Validating your emotions
‘I just give myself permission to suck. I find this hugely liberating’. John Green.
We are all experiencing what it means to be ‘alive’ during such unprecedented times. These times may be hard in various ways for people all around the world. Every person, that is now experiencing the unknown during the 2020 pandemic, may also be experiencing higher than normal levels of emotions such as; depression, fear, anxiety and/or bursts of rage. Though it is important to try and see the glass half full during this phase of our existence, this sometimes can feel like an unreachable target. Perhaps, you’re only daily gratitude now, is the warmth you feel within when you wake and pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee.
Whilst feeling out of control, we should also remind ourselves the important of maintaining a healthy level of both physical and mental state. We need to take time out for ourselves in order to process everything that is surrounding us daily. It is okay to validate your feelings and to perhaps verbally tell yourself: ‘it is okay for me to be feeling this way’. It is completely understandable to having changed your norm and daily pattern(s) and having the need to manifest a new norm for both yourself and your loved ones during these difficult time. Whether it is going for walk for a longer period if time (or more frequently), or it be staying indoors for a few extra days a week, or perhaps even sleeping that extra few hours in the morning. If it makes you feel better, then that is okay for you!
We should try and remember that it is alright to feel what we are feeling, so long as we look after both our mental and physical health as best we can. This may be difficult to maintain every single day, as your emotions and surrounding situations are in a constant change. Remembering, that you are only a human being, and at times need to be reminded, that the best you can do in a given day does not acquire to the best you can do in your life overall.
Feeling anxious, angry, saddened, happy and/or confused are all understandable emotions. Please validate your thoughts and emotions every single day. Whether it is through positive affirmation, positive self talk, journaling, blogging or just a quick chat with a significant other. Personally, I find that recording my own objectives and having both my short and long term goals clearly set out assists me even further in refocusing my emotions and thoughts towards my future.
Feeling all over the place is also okay. Always try and remind yourself that you are worthy of a fantastic future and that peace begins within you.
Just ‘do you today’ and remind yourself that this is enough!
Ms. Melis Topsahin
BACJ. (Hon’s). Dip. Couns.
