Grieving is Growing Published Mon Aug 24 12:50:00 SAST 2015

Grief is a natural response to loss. When we grow, we grieve over the amputated identity that harboured our vestigial thoughts — we grieve for the person we no longer are.

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” — Carl R. Rogers

Grieving persons may need to tell their story over and over again to come to terms with the pain. With each retelling, the pain lessens.

It is the same with new ideas. A diary compresses growth into edible morsels. Like a parent flipping through a yearbook, re-reading our thoughts helps us come to terms with our lost selves. And when you turn the last page, a new person holds the pen.

Now cauterise.

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Painting: At Eternity's Gate by Vincent van Gogh.