We have conditioned this mindset to think that being not okay for any length of time is negative and I truly believe it stems from the fear of thinking that you will never be okay again. We have to realize that life does indeed happen to everyone but we should not fear that we will never be okay again. Even through chaos I believe that it's only a season and yes a season that re-occurs, but that's why I also believe that when you're in that season of chaos it's important to process and go through the motions. It's important to realize how deep a situation has effected you and even changed you. It's important to become self aware because when you don't process for long enough, when you don't unpack when the situation is fresh it follows you into other seasons of your life and now things are just piling up. These are behaviors and habits that we have to learn to cut. We have to cut them for our own good.
We have to unlearn poor coping mechanisms which is hard to do especially in our grown age but we have to be willing to unlearn poor habits that aren't helpful to us. We need to begin normalizing seeking help, being comfortable asking for help, building safe spaces and communities for those who have no one to turn to. We need to eliminate judgmental and critical mindsets. We need to normalize letting people process traumatic situations or any situation for that fact. We need to stop telling people to get over things so fast and allow them to grieve. We have to stop shaming people for being broken. Can it be draining on a person? Yes.... I think that a situation can be draining on the victim and the support system, but I believe that if we stop rushing people through their healing process that they won't be stuck for so long. We may not always have the words to say or the advice to give but a listening ear goes a long way than saying words that's not edifying.
So for my people who are struggling now, have struggled in the past, and will struggle in the future with something I want to encourage you today and let you know that it is okay not to be okay. Grieve healthily in the manner that you need to. Reflect on how you were effected and write a plan on how you will overcome and continue to overcome. Know that dark days don't and won't last always and trust and believe there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel.
My prayer today is that broken hearts are not only mended but healed from past and present hurt. I pray that during a season of sorrow joy, peace, and happiness will come for tomorrow. I pray that while those are processing loss, pain, trauma that they will not stay in the place of darkness and they will see the light at the end of every dark tunnel. I pray that weariness will be exchanged for strength and that every individual will overcome.
With love,
-Yours Truly, Eb