Personal struggles.
Relationships.
Anxieties.
And lately, the state of the world.
Recently, I found myself in a sort of depressive “slump” wherein I was wrestling with each of these continually. They invaded every thought I had and every action I took. I could no longer brush them aside and busy myself with a day’s work. Rather the opposite in fact. I found myself unable to do even simple tasks. One day in particular was so bad that I could not will myself out of bed. It was all consuming.
The slump was deep but I practiced self-care. I went to my therapist. I journaled. I was proactively mindful during the day. I listened to calming music. I gave myself extra space and grace. I wrote down affirmations. I indulged in things that brought me joy.
And if you follow us on Instagram, you’ll know that I went on an impulsive streak and got two new tattoos. Little by little, I felt the fog lift. I could still see and feel everything surrounding me, but none were dictating my journey. At times, my slump was deep and dark. And while I did arrive at the other side of it, I arrived a changed woman. For that, I am actually very grateful. In the darkness you see, I discovered (and re-discovered) things that made my life brighter. Lighter. Happier.
I learned that life gives us respite. In fact, each day has a built in period of rest. We can toil all day, but the sun eventually relents. So too should our anxieties. Give them a break. You can pick them back up in the morning. But each night, lay them aside.
I learned that I accomplish more if I focus on less. Spreading yourself thin — even just mentally — diminishes your overall effectiveness.
I remembered the power of small pleasures. Each is more than a moment — they are tangential reminders of a life well led.
I learned that acceptance is not the waving of a white flag. Rather, it is merely acknowledging the path before you so that you can see the briars instead of becoming ensnared by them.
I remembered that less is more in most aspects of life. Brushing aside the unnecessary leaves you more space to enjoy the needed.
3 Comments
love this. So true about not being able to pour from an empty cup. So very true also about sea discovery jotting into your 30's. Been there. Am there.
July 20, 2018 at 9:08 pmI've been working through my slump, for lack of a better word, and I'm trying to learn some of the lessons that you've talked about. I think that acceptance is one that people, myself included, sometimes have a truly difficult time understanding. Thanks for sharing!
July 21, 2018 at 2:52 amI think we all go through these seasons of life where we are in a slump or the low on the cycle of life. I have had to really focus on me these last few months as well to really be a much better wife and mother and lawyer.
July 23, 2018 at 1:36 pm