Typically when we come into contact with someone in person, text, etc. we ask the question, “How are you?”. Majority of the time we give a programmed answer, “Fine”, “I’m good”, “I’m blessed”, and so forth. Are you really though?! Most of us grew up under the impression to not tell the whole world your business. This has its benefits, but it also has its downfall. Sure, everything will seem okay, but you will continue to walk around with the burden of what is truly going on. This is the price that is paid when you are not honest. Honesty doesn’t mean you have to tell every detail of what is going on, but you deserve to be present and honest with your feelings in that moment. It allows you to acknowledge your truth and begin to release.
I want to encourage you to practice tuning in with yourself each day to identify how you are truly feeling because, maybe you are unsure. You can do this by:
- Quieting down for a moment. Centering yourself.
- Allowing your feelings to float to the surface.
- Name them.
- Acknowledge that they are there.
- Be okay with still not knowing, if that is what comes up.
- Don’t act out of those feelings, but rather observe them and release.
You can release by doing a deep breathing activity and with each exhale, release the emotion visually and physically (with practice this gets easier).
Being honest with someone requires vulnerability. Who wants to be vulnerable?! I am sure no hands went up; you probably want to run the other direction. The next time someone asks you “How are you doing?”, maybe start with “I have been better”, “I am sad”, “I am great”, “I am free”, and so forth. You have nothing to prove to anyone, so why not walk in freedom!
One thing that is very important to me is breaking the barriers that make mental health difficult for people to talk about, prioritize, and acknowledge. In doing so I wanted to provide a vulnerable truth of my own to show it is okay to own that truth. To read my vulnerable post head over to Instagram and follow while you are there @alwayslivelovely.
One thing is for certain, I have come to go on my own healing journey because, I can only help someone go down the road I too have. We may not experience the exact same thing, or maybe we have, but the emotions feel the same. I take being a guiding light and a healer seriously. My life informs my work. I know what it is like to sit across from a therapist. I know what it is like to feel broken. Most importantly I know what it is like to feel whole. To feel freedom. To feel healed. Just because I am a therapist doesn’t mean I am immune to mental health experiences. What it means is I have sat on both sides of the table, have the knowledge, and the skills to help you guide your way through and choose to live lovely.
Always Live Lovely,
Chetina
Helpful Resources:
Need hope during the current state of the world…read this blog here.
Considering going to a therapist…read this blog here.
Written : September 1, 2020
***DISCLAIMER***
Although I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), the contents on this blog are provided for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the specialized training and judgment of a health care or mental health professional. There is no Therapist-Client relationship created by accessing the information on this blog. Always seek the help of a physician or qualified mental health professional if you have any questions regarding a medical or mental health condition. Always Live Lovely is not held responsible for the use of the information provided. Reliance on any of the information provided by this blog only is solely at your own risk. Please see Health Disclaimer for further information alwayslivelovely.com/health-disclaimer/ .
