I GIVE MYSELF PERMISSION - TO NOT BE OKAY

Welcome to Day 19 of the I GIVE MYSELF PERMISSION series on self-love.

Today, I GIVE MYSELF PERMISSION TO NOT BE OKAY.

Today is the day that you give yourself permission to take off your (figurative) mask. The mask you wear to show the world that you have your shit together. The mask you wear to hide the tears, the fear, the pain, the sorrow, the worry and the discontent. Today, you get to shed the pretence and the disingenuous face of being okay - and, instead, lean into your feelings and just be real. Because, sometimes, you really are allowed to not be okay.

Why do we pretend to be okay when we really are not? We do this because it's easier to fake a smile than to draw others into our discomfort. We don't want pity and we don't want to cause burden to those around us. But if those around us feel burdened by our true feelings, maybe it's time to rethink who it is we are holding space for. Maybe it's time to realize that our emotions are valid and our voices are worthy of being heard.

Take a deep breath in. Breathe in for a count of three and release to a count of six. Keep doing this until you feel everything slowing down. Feel your shoulders relax, feel your mouth relax. Close your eyes, repeating today's mantra: I GIVE MYSELF PERMISSION TO NOT BE OKAY. I GIVE MYSELF PERMISSION TO NOT BE OKAY. I know that holding my feelings in does not change them or change the reality I experience today. It's okay to allow my heart to be heavy in this moment. I acknowledge my pain and allow myself to feel it, without fear of judgement. Without self-judgement.

Now breathe in again and say: I am grateful for all that I have and all that I am. I release my pain and allow myself to feel gratitude for the lessons it has taught me. I am grateful for the journey I am on. And though I sometimes feel alone, I know that I have the love of spirit and the love I hold for myself. With this, I am never alone.

We are all on a path in this life and rarely get to see the steps that others are taking. Today, be gentle with yourself and others. And allow yourself to live in your truth, because you are loved and with that love, you will be okay.

With love from me.

Namaste.