You Ok?

What’s wrong? What’s bothering you? Why are you upset? I feel like I ask these questions constantly or something similar looking for the same information. And nothing aggravates me more than asking someone what’s wrong and them responding with “nothing”. It makes me feel like they don’t respect me enough to tell me the truth, and the analytical side of me knows if it is kept in it will become a festering sore that breeds contempt.

I tell you this to admit that I have a problem. I am the “nothing” person more than I care to admit. It’s not because the other person doesn’t deserve the truth. It’s not that I don’t think that they care. It’s not even that I think they won’t sympathize. The main reason I do it is to prevent more hurt feelings, and to avoid arguments. I have found that my thoughts and feelings can be a bit abrasive. I have doubts that hold me back, beliefs that cause me to frown on the actions of some others, and a self critical thinking that is beyond measure. When I say “nothing” most of the time it’s not true most of the time I am not OK.

Another thing I have to admit to you right now is that it’s ok to not be ok. It’s ok to hurt. It’s ok to want to feel better. It’s ok to scream into a pillow, punch a punching bag, and it’s ok to cry. I guess I’m not your stereotypical emotional being. I get my feelings hurt, I get mad, and I CRY. Crying is nothing to be ashamed of. Crying helps crying soothes the soul.

Ok so now we’ve gotten to it’s ok to not be ok, it’s ok to feel, and it’s ok to cry. So what’s not ok? Saying nothing is not ok. We aren’t meant to go through all the trials of this alone. We aren’t supposed to have to shoulder all of the worlds problems by ourselves. When someone asks are you ok? Tell them the truth. Don’t be scared or ashamed. When someone says what’s wrong tell them. They may be able to help with what you’re going through. And if someone asks what’s bothering you, be willing to explain it. Chances are they could be going through the same thing and are struggling alone.