Skip to main content

Let's Talk About Feelings

There’s no doubt the world is in chaos. There are panic stricken people. People everywhere who are suffering in all different ways, to different extents, and they’re coping in a multitude of ways.

We’ve been asked to do something that is far out of our comfort zone and inconvenient (for some) and may even trigger past traumatic events. We’ve been asked to stay home and avoid public places- watching our small businesses struggle because of something we can’t control.

There’s a lot I have to say about what’s happening around the world- but I’m not going to... because it’s all opinion and walks the fine line of between being annoying, political, and religious- and I’m not here to debate.

I’m not a licensed counselor or psychologist, but I’m about to write things that I wholeheartedly believe in and have been told by a counselor in the past (which, y’all, I highly recommend counseling- because mental health is important.)

Every single human being is- bear with me- like a pressure cooker. If I don’t release the pressure, vent out my feelings, I’m going to explode and it’s going to get messy. Releasing those feelings, frustrations, anxieties and voicing struggles is healthy. It’s not complaining - I mean sure, by definition it is but - unless that’s all you’re doing, that’s a healthy, tangible way to deal with stress. Talking it out- especially to people you know will hear you, let you get it out, and leave it at that.

One thing I can’t stand is people rationalizing and minimizing their own frustrations. Listen, I can vent and express the REAL frustrations and struggles of my routine being completely turned upside down, while still acknowledging and knowing how blessed I am. I can let it out knowing I am not the only one and I am in a really blessed position. I can even list some of my blessing and things I’m thankful for during this chaos:
  1. My husband is able to work from home.
  2. I don’t have to juggle teaching/working online while I have my toddlers around.
  3. I have plenty of supplies.
  4. I have a great backyard and great FL weather.
  5. We’re safe and don’t have to go anywhere.
  6. I’ve got all my workouts online I can do in my living room.
  7. I’ve got plenty of coffee.

And the list goes on. And on. And on. I understand there are others who are suffering greatly during this time. There are parents who are still going to work and may not have anyone to watch their kids while school is closed. Teachers who are struggling to figure out how they’re going to teach and care for their high-risk students and families. Families who have barely enough food for the day and/or depend on school meals. Health care professionals literally sacrificing their health for their job and our well-being. Veterans who are battling their memories while their PTSD is being triggered by realities and recommendations of “quarantine” and “pandemic,” and that stinkin’ meme floating around about our grandparents going to war and us being asked to sit on our couches (talk about minimizing the situation). This list could also go on forever, but I’ll stop here because I can feel my level of frustration increasing.. but I think you can catch my drift. 

Here’s the point: your feelings and frustrations are all valid right now (and everyday by the way...). Vent them out, acknowledge your blessings, and move on with your day.
No, you’re not alone. Yes, there are others less fortunate than some us. Yes, people are seriously suffering in ways some of us can’t imagine. And yes, this will hopefully be over sooner rather than later. But that doesn’t make your suffering any less valid- so don’t lock it up and wait to explode. And for the sake of your sanity- stop rationalizing and minimizing your suffering. Acknowledge it, acknowledge your blessings, and if you choose- pray & seek and the face of God. Also, probably just stay off the internet and keep the news turned off. If you’re like me- you can depend on a family member or spouse to give you all the important info- my anxiety can’t handle the news, so I’m not watching it.

Be smart and safe. Take care of yourself mentally and emotionally. If you have friends who are veterans or currently serving- check on them. Nurses and teachers? Check on them and encourage them. Do what you can within your healthy boundaries, but don’t ignore yourself for the sake of others. You're important too. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

When the Waiting Ends

 I have less than one week left of summer vacation.  One week to soak up time with my kids before I step into a new season I thought wouldn't come for a few more years- if ever.   Back in January, I wrote about holding dreams tightly in the heart and loosely in the hands. In the midst of a Bible study with friends, I had come to the point of accepting I may never serve families and children with special needs in the capacity I desired again. I had come to the point of saying, "Volunteering for  Buddy Break  may be where I serve. I'll show my kids how we love on these families. I'll let you (Lord) use me where you will. You gave me this heart for these families. Lead me to where I should go and guide me in how to serve. Help my heart to be content in this season. " Fast forward to April sometime. I was sitting with my dear friend, sipping lattes at our favorite spot, enjoying our once weekly coffee date. Special ed came up (naturally, as she's a teacher). The ...
Post a Comment
Read more
Well, I officially broke my streak by taking a month break in March.  Now, it is nearly the end of April and here I am just getting to writing words for this month.  To be honest, I'm struggling as the reality of my one good friend moving away is closing in. It is such a bittersweet time. I am beyond thrilled and excited for her new adventure; for the new chapter ahead of her! But, I am also selfishly wishing she didn't have to go.  Making friends, no matter your age is hardly easy. Maybe my expectations of what true friendships look like is too high. Maybe... just maybe there are other people who long to have real, vulnerable relationships. I know, I wrote about this in February; I'm obviously passionate about authentic friendships.  However, I'm learning a good, hard lesson in this season of loneliness (while ironically surrounded). As I continue to make spending time in God's word part of my everyday routine, I am learning even more about what it means to find my...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Fight

Motherhood is hard. If I say anything about the stress or anxiety I feel within this current season of being a stay-at-home mom of littles, I am often met with responses like "You are so blessed to stay home!" "That's motherhood!" "The days are long, but the years are short." "Soak it up while they're small."   Now, while I am sure all of these saying are true and well-meaning, they're not helpful. In fact, I would like to add that it just kind of layers on the guilt that I already feel for not wanting to homeschool my kids and not particularly "loving" every second of everyday.  It seems to be common for others, including other moms, to make light of the hard stuff. Maybe it's taboo. Maybe it is just so uncomfortable to talk about, we just avoid it all together in the name of seeing the glass "half-full."  I am beyond blessed to be a stay-at-home mom right now. I love my kids more than words. But, there are da...
Post a Comment
Read more