What's up with "giggles" part?

Trauma has the power to profoundly reshape who we are. It can alter how we see the world, how we interact with others, and how we perceive ourselves. The pain and experiences we endure can shift our personality in ways that are sometimes subtle, sometimes dramatic - leaving us more guarded, anxious, or even disconnected. But it’s important to remember that while trauma can change us, it doesn’t define us. Healing is possible, and with it, there’s a chance to rediscover or redefine the person we become.

Trauma isn't funny on any level. Part of the healing process, however, can include allowing the lighter side of things to be "OK" to experience. What does that mean? Many people often have misconceptions about how someone "should" grieve, and laughter during grieving can be misunderstood. Some may feel that a grieving person shouldn’t be laughing, interpreting it as a sign of disrespect or denial of their loss. This expectation is based on societal norms around grief, which often assume that it should be a somber, continuous state.

However, grief is complex and non-linear. Laughter can be a natural, even healing, part of the grieving process. It allows moments of relief and can help people reconnect with joy, even in the midst of pain. Finding humor or lightness doesn’t mean someone is “over” their grief - it’s part of their emotional coping. If you're experiencing this, it’s helpful to remind others that grief looks different for everyone and that moments of laughter don't diminish the love or the loss.

Losing a spouse brings overwhelming sorrow, and the path to rediscovering happiness and humor can feel impossible at first. However, as time passes, many find that moments of joy and laughter begin to surface, even in small, unexpected ways. These moments don’t erase the pain but coexist alongside it. They represent resilience - proof that life, though altered, continues and still holds room for joy.

Humor, in particular, can serve as a healing force. It helps lighten the heaviness of grief and reconnects you with the person you were before the loss. Finding humor might mean reminiscing about funny memories, laughing with friends, or simply allowing yourself to smile at life’s everyday moments again. It’s not about "moving on" but about embracing the complexity of grief and life—honoring the loss while finding space for happiness and humor once more.

Reaching that point is a process, and it’s important to be patient with yourself as you navigate it. You don’t need to feel guilty for laughing or feeling happy again - it’s a natural, vital part of healing.