Love Hard Laugh Harder

After my little pity party, I did just as I said, and I got back in touch with my therapist. Why do I share something so personal? I think it is vital to remove the stigma from seeking mental health care. Just as we need check-ups on our physical health, life can be trying, and we need support for our mental health to be our best selves for ourselves and the people we love. 

The session last week went as expected, for the most part. I word-vomited my current crazy and the things I want to work on. We shared some laughs, as usual, and made plans to help me reach my goals. We addressed, as always, it’s not the problem but how we think about the problem that truly matters. I know this, but it’s good to have it knocked into my head now and again. 

As I knew it would happen, I entered the rest of the week feeling lighter, which is good because it was a hell of a week. Work threw significant challenges my way, leaving me feeling like I was being pulled in more directions than possible. Wednesday, I recovered, though, and that evening, I went to the animal shelter to volunteer for the first time in ages. Thursday ended up being even more draining than Tuesday, but I recovered today. I’m thankful to bounce back as I have. 

I had to start work early today to finish an issue from yesterday. I was tired, and while my goal was to be up early, shower, and take some time for self-care, I opted to stay in bed until fifteen minutes before work. Instead of being grungy all day, I washed my face, brushed my teeth, wet my hair so it wasn’t sticking up at all angles, and started the day feeling human. 

Did I swing it out of the park this week? No. Not by a long shot. I found myself getting frustrated and overwhelmed more than once. I’m human. I made mistakes and let myself down at times. Did I do my best to move past it and apologize where needed? Absolutely. I also celebrated the small victories because that is precisely where change happens.