Comments on: Why Am I Crying?

By: Kaytlyn

Kaytlyn — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 01:37:15 +0000

I have been crying a lot lately, but I think they are tears of joy. After dealing with an upside-down world, it really puts things in perspective and you realize what is precious. I think that's is what brought up my feelings–being humbled by what I still had and not get carried away with what I wanted. Thank you Pearl for writing this.

By: Traci

Traci — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:15:41 +0000

Thank you, Pearl! I've caught myself swallowing lumps in my throat a lot lately. Next time one comes, I'll let it come, and I'll pay attention. Although what with moving, working two jobs, and writing, something tells me it's pure exhaustion. But I promise I'll look deeper.

By: K.

K. — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:25:30 +0000

I cried when Obama was elected! I also tend to cry when someone tells me they love me for the first time. And once, when dealing with an illness in the family and feeling absolutely overwhelmed, I got a call from an old friend on my cell phone while I was grocery shopping. His voice was so warm and sincere when he asked me, “How are you doing?” that I burst into tears, right there in the middle of the wine aisle, because I realized how much I was trying to be strong and how sad and weak I really felt.

By: pearl_mattenson

pearl_mattenson — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:26:21 +0000

Yes! There is power in getting into action and following the path!

By: emily

emily — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:19:25 +0000

Thanks for writing this Pearl, I have been noticing this so much lately! Certain things trigger crying every time I encounter them (and I've never really been a crier! I went several years without crying, but of course that's another story…). Every time I read or see something about people working to help solve the poverty/hunger/AIDS crisis in Africa, it's instant waterworks. I also cry in every movie where, as you mentioned, a man makes a commitment to a woman he loves (something I've always wanted and never really had). I hardly ever cry at movies that are supposed to be sad, but I ALWAYS cry when they are about something triumphant, like social change or the attainment of one's dream. I wept for 2-3 days after the recent election, every time I thought about the historical context.

I feel like maybe this is happening because I feel like I'm not on the right path, or that my career is not making enough of a difference. Maybe I am too much of an idealist? But either way I think I am going to look into working/volunteering with a charity organization in Africa for my next big vacation.

By: pearl_mattenson

pearl_mattenson — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:12:11 +0000

Okay L'Tanya- I would love to sit down and cry with you.

By: pearl_mattenson

pearl_mattenson — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:10:56 +0000

Julie – I totally relate. I wonder if those tears are about really needing to mourn the stage of life that is now ending-before you can fully enter into the new one.Good luck!

By: DanielleLaPorte

DanielleLaPorte — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:30:12 +0000

Pearl, this is such a great piece. We could all do with paying attention to the tears that even a TV commercial evokes. Big signals.

By: pearl_mattenson

pearl_mattenson — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:11:07 +0000

Highly unusual to be the first commenter on your own post- I know. But I just had to share this. I was sitting in Whole Foods this morning looking at a placard that advetised their “Giving & Entertaining” guide and I started to cry! Okay. I gave myself some time to follow the path and realized that I have been so stuck in a scarcity mode that I wasnt doing a lot of giving. I walked up to the marketing manager and offered free coaching sessions in their store through the holiday season. It felt so good to give. Those tears were a gift this morning.

By: L'Tanya

L'Tanya — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:20:11 +0000

Hearing a man talk passionately about his feelings for his wife and children hits me every time.