When you are asked ”How are you doing?” what is your response?
Do you smile and give the typical, “I’m good” even though things may not really be alright? Or do you actually open up and let people know how things really are? Your response may vary depending on who’s asking. But, that also enables our tendency to continue acting as if all is well.
I’d wager most of us just give the standard “things are good” response. But consistent denial creates walls that become harder to knock down. The higher the wall is built, the more difficult it is to see where it may have started. You have to be able to see where the issues began. Pinpointing this becomes your blueprint to be BETTER!
“Default Answers keep the grip held onto a false reality”
– Litaspeaks
Why are you protecting what’s hurting you?
When I talk with my children, I always encourage them to express how they are feeling. I always make them comfortable in knowing I’ll listen to their side of the story or their opinions. I don’t want them to grow up thinking that by burying emotions, they are OK.
Even our technology is programmed to help us keep the “I’m good” appearance. I know on my iphone when a call comes in, I am given the option to send a generic response.
I don’t want to go through life living generically! You shouldn’t either! Life is meant to be lived to the fullest, even amid the good, the bad and the ugly. Life is meant to be felt.
Don’t become numb to YOU!
Mental health needs are real. Taking care of YOU should be a priority!
When you need to vent, entrust in a partner, friend, spiritual voice, or even a journal to write it out.
I’m not saying to go around and be a “sad case” but make sure you don’t keep denying how you are feeling until you ignore when you need help.