As part of my training, we often spoke of the six human needs – one being “love and connection.” It’s not some thing we just want. It’s a human need. It is not negotiable. It is a must. Without love and connection, there will always be suffering. When we are in pain, it’s hard to feel the love that exists, but we have to seek where it lives.

I don’t know your story, but I know that pain and suffering joins our hearts. I know in one way or another, it is the journey of every heart! No one goes through life unscathed. I also know, through my own recovery experience, that life takes us into excruciatingly painful situations and offers us abundant beauty, joy, love, and peace. It is not one or the other.

Maybe your pain is so fresh, that it feels unbearable. Maybe it’s something that happened a long time ago and has been triggered by something else in the present. Maybe it’s a realization there’s something in your life that you want to move through as authentically as possible, because your heart knows there’s more. And, there is more! Your story is not over. I invite you to open up space to allow in the new and beautiful.

Connect to someone who understands. Someone who will listen without judgement so you can be seen, and heard, and have reflected back to you your inherent value. You matter!

Cheri Thomas

Cheri works as a Peer Support Specialist for RI in Arizona. She has experienced loss and grief which has led her to write for the masses to bring voice to those in similar situations. Cheri possesses a deep passion to share with, encourage, and inspire others on what she calls the Journey of the Heart.