Checking in with yourself…
should be on one’s to-do list. There is journaling but that can take a minute, or you are without pen and paper. You can call a friend, but sometimes sharing how you feel may not be the easiest or wisest thing to do.
There is therapy, but what if you’re not going to see your therapist in another week or two. Or maybe you don’t have one. You could talk to your pet, but that can feel like you’re imposing yourself on an unwilling subject. You know, when they give you the side eye, Lol.
I find talking to myself to be effective when I need to check on myself. Third person works best. Talk to yourself as you would a cherished friend. Maybe looking in the mirror.
Most times being happy is something that you just are and then there are those times when being happy is a struggle and it’s something that you must mindfully choose.
If I’m content, calm, minding my business, that’s the same as happy to me. It’s not necessary to be smiling from ear to ear, laughing manically, and gushing about everything that’s seemingly perfect in your life.
Life is hard, beautiful, and confusing, a big mess, and awe-inspiring. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you get a little overwhelmed from time to time.
When Being Sad Is Necessary
Being sad isn’t the end of the world.
Sometimes it’s necessary. Sad gives you a reason to self-reflect; To alert you to check in and ask yourself if the path you’re on is the right one for you.
Or your sadness may be residual from something traumatic or heartbreaking in your past. Healing doesn’t remove your pain; it dulls it just enough so you can function and continue on with your life.
And the onset of sadness does not mean that your happiness has been replaced. It’s still there somewhere within.
Pay attention to the world inside of you.
Look at Me, Lol.
You ever ask a teenager what’s wrong? The first thing they do is avoid eye contact. In your quest to find out what’s going on you say, “Look at me,” because you know that just looking in their eyes will give you some clue(s)
We do the same with ourselves. It is possible to look at oneself in the mirror and not see your reflection. You know that the one looking back at you sees and knows what’s going on, so you rush getting ready and essentially avoid yourself.
We feel as if getting to know oneself will mean having to make life changing decisions. Not necessarily. Evolving, growing, learning, changing can be done slowly and on the down low. No need to talk about it.
When an individual is evolving, their energy reveals or changes the surrounding energy, and change is initiated all by itself.
Knowing oneself is a process of laying bricks one at a time until you become a sturdy, strong, and impenetrable wall that’s purpose is to enforce your boundaries and keep you safe.
The beautiful thing is that to the ones who are worthy of your love there is no wall.
So, There You Are
So, there you are, in front of the mirror lost for words.
“This is silly,” you say. Okay, talk to the wall, the sky, the air, the room, anything will do.
Start with, “I feel…,” and go from there.
I’ve had some great epiphanies talking to myself. Oh, and use your first name. Saying your name tricks your mind and it really feels as if you are talking to a friend.
Once you start just keep talking without thinking and eventually, you’ll end up with an answer to what’s going on with you.
Then you can get back to being content, at peace, and happy.
Happiness is a choice built on intention, love for oneself, and an appreciation for how far you have come.
“Remember that what you have now was once among the things you only hoped for.”
Epicurus
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