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My Rules for a Good Cry: Rainy Days and Mondays Are Good For the Soul

Some days, life simply calls for a good cry. Not a whimper. Not a polite dab of the eye. A full-on, soul-cleansing, mascara-running, can't-tell-if-it's-laughter-or-sorrow cry. At this stage in life, I've learned to make space for it—with intention, with grace, and with a few house rules.


rain on a window
Tears, like rain, clean the atmosphere of your heart and head, and leave you renewed to move forward.

1. No Apologies :Tears are not weakness. They are release. They are authentic. They are proof that I’m still wide open to life, to love, to loss, to beauty. I will not say “sorry” for being moved.

2. Set the Scene : Dim the lights. Soft blanket. Favorite playlist—maybe blues, maybe an old spiritual number, I pick depending on the ache. Light a candle if the your heart calls for ceremony. Make it fully ok.

3. Let It Be Messy : Sniffles, sobs, snot—yes, all of it. It's 100% ok to be real. No need to be elegant in grief or sentimental in reflection. Let it come as it comes.

4. Know When to Stop : A good cry is a storm passing through, not a new climate. When it shifts, I breathe deep, wash my face, and remind myself: I’m still here. Softer, maybe. Stronger, definitely. Always blessed. Living in grace and thankfulness in spite of the sorrow.

5. Tender Loving Post-Cry Care : Once the tears subside (and they will), be gentle with yourself. Splash cool water on your face. Drink a glass of water – crying is dehydrating! Take a few deep, calming breaths. Maybe follow up with a cup of tea, a short walk, or just sitting quietly for a bit. Acknowledge that you've processed something important.

6. Laugh if You Can : Sometimes the ridiculousness of it all sneaks in. Let it. Cry-laughs are little gifts from above. Accept them with wide open arms.


I’ve cried over heartbreak, over joy, over onions and old songs. Each time, I come out the other side lighter. Cleaner. Wiser.


Crying isn't about wallowing; it's about processing. It’s a release valve that helps us navigate the emotional complexities of life. So, the next time you feel the prickle behind your eyes, don't automatically push it away. Maybe consult these little rules, give yourself permission, and allow yourself the grace of a good, cleansing cry. You often feel lighter, clearer, and more resilient afterward.


So go ahead. Make your own rules. But above all—honor your tears. They are a language only the heart understands.

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