Go after the people, places and things that move you mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
“Fall down seven times, stand up eight”. More than likely, we’ve all heard this phrase or something similar. And sometimes, these inspiring proverbs do the job of motivating us during the hard times. Some of us have created mantras, looked ourselves in the mirror and declared we wouldn’t be defeated. But what happens when we’re all mantra’d out? What do we do when the affirmations just aren’t giving what they used to give?
I don’t mean to be dramatic but to be frank, this world is in shambles. The not-so good news is that technically, it always has been. Since the beginning of our recorded history there has been one tragedy, one war, one “end of times” warning after another. And since none of us know when the end will actually come, I suppose we might as well make the best of our lives in this broken world.
We’ve been told to “just be positive”, take a break from the news, find a way to give back to our communities, or join a local advocacy effort. While these options are helpful in taking your power back, I can understand if after you’ve done these things, you’re still tired. I can also understand if you haven’t attempted to do any of it because you’re feeling paralyzed by fear and despair.
As much as I don’t like sounding cliché, the solution to feeling defeated is still in the proverb “fall down seven times, stand up eight”. I know, I know I was supposed to give you something magical, a new revelation that would energize you and take you to new heights. The truth is you already have an idea of what you need to recharge. If you’re not sure, identify what constitutes a life worth living and then go after those things. Go after the people, places and things that move you mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention therapy because, you know. Talking is medicine. “Shared sorrow is half a sorrow”. When we feel defeated, we can choose to wallow in our sadness and disappointment or we can choose to share, accept feedback and take action. We can dismiss our feelings, pretend our problems aren’t happening, or we can practice acceptance and take the next right action. I’m emphasizing taking action because this is what is necessary to move forward. We can’t wait on the world to change; we can only change how we react. And as always, lead with love.
Resources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
Find a therapist, psychiatrist, treatment or support groups
https://openpathcollective.org/
Find affordable individual and couples therapy
https://www.samhsa.gov/
Substance abuse and behavioral health resources
https://988lifeline.org/
24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources