I’m a mess.
I can’t seem to get it together.
What’s wrong with me?
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. These are just some of the things Atlanta counselors are hearing more and more often. And with good reason.
These are trying times for sure. We are facing things we’ve not seen in generations, if ever. And, it seems like the world is moving faster than we can keep up with. It can leave you feeling out of control and in a chaotic whirlwind. You’re not imagining it. You’re not failing.
What’s happening is that we’re trying to manage a world with a skillset that worked until it didn’t. Our new normal requires a new set of skills designed to deal with an ever-changing landscape. In the meantime, as we figure it out, we are struggling to stay afloat, doing the best we can. That can sometimes take a toll on our self-esteem. Well, help is here, and your Atlanta counselor is tossing you a line with things you can do to stay well and stay engaged as you navigate the new normal.
Allow Yourself Some Grace
You are still the same strong, determined person you were before. Those traits don’t just magically disappear in the face of adversity. In fact, in some ways, they become stronger when they re-emerge. In the meantime, extend some grace to yourself. You are not perfect and don’t need to be. Allow and embrace your “human-ness” with all its strengths and shortcomings. You’re doing your best and that is all anyone can expect.
Deal With Your Inner Critic
You are no doubt harder on yourself than anyone else. In fact, our brains are hard-wired towards the negative. It’s actually part of our survival instincts, our warning system. Your inner critic is that negative voice in your head that is quick to criticize. But, and this is key, that inner critic is NOT who you are. Hear it, acknowledge it, and move on. Don’t allow that negativity to take up space in your head.
Remember How Much You’ve Done Right
When we feel like we’re falling short, it’s easy to lose sight of all the times we got it right. Being hard-wired towards negativity, it’s super easy to list all the short-comings. Challenge yourself to recall all of the things you’ve accomplished in the face of adversity and how you did it. You can then use those forgotten strengths to move forward. Success breeds success and you still have all those great skills. Give yourself a reason to remember them and an opportunity to use them.
Practice Gratitude
It sounds so simple but intentionally practicing gratitude has proven to be one of the most powerful motivators and mood boosters out there. Gratitude is strongly associated with feelings of happiness, positivity, hope, and satisfaction with life. It also helps to build resiliency so that you can better manage adversity. And especially in these changing times, resiliency is one of the keys to wellness.
Seek Support
Whether it’s from family and friends or from an Atlanta counselor, seek support. We are social by nature and sometimes, you just need to know that you’re not alone. Help and support can come from many places.
At the end of the day, all anyone can do is their best. When you’re feeling like you’re missing the mark, take a minute and remember who you are and all that you accomplish every day. Remember, you are not alone. And, you’re doing just fine.
