Everyone is doing the best they can, finding ways to cope and adjust to their ever changing "normal".
During all this, it's important to remember .... it's okay to not be okay.
Things are hard... they are different... & everyone processes hardships and changes in their own ways.
One way to cope with a difficult or stressful situation is to speak to someone, to be heard and seen. So if you're one that needs to speak out, I hope that the ear you choose is an empathetic listener -
& they acknowledge what you are saying, help you explore your feelings with open-ended questions, normalizes your feelings, & follows up with you!
NOW if YOU are the ear... then know this; a listening and non-judgmental ear is comforting and can be supporting. You do not have to focus on "fixing" the problem.
Sometimes ALL you have to do is just lend a kind ear in someone's direction.
These conversations may be long or they can even be really quick... & they come from people who really need to get something of their chest or just say something.
just listen to them carefully and sympathetically.
& if you are someone that likes to give "involuntary" advice - ask first where this conversation will go - you can easily clarify by asking "do you just need an ear? or would you also like advice?" & you can even tell the person that they have every power to tell you or remind you that they just need an ear.
set the boundaries & respect them.
- SOWO Gonz
REMINDER:
Go prioritize yourself:
Your physical health matters.
Your mental health matters.
Your emotional health matters.
YOU MATTER.
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