Respect Your Deep Sadness

As Southern California continues to burn, leaving countless people homeless and devastated those of us who are not living there but who feel the anguish and grief can only respect our connection with the victims of those fires!

I was born in Los Angeles and lived there until after college when I moved to NYC. I graduated from Westchester High School and UCLA. Living in Westchester near the Los Angeles Airport, many years there were fires in Malibu, with ash descending all over the streets and cars parked on the roads. It was sad but we knew it as to be expected and people would re-build.

But what is happening now all over Southern California -- from Pacific Palisades to Altadena, and way beyond -- is unthinkable.

Yes, people are turning out in droves to help--with food, clothing, every day supplies, and money! Thank goodness!

But that will never take away the grief that you may be feeling, that I feel every day. Trust it. Trust that your grief keeps you connected to the larger forces of humanity! You may be able to only donate money and that is one expression of your connection. Your deeper connection is expressed in your sadness, your grief. Respect it! Own it! There is much we all need to do in order to stay sanely human during this enormous tragedy!

******

Judith Sherven, PhD is a clinical psychologist, executive coach, and former model and actress.

She is married to Jim Sniechowski, PhD and together they have written many books, including 4 award-winning fiction books by Jim. Check them out at www.JudithandJim.com/books

--