Cherylin, your dream about a significant change where you found yourself crying, even though the reason escapes you, suggests an emotional process you're going through in response to recent events in your life. The act of crying in a dream typically symbolizes a release of emotions, perhaps ones that you haven't fully expressed or comprehended in your waking life. It's not uncommon for such dreams to occur when you're processing complex emotions or when you're at the cusp of significant life changes.
Considering the emotional level was moderate and there were negative feelings involved, it seems that this dream reflects your subconscious working through the feelings associated with your life events. The recent turmoil involving legal issues and witnessing violence, especially with such close family ties entangled, has undoubtedly been distressing. The big change in your dream could be your psyche's attempt to make sense of these overwhelming transitions, from the traumatic separation and the subsequent reunion with your children to the betrayals and the violence you have witnessed.
The fact that your dream wasn't a nightmare and the emotional intensity wasn't high is a sign that while the issues are serious, your mind is trying to cope in a relatively balanced way. You're in a period of recovery and adaptation, which is a challenging yet crucial process. The subconscious mind often uses dreams as a canvas to paint the emotions we are struggling to deal with when awake.
Your dream may also be pointing to the need for processing and eventually finding peace with these events. Crying represents both your vulnerability and your strength in facing these hardships. It's important to acknowledge the emotional weight of what has happened, as it seems to have had a significant impact on your sense of security and trust, particularly in relation to the incident with Steven and your mother.
In light of these reflections, it's crucial to recognize the resilience you've shown and the steps you've taken to protect and reunite with your loved ones. Your subconscious is likely seeking closure and healing from these events, and the dream reflects this journey. Although it's a challenging path, your inner strength is evident, and your dream is a testament to your ability to endure and evolve through life's adversities.