It’s Okay To Not Be Okay

Saying “No” Can Be a Good Thing.

As women, we naturally tend to take on more than we should without even realizing it. “No” is not a word that comes easy to us. It is our nature to desire to meet the needs of all those around us that we love and care for so much. These are all good qualities, and, when managed, help the relationships in our lives thrive. If left unmanaged, however, we can become overwhelmed and overworked. We don’t have personal assistants telling us when our plates are too full or a meter that sounds an alarm when our boiling point is dangerously close. In order for us to be emotionally available to parent our little ones and invest in our marriages, we have to be aware of what is going on inside of us.

Too often we realize this only when it is too late, so our nervous systems are broken down and our emotions are depleted. When this happens, our bodies can go into shock, and we can experience depression and anxiety. This is such a scary place to be and can become so isolating, but, the good news is, you’re not alone! I have been there before! I see you and I, too, have felt like the weight of it all was going to crush me. 

Thankfully, our bodies are amazing creations that are equipped to send us warning signs that we need to stop and rest. It is okay to say “no” to good things. This will allow you time to nourish your soul. We currently live in a society where the stigma that surrounds talking about our thoughts and emotions with a professional is diminishing; hallelujah! 

5 Signs That Your Meter Is Teetering on The Edge:

1.) You start to lose interest in things that truly matter to you. Things like exercise or meeting with friends. It becomes easier to avoid these things and just stay home. 

2.) It becomes difficult to carry out daily tasks that used to be simple, like cleaning, getting ready for work, or cooking. 

3.) You find yourself withdrawing from conversations with those you love that usually fill you with life. 

4.) Waking up in the morning becomes difficult and all you think about is getting back in the bed. 

5.) You experience headaches or foggy thoughts that are difficult to process. 

There Is Hope and Help.

I have good news– it is okay to not be okay. You don’t always have to say you are “fine” when you aren’t, because it is okay to love your children with every fiber of your being and still need to talk to someone. We all have days where we feel like this, and sometimes these feelings go on for longer than we would like; BUT there are ways you can overcome this. 

Birmingham is home to some of the most educated, licensed therapists and counselors. Here is a list of a few:

• Wellspring Christian Clinic 
• Covenant Counseling 
• Sojourn Counseling
• Pathways Progessional Counseling

Also, most people don’t realize that some local churches have licensed therapists on staff who would be willing to sit and talk with you for free! I just hope you know you are seen, treasured, and adored.