I miss you

“A single person is missing for you, and the whole world is empty.”

Joan Didion

We might often see the words ‘I miss you’ projected on photos or texts while scrolling through reels on social media or reading a magazine.

People whisper them to each other in a loving manner.

Everyone, in their uniqueness, gives this little sentence a different meaning, depending on the context.

For some, these words define a longing emptiness that never can be filled.

For others, it stands for the separation -temporary or permanent- from a deep loving connection in their lives, leaving them feeling lonely.

Each of us, ultimately, connects with others uniquely, defined by our own loving capability and formed by life’s experiences.

When saying ‘I miss you’ while grieving, it mostly refers to the painful void in one’s soul after being disconnected from our loved one.

That pain partially (re)defines who you are, but we can learn from it to strengthen our inner core. Always remember that you’re the only one capable to fill that emptiness eventually. Only by embracing the heartache and accepting one must endure the mourning trajectory can heal the wounds.

But does it stop there? Unfortunately, it doesn’t. Sometimes you could suffer a relapse.

Over the last few months, the endeavour to clear out  my storage gave a new meaning to the words ‘I miss you’. By itself, the work entailed nothing special and yet a part of me was dragged back in front of my old demons.

Each item one keeps can trigger a memory identifying its emotional value. Although I have come to terms with my losses, some old feelings resurfaced while sorting things out.

Moreover, I observed that the meaning of the words ‘I miss you’ have evolved over time. They no longer express a yearning emptiness, but rather a warm feeling that deeply appreciates the aspects of the rememberances without feeling any resentment.

Although the sadness overwhelmed me from time to time, the overall result seemed to be that my baggage was lightened.

In a way, I would like to advice everyone to unburden themselves from time to time from the negative items. It will reinforce the memories of warm moments, while the elimination disconnects us from the negative ones. In the end, the value of our items is determined by our lives and memories.

That being said, everyone chooses to recover in their own way and that’s what my coaching practice is about. Supporting people to embrace their heartache in a loving manner using practical approaches.

Up to you now, who do you address when you pronounce the words ‘I miss you’?Which items evoke your memories of warm moments?

Just leave your answer in the comments.