Where grief is fresh, any attempt to divert it only irritates

Where grief is fresh, any attempt to divert it only irritates

Samuel Johnson, the renowned English writer and critic, was no stranger to grief. Throughout his life, he faced numerous personal losses, including the deaths of his parents, his wife, and several close friends. Johnson's own struggles with grief undoubtedly influenced his thoughts on the subject, and his famous quote, "Where grief is fresh, any attempt to divert it only irritates," reflects his belief in the importance of allowing oneself to fully experience and process the emotions that come with loss.

In Johnson's view, grief is a natural and necessary part of the human experience. It is a complex and deeply personal emotion that cannot be easily brushed aside or ignored. When someone is in the midst of grieving, any attempt to distract or divert their attention from their pain can be not only unhelpful but also harmful. Johnson understood that grief must be acknowledged and allowed to run its course in order for healing to take place.

For Johnson, the idea of diverting grief was not only ineffective but also disrespectful. He believed that grief should be given the space and time it needs to be fully felt and expressed. Trying to push grief aside or pretend it doesn't exist only serves to prolong the healing process and can lead to unresolved emotional issues down the road.

Johnson's words on grief are a reminder that it is okay to feel sad, angry, or lost in the wake of a loss. It is a natural part of the human experience, and attempting to suppress or ignore those feelings will only make the grieving process more difficult in the long run. By allowing ourselves to fully experience and process our grief, we can begin to move forward and find a sense of peace and acceptance in the face of loss.