It's ok not to be ok
Life's not easy, plans get cancelled, our loved-ones die, our hearts get broken, we lose our jobs and it hurts. However it happens, it’s sure you will get your dose of brokenness at some point in your life.
I'm here to tell you that it's ok, life sucks at times, mine for sure has. I’m still struggling with past scars and personal fears and anxiety. After all, we are not perfect.
“Nothing That Feels Bad Is Ever the Last Step.”
Eugene Gendlin.
While I will advise anyone to seek for professional help to deal with their situation — I have, there are some ways I’ve found that have helped me at least improve my mental state:
- Let it out
Like the old saying, the first step to overcome a problem is acknowledging you have it in the first place. Give yourself permission to feel, to cry if you need it. Feelings are not good or bad, they’re feelings, and guess what, they’re yours.
- Talk about it
It’s amazing the impact it has on us to speak about what’s happening, to have actual feedback from our friends, family or even a professional. By doing so, you’re also letting it all out (step 1) and also can receive encouragement words from someone else that can be helpful too. Plus, what better way to nurture a friendship?
- Engage in fulfilling activities
One of the better ways to get over our problems is to practice mindfulness and engage in another activities. Learn to play an instrument, do some exercise, get involved in a new project at work or personal. Feeling useful and focused it’s a great way to overcome any bad situation you may have.
- Patience
Like always, what’s worth in life doesn’t happen overnight. Trust yourself you can get over it. Keep practicing these steps and whatever works for you. It’s going to get better. The best you can do is to learn from this and prepare yourself for what’s to come.
“Everything worthwhile in life is won through surmounting the associated negative experience.”
Mark Manson
One book that has really helped me go trough some recent tough times in my life has been It’s not always depression by Hilary Jacobs. Great book with practical exercises to help you understand your feelings and find the reason behind them. Check it out!