"لن أقول لا تبكوا لأن ليست كل الدموع شرا"

You know how sometimes we hear people say, "Don't cry"? That might be well-intentioned, but it can come off as dismissive, right? The core idea here is that it’s okay to cry. Tears aren’t inherently bad. They’re a natural part of being human and dealing with emotions. Sometimes, they’re even necessary for healing.

Now, let’s dive into where this thought comes from. J.R.R. Tolkien wrote this line in his famous work, "The Lord of the Rings." Specifically, it’s from the final chapter, when Gandalf is saying goodbye to his friends. This isn’t just a random comment. It’s a moment loaded with emotion, reflecting on the journey, the losses, and the victories. Sometimes, we need to acknowledge our grief and allow ourselves to feel it fully, instead of bottling it up.

Imagine this: You’ve just finished a marathon. Months of training, pushing your limits, and sacrificing time and energy have all led up to this one moment. You cross the finish line, and as the adrenaline fades, you feel tears welling up. Are these tears of joy, relief, exhaustion, or a mix of all three? It doesn’t really matter. The point is, they’re a release, a way for your body to process the whirlwind of emotions. This is a vivid example of how tears can be a healthy, necessary response to significant experiences.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your own life? First, give yourself permission to feel. If something moves you to tears, don’t suppress it. Acknowledge your emotions and let them flow. It’s a form of self-compassion. Second, create a safe space for others to express their feelings. If a friend is crying, be there with them. Offer a shoulder to lean on or a listening ear. Sometimes, just being present is the best support.

Let me tell you about my friend Sarah. She recently lost her dog, Max, who had been her companion for over a decade. When she called me, she was in tears, struggling to speak between sobs. I could’ve said, "Don’t cry." But instead, I just listened. We talked about Max, about all the good times they had, and she cried some more. After a while, she thanked me for just being there and letting her grieve without judgment. Those tears were a part of her healing process.

Think about it. Next time you or someone you care about is on the verge of tears, remember that not all tears are an evil. They can be a way to cope, heal, and move forward. It’s part of what makes us human. And sometimes, a good cry is all we need to release whatever's been weighing us down.

In the end, it’s about being kind to yourself and others. Embrace the tears when they come. It’s not a sign of weakness—it's a sign of being alive, of feeling deeply. And that’s something to be cherished.