It’s Okay... if You're Not Okay!

It’s Okay... if You're Not Okay!

Ever gotten to the point where you were tired of pretending that the world you lived in was as good as people on the outside thought?  Ever had a moment where you literally had to smile to keep from crying? Have you ever felt as if the weight of the world was on your shoulders and if one more thing happened, you were going to lose your mind? Ever been at the point where you wanted to break but you couldn’t because so many people were relying on you to be their strength?

If you haven’t, then just keep on living.  The grim reality is that while many deny or try to hide what they are going through, if you live any amount of time, you will experience pain and frustration, and you will cry. 

I find it amazing that from birth, a primary sign that we are alive and that our organs, particularly our lungs, are properly functioning is an expression of crying initiated from pain. Yet in our adult phase, tears are often viewed as a sign of weakness.  The truth is the presence of pain signifies the presence of life; a life that is full of unpleasant surprises and changes that are beyond our control.  

Career changes, heart break, death, sickness, family issues, financial issues, and many other variants can impact us emotionally and physically and bring about discomfort.  These changes happen at some of the most inopportune times.  Most often, we are caught off guard and blindsided when these occurrences take place. We feel like the world is watching us and that if we breakdown, yell, and scream, we will be viewed as a barbarian or some type of lunatic.   Truth be told, individuals who suppress their emotions are at a greater risk of a mental and physical breakdown than those who express themselves.   

One of my greatest revelations and most pivotal moments occurred when I realized, I didn’t have to always be okay.  I learned to be positive while still being truthful.  In moments where I wasn’t okay and someone inquired, I’d say simply say "I will be okay."   While my present state did not yield pleasurable results, I knew that if I could just keep getting up every single day, eventually my positive confession that “I will be okay” would eventually become my moment of truth.   I didn’t hide from the fact that I felt like my world was caving in.  I never denied having a heavy heart that was aching.  I refused to ignore the pain that I felt emotionally when it seemed life had swiftly turned on me. I embraced the pain because I knew it would eventually subside and my wounds would heal.  I knew that life, while in those moments seemed bitter and cruel, would eventually turn back into my favor.  I was okay with not being okay because I knew I would eventually be okay.

So I say this to you, it is okay to cry.  It’s okay to get upset. It’s okay to scream.  It’s okay to feel frustrated.  Feel every emotion that you have and be real about it.  It’s okay if you are not okay, but in the midst of all those emotions, I challenge you to make this declaration “I will be okay.”  You don’t have to hide, suppress, or mass your pain.  Be real about where you are in life.  Get the help you need and by all means, persevere.  Get up every day and tell yourself, “I will be okay.”  You don’t have to try to figure a month out or even a day out. In those moments, it is important to live one day, one hour, one minute, and one second at a time.  Breathe!  Exhale!  Know this: things will get better.  But for now, it is okay, if you are not okay. 

My name is Tiffany LaMeia and I am dedicated to becoming a better me, encouraging you to be a better you, and helping you to understand that you are #ENOUGH!  -Have a Prosperous Day!