compassion in others, fostering deeper connections and understanding in relationships.

6. Healing Process

Crying can be an integral part of the healing process after loss or trauma, allowing individuals to process their feelings and move forward.

In summary, crying is an essential emotional and physiological process that plays a crucial role in maintaining mental health and fostering social bonds.