All tears have a purpose: the power of letting yourself and others feel

• "Why are you crying?" 
• "That's not worth crying over."
• "You're just too sensitive"
• "Why do you have to cry?"
• " Dry it up"!
• "Don't start that crying"

I've been on the receiving end of these phrases many times in my life. I'm a passionate expressive person. It's just how I'm wired. I cry when I'm happy, when I'm sad, when I'm mad. I have tried every tactic you can think of to turn off my waterworks ---to make myself not feel. I've looked away, walked away, faked a smile, covered my face with a tissue pretending to blow my nose, but no matter how hard I try, my tears come and are easily detected.  I have uttered many apologies to people "I'm sorry I'm crying...."I hate that I cry when I am angry"..."Please forgive me for crying".  

One night a few years ago, my youngest son and I were piled up in my bed each reading our own book. Something in the book I was reading moved me and I started to cry. Johnny looked at me curiously, so I hurriedly wiped away the tears and said, "It's ok....it's ok...these aren't sad tears. This book just reminded me of some tough times I've grown through and that made me cry happy tears."  Johnny replied, "Mom, don't worry....all tears have a purpose" and then he went back to reading his Big Nate book.

I've reflected on the truth in his words for the last few weeks. All tears have a purpose...all feelings have a purpose, and if I approach the emotions of others and myself with acceptance and openness to learning, then they can lay the groundwork for serious growth.  

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