Allowing myself to cry

In my experience, allowing myself to cry is healthy.

“Crying is good for the soul. It means something needs to be released. And if you don’t release the something, it just weighs you down until you can hardly move.” ― Erin Entrada Kelly

In the past 18 hours, I’ve cried 2 separate times – one was a stress cry and one was a gratitude cry.

The stress cry happened in my therapists’ office yesterday as I was sharing/downloading recent challenges that had been building up emotionally and mentally about running my business.

The tears started pouring out as I hit a tender topic and I didn’t hold back. Once I cried and my pain was witnessed with no judgement – only support – I immediately felt a lot lighter afterwards. Like two tons of weight had been lifted off my shoulders and I didn’t even realize how heavy the stress I’d been carrying was until I cried and released it. My mind felt lighter and my emotions had been honored. That’s a stress cry for me.

The second cry happened this morning when I was reading feedback forms that 2 Unbridled clients filled out about their experience in the Living Unbridled Program for alumni. Their words touched my soul, I felt immense gratitude and a literal overflowing of love pouring outward from my heart. The tears came easily and effortlessly and I felt a softening in my body. That’s a gratitude cry for me.

Growing up I thought crying meant being vulnerable and being vulnerable meant being weak so I did everything I could to avoid being perceived as weak. That led me to an eating disorder and a dark path that almost ended my life in my early 20s. It was the healing power of horses that taught me crying is ok, healthy, and necessary as part of the healing and feeling process. It’s also an integral part of being human and experiencing life, contrary to many “societal norms.”

That’s why I created Beyond the Arena, now Unbridled Retreats, 14 years ago – our equine retreats allow people a safe space to cry, release, process, reflect, and be themselves. No judgement, no “fixing” rather an uplifting, guided, supportive environment to allow people to cry, laugh, celebrate, grief, love, release pent up emotions and embrace self-compassion – which is life-changing, and in some cases, life-saving, as it was for me in my own healing journey.

Thanks for reading. Does any of this resonate with you? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

With love,
Devon