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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. 

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