I was recently reminded of a simple and concise statement from a friend, "It's Going to Be Ok." At the time, I was going through a particularly rough emotional period in my life, a time I'd probably still today qualify as the "worst" part of my life. I remember this comment well because of the immense relief it brought me and how independent that was from the compassion it was shared with. The statement alone comforted me, and I've since shared it as an affirmation for friends and family who may be struggling.

I hadn't ever considered what those words meant to me or why I found such comfort and relief in them. Reflecting on things, I can now understand how well its meaning aligns with my understanding of grief and pain and moving on from both of those. In the moment, it encapsulated two simple things I needed to be reminded of:

• It's ok for me to not feel ok right now.
• I'm going to be ok again.

I'll always remember these concepts, both for my own struggles and when empathizing with and supporting those I care about. It's funny how the most support is often given through the simple act of being there, and often communicating that is the hardest thing we can do for others.