I’m strong, but I’m tired. That is a truth that we all need to acknowledge at different times of our lives. I think a lot of us can relate to feeling a wide range of strong emotions in a single day. From the pressures of work, family, the economy, to the news of the day and tides of life that pull us from joy to despair and back again, life is a challenge, and we all struggle at different times and it’s more than okay to reach out for help, it’s human and it’s healthy.
I think a lot of us feel worn down these days, and why wouldn’t we? Life can be hard enough on its own, but the pandemic turned everyone’s world upside down and the majority of us haven’t returned to the normal we enjoyed before. Now, everything in life costs more or simply can’t be had at any price; events and plans we care about get changed or canceled and we’re left feeling alone and exhausted. If you’ve turned to unhealthy behaviors or substances to help you cope during these extraordinary times, it’s understandable and good for you to acknowledge it and get help as soon as possible. There is always a way forward.
It sounds trite to suggest actively lifting each other up; but nothing could be more important in this age of remote work, remote learning, texting instead of talking and general disconnect from others.
I urge you to make and keep that friendly date for lunch, head into the market, smile and say hi to those you pass instead of having groceries delivered to your car, go to church and sing at the top of your lungs, call that friend you’ve been thinking about and more important than anything else, tell the folks around you why they matter, something positive about how they look, and how much you appreciate them. A simple, sincere comment from you might make a world of difference to them, and I guarantee that you’ll feel better for each real interaction with another person.
As for your family, take a breath and see them as new. Shake free of old resentment and grudges. Hug them, say please and thank you, look right at them and smile, just because you are happy to be with them. Kiss your spouse passionately. Go for a walk together, even if it’s just down memory lane. Have meaningful conversations that are kind, loving and uplifting. Let the little stuff go because; trust me, it’ll be there later if you really want to pick it back up. Live in the present and enjoy today because it’s all we really have; yesterday is gone and tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.
I know you are strong, but the world is a very heavy weight, and everyone eventually needs a hand up and some rest. Reach out if you need either. Remember this always, you matter, you are loved, and you make a difference. If your first, second or third attempts to get or give help don’t work, don’t give up. Try again. You are strong. Being tired is temporary.
