What do you do when you fall into darkness or sadness? I know for myself it can be a lingering feeling that feels like it is never going away. During those dark times, I tried to pinpoint the ways that helped me through it. I found two practices that removed my mental space from darkness.
- Acknowledge The Darkness
Acknowledgment is the key to finding your way out of darkness. It is so easy to suppress how we really feel. ESPECIALLY when we are trying to keep up those around us. It may seem like we don’t have time for any sadness or feeling depressed. However, that is furthest from the truth. The best way to move through something to be aware of it. I have frequent moments on feeling captivated by darkness. Sometimes it’s just simple, I don’t like my hair today or its crushing moments of feeling completely alone. In those times, I recognize what I am feeling and why. I don’t run from it. Running from sadness will only compound and become unmanageable. Managing what you are feeling in the moment is a healthy way to process your feelings. Say to yourself, “I am feeling sad because… I acknowledge this feeling… I will let myself feel sad for…” It is TOTALLY okay to be sad because it is okay. There’s no other reason for it to be okay. Acknowledge it all. The ups and the downs. Growth in understanding that it is okay to feel the darkness is true elevation. Don’t run away.
- Be Proactive in Dark times
Don’t sink into the depths of your own darkness. When I’m in that darkness, I decide to be as active as possible, whatever that looks like for me. When I feel sad those are the moments where I try my hardest to be as strong as possible. I wake up extra early, I go just a little bit harder in the gym, and I smile a whole lot more. Being proactive means making the effort to pull through. We don’t want to fall into sadness. It is all about pulling ourselves out of it. Now that I have acknowledged it, I can make the conscious effort to rise above it. I will be the first to say that it is NOT EASY. Sulking is much easier. However, do what is easy is not always best. The best thing we can do for our mental well-being is to choose every day to do something that is ACTIVELY challenging the darkness. Call it out, say I know you are there but you won’t ruin my day. I will do my very best to strong through this.
Don’t let the darkness overcome you. You are strong enough to withstand any battle that comes your way. The next time you feel that dark cloud hovering over you try these two steps. They are very helpful and super simple. Acknowledge it and be proactive to make a change. Things happen in life to makes us stronger and be enjoyed, don’t sweat the small stuff!
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