MAKING CHANGES: HOW TO HELP YOURSELF.
Sigmund Freud wrote “before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self esteem, first make sure that you are not, in fact, just surrounded by assholes.” It is so important to understand that your environment can directly affect how you are feeling and how you heal. If you are constantly feeling overwhelmed and like you have nowhere to decompress, here are some ways that you may be able to find some peace.
Remember that you can always say no.
Remember that you can always say no.
It took me years to understand that I have another option other than yes. I am the type of person that needs to help everyone and I feel awful if I don’t. My experience with going to counseling with one specific counselor helped me understand that the stress I was undergoing can be dealt with by saying no at least once a day. If you don’t feel like you can make an extra commitment, than don’t. If you don’t feel like sacrificing something to make someone else happy, don’t do it. You’re not being selfish, you’re not being rude. You’re taking care of yourself and you’re making sure that your well-being and your overall happiness is being taken into consideration.
Saying no doesn’t mean you need to have a reason.
Just because you take the plunge to saying no, doesn’t mean you have to explain yourself to anyone. If you don’t have a reason, you don’t need to justify your refusal. Just say no, say thank you maybe next time, or sorry but I can’t and move on with your day.
You never have to settle.
If you’re unhappy with your living situation or who surrounds you, you’re allowed to change it. Change can be very difficult and hard to go through, but it is sometimes critical. Leases can be broken, money isn’t everything and people come and go. What’s important is that you feel confident enough in yourself to be the strong person you were meant to be, and the right people will be pulled toward you.
If you can’t find peace, make it.
I know for our younger readers, living at home can be difficult, especially when you don’t always see eye to eye with them. Finding your own sense of peace can be liberating. Taking walks, listening to music, painting, and exercise are all different types of therapies that can create zen in any home!
