Positive Thinking Isn’t Always Enough

I am all for positive thoughts, choosing to have a good day, generally anything that keeps the negative voices at bay.

But can we take a moment to acknowledge that when struggling with mental health issues, you may not get to choose the day you are going to have.

One of my best friends (who recognized that I was suffering from depression) said it perfectly – People will tell you to pull yourself up by your bootstraps not realizing that the bootstraps don’t exist when you are in crisis. Sometimes you need medication. Or time to take care of yourself. Or chocolate (oh wait that’s me 🤪).

I had fully intended to post yesterday, but I woke up to this feeling of dread emanating from the pit of my stomach and growing as it pushed outward (picture a small explosion followed by shock waves). I thought I had it under control with my affirmations when a I was struck by a second wave of dread. I couldn’t shake the sensation and knew it was not going to be a good day ☹️. Therefore, I focused on what I could control – dropping off some supplies to a friend, looking for inspiration at Lowes (still trying to figure out my bookshelf situation 😁) and hanging a cork board in my office – which distracted me from the dread because it was a P.I.T.A 😆! It was what I could manage for the day.

Because I managed my crisis as I needed to, today was a better day 😊.

So, while positive affirmations are extremely helpful, somedays they aren’t the answer to the challenge you are facing. And that’s ok (don’t let anyone tell you differently). Take the steps you need to deal with the crisis and the rest will take care of itself.

And know that I will send waves of support your way until the crisis has passed. I’m in your corner 💜.

Brought to you from Charleen’s Closet of Anxieties (if you’ve read Bloom County, you’ll get the reference 😜).