Honor Your Grief

“When life breaks you, it isn’t to destroy you—it’s to transform you. The pieces that feel lost or shattered are finding a new place, a new purpose, a new meaning, creating something different, something stronger. Trust that the cracks are where the light gets in. It’s in this space of brokenness that we often discover our deepest wholeness. We find the courage to rebuild, to reimagine, to redefine what it means to be strong. We don’t return to who we once were; instead, we evolve into who we’re meant to be. This isn’t just about being put back together; it’s about creating a new version of ourselves. You are not broken; you are breaking through, emerging from the darkness into a reimagined strength.”

- Heather Mangiaratti

The reason is when people ask how I am, I often find myself grappling with an overwhelming sense of being BROKEN. It's a feeling that resonates deep within me, echoing the experiences and challenges I have faced. Words have meaning, and in this moment of vulnerability, I realize that I am entitled to offer myself grace as I navigate through this new, shattered version of myself. It’s essential to acknowledge that healing is not a linear process; it is filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. In the midst of this darkness, I can still catch glimpses of light breaking through the cracks of my despair. It reminds me that hope is not lost and that there is a path forward. I know deep down that this is the truth of what will become of me - a journey of rediscovery, where I will find the courage to evolve into a stronger, more resilient individual. Each day presents an opportunity to piece together the fragments of my existence, learn from my past, and embrace the potential that lies ahead. I am learning to be patient with myself, to understand that it’s okay to feel broken and that from this state of fragility, I can emerge renewed and transformed.

You are not supposed to silence your grief, for it is a natural and profound response to loss that deserves to be expressed and acknowledged. I want to honor it, to give it the space it needs to breathe and to be felt, because my grief comes from a deep well of immersed love lost, a connection that was once vibrant and full of life. This love, now transformed into sorrow, is not something I wish to hide away or diminish; instead, I embrace it as a testament to the bond we shared. Honor is the word I tell people when they compliment my mother's butterfly tattoo, a beautiful symbol that captures the essence of her spirit and the memories we created together. Each intricate detail of the tattoo serves as a reminder of her vibrant personality, her unwavering strength, and the indelible mark she left on my heart. It is a visual representation of my love for her, a love that continues to exist even in her absence. By honoring my grief, I am also honoring her memory, allowing myself to navigate through the complex emotions that accompany loss, while celebrating the life that was intertwined with mine. In this way, my grief becomes a bridge connecting the past to the present, allowing me to carry her legacy forward as I continue to grow and heal.