Human

Let's not beat about the bush. Today, I have felt absolutely awful. I'm not sure why. Nothing out of the ordinary has happened. I just feel icky, as the kids I babysat this morning might say. When my friend texted me asking how my day was, I answered 'okay.' They questioned that. Why was it just okay? I know they meant well, and I appreciated their concern. But at the same time - aren't I allowed to have a rough day? Aren't I allowed to be a human and feel sad and frustrated for no reason whatsoever, no questions asked?

So many people on the Internet only display the good in their lives. Everyday is a smile, every workout is a success, and every meal is absolutely stellar. Their lives are picture perfect, Instagram perfect, Snap Chat perfect... whatever. That's fake, friends. No one is 100% happy or put together for every moment of every day. And that is perfectly okay. It's okay for us to show that we are fragile. We are as vulnerable to our emotions as anyone else. Sometimes, we are content and our grins are authentic. Other days, we can only put up with so much. We drag ourselves through tough hours, smile through the pain, and are seemingly fine. And then there are the times where we just completely fall apart. Those times are NORMAL. Those times are ACCEPTABLE. Everyone has a right to their feelings and thoughts. It's okay.

While it is okay to feel like you're a rotten tomato that has tumbled down a mountain and into a pool of scorching lava, it's not exactly pleasant. So here's what I've been trying to tell myself the entire day. Here is what I would advise you to do when you are next feeling down and out. Focus on the bigger picture. Sure, today sucks. Yesterday probably didn't, though. And tomorrow will likely be a bright little ray of sunshine compared to the gloom of now. Recognize how you are feeling; don't judge. Your emotions are justifiable. You can be upset. Instead of dwelling on whatever is making you feel like a tomato that has tumbled down a mountain and into a pool of scorching lava, however, try to accept how you are feeling. Accept it, and look beyond it. Emotions really are only illusions, so change your perspective by thinking about happy things. You like Disney World? Think about hanging out with Cinderella or Buzz Lightyear. It doesn't have to be feasible - just happy. Maybe watch a film when you have a moment to do so. Go move! Dancing, walking, or exercising in any way is guaranteed to help you smile. Write down the things you are grateful for. Have a cup of tea. Draw a picture. Do whatever makes you feel more like the real you. The you that loves soccer, fashion, or cooking. The you who is fascinated by animals, plays Dungeons and Dragons, or adores music. Whatever makes you joyful is what you need to think about when you are melancholy.

I know its hard. But being gloomy is much harder. Today's take away is that your emotions are ordinary and okay. At the same time, brooding won't get you anywhere; it's best to think positive, even when you feel like a rotten tomato that has tumbled down a mountain and into a pool of scorching lava. That's quite the simile, isn't it? I think I like that one.

"Turn your face to the sun and the shadow falls behind you." - Jan Goldstein

You've got this. Brave a smile.
-Maya

Photo by James Pond on Unsplash, Photo by David Bruyndonckx on Unsplash,
Photo by Louis Smit on Unsplash