Why is it so hard to leave someone you love? In this episode of Mello, we ask a big question, and together, we explore the tricky feelings that come with goodbyes. Through a soothing, playful meditation, we’ll freeze time, find comfort in our favorite memories, and discover how love stays with us—even when we’re apart. Ready to wiggle out the worries and wrap yourself in a cozy feeling of connection? Let’s mello together.Take a deep breath… you got this.

Why is it so Hard Goodbye?

Separation Anxiety

Hey! Thanks for dropping by. This is mello, where we answer your seriously goofy questions about the world, take you to faraway places in your imagination, and give you time to meditate.  

This episode, our question comes from Ellie:

Ellie:  “Why is it SO hard to say goodbye?”

Oh man that is hard! OK, my little friend. We got this, let's figure this really tricky question out together. I am really glad that you asked us a tough one! 

Let’s start by getting our wiggles out. Go ahead and wiggle. 

That’s right–your toes and arms, your fingers and legs. Wiggle them up and down and all around. Now settle those wiggles into a comfortable spot. You are safe as you straighten your back and close your eyes, ready for our adventure. 

(birds are chirping, happy morning vibes) 

What could be better than holding the hand of a person you love? And how lucky are you, because right now, as you walk to school on a sunny morning you get to do just that. 

You look up at them, the sun shining happily on your face warming you from head to toe. A smile quickly spreads ear to ear. And Your heart beats a happy tune, carrying you along. 

(cue delightful happy music)

You swing your hand back and forth in theirs, and start to skip. 

(skipping more cheery music stay with music for a moment)

Ahead the school comes into view. You’ve walked through those doors a million times before. 

But it doesn't seem to make the moment that you part any easier. 

(maybe the music slows or quiet or changes)

You know that big goodbye is coming. 

The sudden deep feeling that being apart is the worst thing imaginable hits you. And you simply cannot bear it. Your eyebrows knit, and you squeeze your hand a little tighter. In fact your whole body goes tense, every muscle feels as stiff as a board!

WOAH…..

You can't even hear the birds chirping anymore, the tiny what if’s start to buzz in your ears. And they are not tiny! They are loud, and they are telling you to panic! This is in fact a red alert situation! There is NO way that you are going to school. Mmmm…mmmmm NOT HAPPENING!

(somehow a heightened moment but not too much) 

Who knows what could happen in that wild place? 

Your feet keep moving forward but you just don’t want to go. 

(pause)

Wait, before you start to panic anymore, let’s freeze this moment. I know that we can't really do that in real life so let’s just pretend, and use it to not let ourselves get too carried away in these big feelings. 

Things are getting wild in your mind and man oh man you can remember the last time this happened…there were tears, so many tears, maybe even a scream or two. But also that quiet cozy hug your parents gave you. 

That part felt good. So good.

Take a moment right here, feel your feet on the hard ground - holding you up. Your legs are strong. Maybe your shoulders feel tight, like they’re holding onto all those feelings. Maybe you're holding on to your parents hand incredibly tight and you didn't even notice. 

But now you do notice. And just like that cozy hug, you can let them soften, just a little.

Your heartbeat is there, steady and sure, a quiet reminder that you’re here, and you’re okay.

Now my little friend let’s take 5 deep breaths together. As you breathe I want you to think of a favorite memory, let it fill you up.  

As you breathe in squeeze your hand a little tighter…..

In and out..One…

Two…

Three…start to release your hand slowly 

Four…

Five…Let your hand and body find a little calm. 

How do you feel? I hope a feeling of love and joy wraps around you, go ahead and wear it like a cozy sweater. Keeping you warm and secure. 

You can keep this cozy feeling for as long as you need. But remember my little friend you are always connected to the people that you love. The love you feel for them will exist right within you. 

I tell you something? It is a tiny thought but an important one! 

I have this feeling that you might start with this sweater of memories wrapped tight. Pulled up past your chin, every button tightly fastened. But soon, when you are greeted by your friend’s wide smiles, when games begin, when block towers start to grow impossibly high, you may find yourself making new memories—moments that will wrap you in warmth. 

So go ahead, go in, have fun. 

(cheery music again from the start - maybe a door going in - kids laughing - school bell ) 

If you do, I imagine you will be happily telling your parents all of the incredibly wild things from your day sooner than you think!