i like to talk about how i feel. the good, the bad, the meh times. when i discuss feeling confused or anxious, depressed or frightened, bewildered or angry, disappointed, sad, even despairing . . . i’m not looking for a solution. i’m not looking for sympathy. truly. i’m just being honest, recognizing the common frailty that is part of the human-condition-package.
because it’s OKAY to feel these emotions. it’s OKAY to talk about them. it’s even OKAY to actually want to engage with them. i don’t need to remember the good or be grateful for my blessings during that time. it’s not that i’m unaware of, or do not appreciate, the good stuff. i am always seeking (and finding) both big and small wonders, trying to embrace them on a daily basis. but i do think it’s important to give equal attention to the polarities in our lives . . . to address the sunlight AND the shadows. because we all have both. wonderful moments and difficult challenges. oh, and lots and lots of in-between somewhat-boring just-so kinda days.
so we shouldn’t always rush to “fix” someone else’s grief or angst. it’s really okay if we all just sit with whatever we’re feeling. experience it. let it envelop us. this approach enables us to live each unique second of our lives. it allows us to get through the emotions we think we can’t possibly endure. it assists us in moving on to the other (usually brighter) side. it does not signify weakness. it does not mean we’re giving up. in fact, i see it as one of the strongest and bravest journeys a person will ever embark upon.
p.s. it’s true, of course, that sometimes people simply like to complain. hopefully none of my ramblings have come across like that, as it has never been my intention. i think there is a distinct difference between 1) fully experiencing tough feelings while still appreciating what one has, and 2) just needing to buck-up-and-hush-up! i always try to do the former (but sometimes i end up whining instead).
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