Read Me When You Need Me

Read Me When You're Pretending To Be Ok

In those moments when you wear a mask of okayness, when the effort to smile, to engage, to simply be part of the world requires more strength than you feel you possess, know that it's okay to lower the mask in the quiet spaces where only these words find you. Pretending to be okay is a heavy burden, a silent struggle waged in the spaces between what is felt and what is shown. As you navigate this delicate balance, let this be a reminder that your feelings, however raw or unsettling, deserve recognition and care.

Acknowledge Your Strength: First and foremost, recognize the immense strength it takes to keep going, even when you're far from okay. This resilience, though born of necessity, is a testament to your capacity to endure and persevere.

You Are Not Alone: In the quiet moments, remember, you are not alone in feeling this way. Many carry unseen burdens, navigating their own paths through the complexities of emotion and circumstance. Your struggle, while unique, is part of the shared human experience.

It's Okay to Not Be Okay: There's profound strength in vulnerability, in admitting to yourself and, when you're ready, to others, that you're not okay. This honesty is the first step toward healing, toward finding the support and understanding you need.

Seek Out Your Safe Spaces: Identify the people, places, or activities that offer you a sense of safety and acceptance. Allow yourself moments of genuine connection and solace within these safe spaces, where the mask can come down, and you can breathe freely.

Give Yourself Permission to Feel: Your emotions, however difficult or uncomfortable, are valid. Give yourself permission to feel them fully, to sit with them, without rushing to judgment or suppression. This is where healing begins.

Reach Out for Support: Whether it's a trusted friend, family member, or a professional, reaching out for support is an act of courage. Sharing your struggles can lighten your load and provide new perspectives on the path forward.

Practice Self-Care: Engage in acts of self-care that resonate with you, no matter how small. From a walk in nature to a favorite song, find moments that offer comfort and a reminder of the joy and beauty that exist alongside the pain.

Embrace Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you would offer a friend in distress. You're doing the best you can with the resources and knowledge you have right now.

Remember, Healing Takes Time: Healing is not linear. There will be days when the mask feels necessary, and others when you feel strong enough to let it fall. Each day is a step on your journey, and it's okay to move at your own pace.

Pretending to be okay when you're not is a heavy armor to wear. It's okay to lay it down, to acknowledge the weight of your feelings, and to seek the space and support you need to heal. Your feelings are valid, your experiences are real, and your well-being is of utmost importance.

With compassion, understanding, and belief in your resilience,

Jordan Spring