Hello, everyone! Today I wanted to talk about something that is very important to me. I have been thinking about it a lot lately, and I want to share it. I hope it encourages and helps you a lot! So let’s get right to it. Society often tells us that crying makes us weak or that it’s bad/wrong. A lot of that is directed towards men and boys, but some girls and women have also heard things like “Big girls don’t cry” during their lives. And that is just plain WRONG! If you have ever been told things like “Crying is weak” or “Men don’t cry,” know that those things (even if they came from really smart or good people) are incorrect. Men and women alike can cry, and it doesn’t makes you weak. Instead, it makes you strong and brave. Read on to find out why I think so. (Note: In this project, I am specifically referring to emotional crying. When I say “crying,” I am not talking about what happens you chop onions or get irritants in your eyes, because that’s very different from emotional crying. Just thought I should clear that up before I went on.) First off, crying shows the beautiful complexity of creation. The simple act of crying can be seen as a complex and amazing blend of psychology and physiology, and this is especially true when you understand everything that happens in your brain and in your lacrimal (tear) glands before and while you cry. Doesn’t that sound SUPER cool? (Check the link at the end to learn more!) (Bonus: If you want to find your lacrimal glands, they are located just above the upper eyelid of each eye and just below each eyebrow.) Second off, crying has a lot of benefits. It can make you feel better, and it can even cleanse your eyes from bacteria and other gross stuff that doesn’t belong. Crying can also get you the support you may need, because if others see you crying, they may come to you with kindness, empathy, and curiosity about your situation. But even without others being involved, crying can bring relief and clarity, and it can make you feel really good. (Again, check the link at the end to learn about that!) Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, genuine crying is one of the most vulnerable and human things you could ever do. Even if you don’t feel good or feel you have clarity after crying, the fact that you let out your real, raw emotions is a sign of true strength and bravery. Why? Because, speaking from experience, it can take a lot of strength and bravery to face your emotions head-on and let them out appropriately. There are times where it can feel easier to just stuff them inside. Because of that, crying NEVER makes you weak. Instead, it makes you VERY strong and brave. In summary, important to understand that crying is good for you and that you should do it. If you’re in a situation where you must hold back your tears, get through that situation and then let out your feelings as soon as you can. NEVER hold back your feelings for longer than you should, because that’s not good for your body. It can make you suffer emotionally, mentally, and even physically. (Again, check the link at the end of this project to learn more!) Also, as I have said before and will say again, crying doesn’t make you weak or bad. Remember, even Jesus wept (John 11:35), meaning that it is not sinful or wrong to weep now and then. However, if you think you have been sad and/or crying far too much, it’s important to talk to a doctor or counselor to make sure there’s not any underlying health issues. (But also, some people just cry more easily than others. I am one of those people.) Here’s the project you should check out if you want to learn more: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1122081448 Well, that’s all for now! I hope this project encouraged you and was helpful to you! May God bless you today! Sincerely, @GrapePickle22 aka Diana
