Last week was a heavy one for us. Sometimes grief jumps in without warning and yanks us out of our joy and into a heavy sadness, where we can feel stuck. Sometimes, the good feelings will find us—offering relief, bringing a much-needed lightness to the weight we carry. And then there are other times when we have to go looking for the light, even when it feels far away.

The weight of the grief can keep us stuck, for sure. And maybe you need to give yourself permission to feel joy amid the grief. Have you been there, Reader, pulled between sorrow and joy, unsure of how to move through it to the Light? The truth is, sorrow and joy are not opposites. They often walk together, side by side. The presence of sadness doesn’t erase the love, and the presence of joy doesn’t mean the loss didn’t matter. We can feel both. I don't like to get bossy or up in your business, but if you are carrying guilt - don't. It doesn't serve you or anyone you love. Toss it aside. Forgive yourself if you need to. If you want help with that, reach out.

This week, I’m reminded that friendship is one of the ways we find the light. A good friend can sit with us in the darkness, remind us of the light that still exists, and sometimes even carry the light when we can’t find it ourselves. A good friend reminds us that sometimes joy doesn't come and knock on our door and we have to go out and claim it. We have to do something that will bring us joy.

My wish for you this week, Reader, is that if you're stuck in something heavy that you don't want to be stuck in, go and do something that brings you joy, if even for a moment. Reach out—to a friend, to a loved one, to me. Let's remind each other that joy abounds and exists for us. And if you’re in a place of Light this week, see who needs you to shine some their way.

Wherever you are on the journey, you’re not alone. Let’s find the light together. That's the fiLLLed life.
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Live a fiLLLed life, Melissa ​