Life is filled with joy and sorrow, so figuring out the way to ride through the emotions can be rather tough, but it is part of the way we grow; joy comes with a way to pop up without us expecting it. Whatever it is—the deep draw of music, the satisfaction we derive from making others better, or the temporary escape from the drudgery of our daily routine—joy is in the process of catching up with us unawares. There are certain singers and melodies—such as Beth Gibbons’ ethereal sound or David Bowie’s zingy passion—that can lift us to an otherworld of simple happiness, where the music moves us deeply and somehow, yet indescribably, magically.
But happiness isn’t always around to stay. It can come in a flash, only to vanish just as fast, leaving us pining for more. The secret isn’t to attempt to plan for happiness, but to remain receptive to it when it arrives. It’s about releasing the negativity we cling to and being present for the small things—whether that’s dancing wildly or taking comfort in a book that feels like an old friend.
At the other end of the emotional scale, grief may come crashing in like a tidal wave and feel like we’re slipping away. Grief is universal and something we all experience in our way. It may present in the form of shock, sadness, anger, or even isolation. It feels as if losing control, and to begin with, it can be difficult to come to terms with all of it as we strive to find new ways of adapting to a new world that lacks the presence of our beloved person.
Getting into a new sense of normal after a loss feels like an unsolvable mission. The roles switch, responsibilities re-route, and the hollowness of loss seems more than we can bear. But there is hope amid this struggle. While the pain of loss may always be there in some form, the intensity of grief will soften with time, and life will start to feel colorful again. Healing isn’t about forgetting the person we’ve lost, but about learning to carry their memory with us, letting their presence continue to shape us in meaningful ways.
When supporting a person during times of grieving, sometimes the most critical aspect is to be present—listening and being comforting. Other instances involve providing them with options for distraction—be it volunteering, baking, or yoga—so that they are able to experience a bit of brightness and meaning within their lives once more.
Ultimately, our experience of both joy and sorrow illustrates the sheer strength of the human spirit. Through these emotional tides, we learn to appreciate the richness of life, finding strength in the good times and solace in the common experience of sorrow.
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