Even in a pandemic, 'It's Okay.'
Usually I feel like I have some creative introduction, but honestly, this post has been inspired by the countless interviews I've done since March. Sometime during the interview they'll say, "It's okay."
Just yesterday, it really hit me when someone said this. We were talking about Christmas and how some people will get to see and be with their loved ones, while others won't. Whether it's because they're quarantined, or they've died.
It's a really terrible thing, and for an empath, truly soul crushing. I've cried for others over the last few days, and lord knows, the past few months. It feels like a whole separate beast in East Texas. We've gone through the pandemic, tornadoes, hurricanes, house fires, missing people, and so much more.
It's been busy, it's been hard. It's been truly devastating. There have been moments of joy and love, loss and pain. And gosh, it really feels like the later of the two.
Somehow, through it all I'm learning, and more importantly East Texans have reminded me that "It's okay." On days that I dread waking up, knowing I'm walking into a sensitive situation, unsure of how to navigate it, I am told by those going through it, whatever it is, that it's okay.
People who have lost every single thing, "It's okay."
People who's hearts are aching, "It's okay."
People who don't know what's next, "It's okay."
People who's lives have been turned upside down, "It's okay."
This little phrase is something I am going to carry into 2021 with me. Some days I wish I would have realized it earlier this year, I wonder how much stress and hurt I would've saved myself.
I feel like I say this more to my dogs than myself. They do something they shouldn't, I get a little frustrated, but I tell them, "It's okay." There's a strange noise and they freak out, "It's okay."
The same should go for us. And I believe that it's never too late to pick up new mantras or remind ourselves that IT IS OKAY. And what's the quote, "If it's not okay, than it's not the end." I believe that was John Lennon, who Len is named after :) But it's so true!
Frankly, until it's my time to go, it's not the end. This life is made for mistakes, lessons, lovers, fighters, and the warriors willing the take courageous steps toward the little wins. We are not perfect, life isn't. And maybe for some it's easier to say, "It will be okay." Right now, it may not feel okay. It may feel so, so unfair.
There is always something better if we can commit to keep going. I can't imagine what this holiday season is like for so many. I have the utmost love and gratitude for those I've gotten to speak with, this year alone, about their situations. You each, in your very own way, have reminded me that it is okay. For a young woman, new to Texas, this was the greatest gift anyone could have ever given me.
I appreciate all those who have supported me up to this point, through this year, and the well wishes I've received for the next journey. I'm not going to tell you what to do, but it may be a helpful and fun little thing to bring the phrase, "It's okay," into 2021 and really reflect on what this means for you.
I'm always here if anyone needs to talk or brainstorm. Stranger, or friend, we're in this together. Sending love to you all during this holiday time and the permission to say, "It's okay."
-E
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