I can’t be the only one who struggles receiving praise and nice comments…Why is that?
Here’s the thing though, I do feel the need for validation/reassurance. Someone to just tell me I’m doing ok and what I’m feeling is ‘normal’ (whatever normal is!).
Someone recently acknowledged my journey over the last 2 years, this person sees me probably twice a year but reads the blog. They told me how great and how far I had come. They advised how sharing my journey had inspired and encouraged someone else she knew. She herself confirmed it brought her comfort.
I guess because I am so hard and have such high expectations of myself, that I have not given myself enough credit for how far I have come, particularly in the last 4 months. The whole idea of sharing my blog and Facebook page was to talk about Mental Health openly as we should, but also to comfort those feeling the same, or those who think they are suffering with issues to seek help. Largely though so those that deal with their mental health on a daily basis felt less alone.
The validating comment given to me will sit with me for a long time and it made me reflect and ask myself if have I taken the time to acknowledge someone’s journey or to validate how someone else was feeling? Probably not enough, I will always take the time to listen to someone, but do I validate a healthy feeling or acknowledge they they’re doing well?
So out pouring of love and reassurance coming up…..
🧡To the person who managed to go out in the evening with her family to celebrate – You did it and we are so proud of you we can’t wait to see you on your special day.
💛To the person who has recently started a new job to pursue a lifelong ambition - it’s never too late to embrace change, you’re going to be amazing, kind and compassionate and we are proud of you.
💚To the person who works hard supporting their family with little reward. Know your efforts are noted and we love and respect you for how you persevere.
❤️To the person who works long random shifts and who has faced some recent issues within their job that you could have allowed to affect your work life and didn’t - know that I am so proud of you for getting back out there, you are my inspiration.
💙To the person whose immediate family member is poorly – You’re tired and have a long road ahead of you but despite this you get up and get on with it every day. You keep smiling and your tenacity is admirable. Know that your heart will break but we are all here for you. Time will pass you will get through it all and you will learn to smile again.
💜To the Mums and Dads I know facing the summer holidays with their children, there will be times you want to lock yourself in the bathroom, put your fingers in your ears and cry (let yourself do this by the way) you don’t have to be super parent, don’t succumb to the FB post which shows other people having an amazing time and you’re maybe stuck at work or don’t have the money to do the same. You’ve got this, I believe in you.
🧡To the person having relationship issues, I am proud of you for being brave for having awkward conversations and for not taking the easy way out of giving up but having a big enough heart for second chances and trying again.
💛To the person who struggles to get out of bed in the morning but does, you did it and you will get through another day. Things will get better, you are worth it, keep fighting.
Life’s tough and someone is always facing a battle that we will never know about. Let’s acknowledge the good things not in a ‘cheesy patronising gold star’ kind of way but in a ‘reassurance you’re doing a good job’ kind of way.
Big love N x🌻
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