It’s perfectly normal to have tough times.
We all go through rough patches, endure bad days, or face significant setbacks. It often feels like misfortunes cascade one after the other, creating a perpetual cycle of stress and doubt.
When unexpected hurdles appear, stress can overwhelm us, leaving us uncertain about our next steps. On some days, motivation evaporates completely, and creativity feels out of reach. With that can come an onslaught of self-doubt, making us question our strength.
We often convince ourselves that we must always be strong.
We feel we shouldn’t show vulnerability or admit when we’re not okay.
It’s perfectly normal to not be okay.
This has been a struggle for me over the past few months. I’m uncertain if the sudden changes in my emotions are part of a grieving process or if life will ever return to its previous rhythm. What I do know is that acknowledging my struggles, even to myself, has been a challenging step forward.
Why is that?
Why do we feel compelled to remain strong? Why do we experience guilt when we take a moment for ourselves? I’ve felt paralyzed by guilt: How can I sit here crying and feeling sorry for myself when I have so much to be thankful for? I could see all the work piling up, and I felt alone in my excuses.
IT’S PERFECTLY NORMAL TO NOT BE OKAY
IF YOU’RE FEELING UNINSPIRED
Understand that it’s okay. It’s completely normal to feel this way. Don’t push yourself to seem okay just because you think you’re the only one feeling lonely or lost. You’re not alone. Everyone experiences moments of struggle, even if they don’t openly discuss it. Feeling down is a part of being human; it may not be enjoyable, but it does pass.
In those moments of despair, I often succumb to paralyzing self-doubt. “How can I write about mindfulness and happiness when I’m here, sitting on the bathroom floor, in tears over a bad day?” It feels like I’m betraying my authenticity, which is a confusing place to be.
One crucial lesson I’ve learned in the past few months is that resisting the feeling of “bad” only amplifies it. Yes, striving for better days is important, but it’s equally essential to allow yourself to heal. Visualize those tough times as passing clouds; even if you can’t see the sun now, you know it’s still there, and eventually, it will shine through.
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MOVING FORWARD
Remember that emotions are fleeting. It’s common to feel as if you’re losing control—this is why maintaining your routine is essential. A few years back, my mom ended up in the hospital, which thrust me into handling her responsibilities while managing my work and family obligations. I felt on the verge of a breakdown myself, constantly drained and irritated.
During that time, I allowed overwhelming feelings to consume me. I skipped meditation, neglected exercise, and abandoned my gratitude journal—failures that had previously kept me grounded and happy. I learned the importance of sticking to a routine, even amidst chaos.
Ensure you’re not spending excessive time lounging around. Do simple tasks like keeping your sink clean or making your bed; these can significantly boost your mood as you navigate through your challenges. You don’t have to maintain your usual high standards—take it easy if necessary. Just remember that adhering to a routine, even partially, can yield significant benefits.
It’s easy to start placing blame during tough times, whether on yourself or others. However, it’s crucial to practice forgiveness—both for yourself and anyone else you might be directing your frustrations towards. We are often overly critical of ourselves, overthinking choices that impact our lives.
It’s okay to not be okay. You have every right to take a break, reconsider your decisions, or exit a situation that feels uncomfortable. Never feel guilty about feeling bad, just as you shouldn’t feel bad about feeling bad.
We all deserve moments to fall apart, allowing us to rediscover ourselves in the process.
