It's Okay to NOT be Okay!

One thing you have to realize is that sometimes we are NOT okay! We need to realize we are NOT perfect and it's ok to fall apart. Give yourself permission to fall apart. The biggest part is how we deal with falling apart. When my life would be falling apart my parents would come into my room or call me on the telephone and they would say pull yourself up by your boot straps and get back on the horse. Of course, I really wasn't sure what they meant by that since I didn't even ride horses.

In life one has to just get on with things, you should never never fall apart so bad that you cannot function. Life is hard but you need to look at your blessings instead! However, if you cannot function and feel like you might hurt yourself REACH OUT to someone. Swallow your pride! 

If your life is in the dumps and you aren't happy CHANGE IT!!! Make a list of what you aren't happy with and the solutions to change for example:

Problem Solutions

1) Weight 1) Lose it, exercise, take cooking class

2) Savings 2) Set up savings program, even the small amount adds up.

3) Health 3) Blood pressure take it under control

4) Relationship       4) If you are not happy do something about it. Talk

Exercise To Do - Reach out to a person and ASK for help!

There is so much out there to help you be okay. Biggest thing is to make sure you ask for help. To reach out to someone, a loved one, someone who you greatly respect. Don't be ashamed to NOT be okay! It's nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone feels NOT okay every so often. 

The way my life has been the last 6 years there has been many times I HAVE NOT BEEN OKAY, but I reached out. When I didn't things just seem so much worse! When someone acknowledges that what you are feeling is okay, it seems to make the world of difference.

The phrase "it's okay not to be okay" emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and understanding that experiencing difficulties and setbacks is a normal part of life. A mental exercise rooted in this concept encourages acknowledging and accepting your feelings without judgment, rather than forcing yourself to be perpetually positive. This can involve practicing mindfulness, self-compassion, and engaging in activities that promote emotional well-being. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown of how to practice this exercise:

1. Acknowledge and Accept Your Feelings:
Don't suppress or deny your emotions. Instead, recognize and validate your feelings, even if they are negative or uncomfortable. Spend one day a month with someone to express your feelings.

2. Practice Self-Compassion:
Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend who is struggling. Reach out to someone you see is struggling and offer help.  

3. Practice Mindfulness:
Pay attention to the present moment without judgment. This can help you detach from anxious thoughts and become more aware of your body's signals. Spend one day a month decompressing from your thoughts. Go for a massage or a pedicure with a friend. 

4. Engage in Self-Care:
Prioritize activities that nourish your well-being, such as exercise, healthy eating, and spending time in nature. Try to go to the gym three times a week, or spend time outside everyday, journal in the sun. 

5. Challenge Negative Thoughts:
Identify and question negative thought patterns, replacing them with more balanced and realistic perspectives. 

6. Seek Support:
Connect with trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals for guidance and support. 

7. Remember Your Strengths:
Reflect on your abilities, talents, and past successes to build confidence and resilience. 

8. Find Meaning and Purpose:
Engage in activities that give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment, such as volunteering or pursuing hobbies. Volunteer with an organization that you would enjoy. If you like animals volunteer at an animal shelter! Do this once a month. 

9. Focus on Abundance:
Shift your focus from scarcity to abundance by appreciating the positive aspects of your life. Write about these things everyday in a journal.

10. Find Your Zone of Optimal Functioning (ZOF):
Identify the conditions and activities that allow you to thrive and perform at your best. 

By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can cultivate a more resilient and emotionally balanced mind. 

"It's okay to not be okay. Embrace the fact that everyone struggles."