It's Alright to Cry

This time I have broken away from the “never” theme but the point is still the same.  We grow up in society thinking that crying is for the weak.  A society that preaches strong men (and women) should not cry.  That you have to learn to handle your emotions internally and not let the world know how you feel inside.  Well I’m here to tell you it’s all a bunch of hooie (I have no idea if that is how you spell the word).  IT’S ALRIGHT TO CRY.  You will go through things in life that may bring tears to your eyes from happiness, pain, delight or sorrow.


I’m no psychologist, although I have taken my fair share of psychology classes and I know that holding it all in is not healthy.  I am a pro at holding in my emptions and it hasn’t caused me much success…except at poker…ooo or when I want to laugh at my kids for doing something inappropriate that I think is actually hilarious but I can’t let them know.  So I sit here today to tell you that this may be one of the most important lessons an emotion-holder-inner may learn.

Now, the next question is “OK, Kelly, you’re so smart, what am I supposed to do when I’m in a meeting, at an event (fill in what’s relevant to you) or some other important place and I want to break out into tears or laughter.  Well please don’t cry at the daycare, you are going to confuse the kids.  And don’t laugh at the board meeting, you might loose you job and the market is tight. BUT, when you get to your car, office, train station, or closest bathroom, break it all out!!! I must warn you…if you are a snotter (i.e. streams of snot run down your nose when you get a good cry on or excessive laugh that leads to crying) please have tissue at hand.

I totally remember this song from health class (Mr. Anthony was the best).

So big baby, are you going to take the emotion challenge of 2011 (totally not a resolution, see previous post)?  I have.  A coworker just offered me coffee and it brought tears to my eyes, ok,  maybe I’m going through something but regardless, that act of kindness was greatly appreciated during a stressful time.  I totally did NOT cry in his office.  I waited until I was back at my desk and let a few flow.  Now I feel much better, have my caffeine and can seize the day.  Carpe whatever and get your emotion on.  It’s therapeutic.

p.s. If you find yourself in a position where you are experiencing serious swings in emotions or you really cannot contain yourself, seek professional help.  No for real, I’m being serious. There  may be something else going on besides the usual.