Grieving Without A Manual

It Doesn't Have to Make Sense.

Back in high school gym class, I learned about the terms ‘muscular strength’ and ‘muscular endurance.’ The difference is that muscular strength measures the force of one (or a set of) reps targeting specific muscle groups, whereas muscular endurance measures how long a muscle group can be used without strain. You’re tapping into strength when you do a set of lunges; and you’re tapping into endurance when you’re carrying a baby on your hip for an indefinite period of time.

This makes me wonder, what about emotional strength and endurance?

The emotional strength to receive a lovingly animated visit from your in-laws is very different from the emotional endurance needed to be present for a sick friend.
The emotional strength of talking through a hard thing with your partner is very different from the emotional endurance needed to show up every day to a dying democracy.

One emotion in particular seems to require both strength and endurance: Grief. And grief is a real head-scratcher.