Just Let It Happen

It is nearing midterms at the university where I work and I've had a lot of students come and talk to me about how stressed they are.  Have you ever noticed how problems usually arise all at once?  It's usually not just one thing that is stressing you out--it's everything.

The other day, I was talking to a student and things were just so overwhelming for her.  So, I told her something that a dear friend told me a long time ago.

It's OK to feel what you are feeling right now.

Sometimes people need to hear that how they feel is OK, not that it's all going to be OK.  

How many times do we devalue how we feel, which only compounds the negativity and makes things worse?  How many times do we tell ourselves that what we are feeling is stupid and to stop feeling?  When if we just let the feelings come, deal with them, and let them go, things get better a whole lot sooner.

Hey, it's OK to take some time for yourself and feel angry, sad, or even a little sorry for yourself.  Sometimes we are just too hard on ourselves and need to take a minute to just let it happen.

So, take a moment, take the afternoon off if you need to, feel those feelers, cry, vent to someone close (or just be still by yourself), or hug your pet.  Just get it out.  Then make a pot of peppermint tea (this always makes me feel better) and breathe . . .

Love always,
Nik