almost all of us have our own private hell.
something that keeps us up at night.
something that prevents us from dreaming.
sometimes others know about it.
loud and clear.
but most of the time it’s kept hidden.
as well as the fear that accompanies it.
the suffering happens in silence.
the hurt festers until it reaches one’s core.
and sometimes it becomes personal.
we feel flawed.
like we’re not measuring up.
it’s okay to be angry.
it’s okay to cry.
it’s okay to pound your pillow and wonder why.
what’s important is that next step.
that mandatory pick-yourself-up process.
that must follow, that must happen.
invite the tears, allow the anger.
our bodies and souls need an outlet in order to cleanse.
but get back up.
confront your ghosts.
surround yourself with support.
notice what delights you.
seek out beauty in each day.
rediscover the light and the laughter that reside within you.
and emerge from the darkness.
because you can.
because you will.
because you must.
tell me how you get back up.
Yes, we need to ex firm, as if we dint we get riddled with disease. And once we have emptied pain, embraced it, felt it, surrendered to it, we can then renew.
I have surrendered by lying still, by dancing, by cathartic body story telling, by screaming, by crying,
I have renewed myself by being in nature, singing, mosaicung, dancing, connecting with animals.
I get back up gently. I get back up decidedly. I get back up often.
“i get back up often.” important point, sue ann.
I feel whatever I need to feel and then get back up simply by choosing (self)love. If I lean toward what makes me feel happier and choose that, everything shifts for the better.
so crucial to choose to love oneself, susie. thanks.
I just go through … that brings me back up … for me, there is no other way… down into the trenches… but you know, sometimes a good, warm bath can sooth my weary soul too. Just sinking into the warmth of the womb perhaps… π
hot baths are definitely one of my go-to comforts, elizabeth! and, yes, we need to just go through – face our problems head-on.
As usual, I loved this April!! I get back up by telling that nasty little voice in my head to F-off! Then I drown her out and talk over her in my head and tell myself that I will overcome, remind myself that I have in the past and even plan exactly how I will. Thanks for the post…it fired me up! π
ha ha! i love this, april – way to attack that negative voice! and i too try to remind myself that i have conquered difficulty in the past.
Yes indeed. π
My “get back up” strategies ….
having a good sleep
allowing myself to feel all of the ‘bad’ without trying to fix it
anything to do with water – beaches, saunas, pools, creeks – releases the emotional
shopping (but not very often)
Thanks April … seems good timing for last week when many
seemed to be struggling …
i can identify with the water remedy, meaghan. i am not a swimmer, but just the presence of a lake or the ocean calms me immensely and gives me strength.
What a beautiful reminder! Thank you for sharing! <3
Listening to my body as I lie under the clouds, rain and trees…. I feel my heart beat and my belly rise…. I breathe as my feet connect with the earth and I rise up again.
I let my body mind and spirit get what it needs first. Plenty of water, good relationships around me -Lets keep them the positive ones… Maybe some comedy and LOTS of rest. That usually does the trick.
i love your list, melissa. π thanks for sharing how you get back up.
Beautifully written.
Personally I get back by repeating affirmations and reminding myself that no matter how small, ALL progress is positive.
thank you, caylie. and i appreciate the reminder that any movement forward is a step in the right direction.
Beautiful words! It is a tragedy that we live in a world that often can create the idea that it is not okay to truly be where we are. I think that when we have “fallen” it is important to be able to make peace and fully embrace where we are and how we feel. This allows us to accurately take stock of the situation and figure out the best ways to get back up. When I need to “get back up”, I assess the situation and my needs, then create a plan of action, but most importantly, I also allow myself to truly be present in the moment and feel.
great observation, cathy. and i agree – awareness of our present circumstances is an important part of our continuing evolution.
Yes. get back up! It’s what good stories are made of. How do I do it? I usually cry myself to sleep then wake up ready to start over and thankful for another breath. Another day.
oh, summer – you’ve mentioned an important aspect of my battle plan . . . crying! i find tears to be not only a huge release, but also a way to cleanse my soul.
April, once again, a fantastically poetic post to help me when I’m keeping myself from dreaming. I surely have those nights when I’m just terrified and as you say, its okay, the sun will rise in the morning and I will get back up! Thank you!
thank you, brenda! π
Beautiful and heartfelt as usual April. I get back up with love and kindness, allowing myself to come out on the other side, stronger, wiser and more courageous. I spend a lot of time in nature and meditating. Thanks for such a beautiful post.
i appreciate your kind words, puja. and i love your method of getting back up!
Some laughter and a little perspective to shift my focus on what’s good in my world. That usually does the trick. And yoga of course helps too.
oh yes, cara. laughter is an absolute must in my world.
I have a few things that help me during times like that – – writing, talking things out with someone close to me, spending time in nature. Those things all help me get back up, but what really gets me back up is focusing on my why, my purpose, my vision.
“focusing on my why, my purpose, my vision.” such a lovely way to phrase it, leanne.
Hello April, I love what you’ve written because it speaks to our humanity… and that to get back up is also human.
How do I get back up? I keep my eye on the goal and will not take “no” for an answer, keep in mind that failure is only feedback for success, and just keep on trucking.. because if I have time to sulk, I also have time to kick ass.
what a fabulous way of looking at it, victoria! it’s all in the way we think about it, isn’t it?
All of the above…water.music.driving.friends. Some days, a physical effort, and literally one foot in front of the other.
oh yes, those days, kellee. i am quite familiar with consciously and purposefully forcing myself to move forward, one itty bitty step at a time.