It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

How accepting are you of the notion that it’s okay to not be okay?

Think about it. Be honest with yourself. Initially, you are probably saying something like, “Sure, I can handle not being okay.” But can you really? When those days show up and you are dealing with feelings such as sadness, hurt, anger, guilt – what is your reaction? Is it to push those feelings away and get rid of them as soon as possible?

What if I told you that it’s okay to not be okay?

Well, it’s true. You don’t have to be totally together all the time – have all the answers, be calm and poised, look glamorous, present yourself as collected, etc. Trying to keep it together all the time is exhausting and debilitating. It leads to anxiety, nervousness and stress. It can become a fertile breeding ground for some destructive coping habits and health issues.

So what is the best way to deal with not being okay?

First of all, assess whether or not it is a short-term situation or something that has been going on for a long period of time. If it is something that you feel will most likely pass, then facing and acknowledging the feelings is the key to handling the situation in a healthy way. Accept that the feelings are present and that you cannot and should not ignore them. Stillness and being with our emotions can bring forward clues about what is happening in our world. And what we need to feel in that moment.

You Are Not Alone…

Also, recognize that everyone has days during which they don’t feel okay. This means you are not alone and you are not broken. It is a normal, expected part of living. Having days of not being okay should never be anything that you are humiliated about.

And here is some good news, having an off day opens up space to take care of yourself, to meet your needs, to receive help and step into solutions that might result in some positive changes. Be open to the opportunity that is being presented to you and explore with curiosity of what it could bring for you.

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