Has anyone ever told you "it could always be worse"?

OR...Have YOU ever told someone, or even yourself "it could be worse"?

What's the intent behind that statement? Is it to make someone, or you, feel better about the present situation?

I'm guessing it is...but in saying that to ourselves, or others, are we truly giving permission or allowing space for the feelings to be felt, and the experience to be had? Or are we just "supposed to" feel thankful that it's NOT worse, and simply move on?

I believe that giving ourselves, and others, permission and space to feel what we're feeling allows us to actually move THROUGH the experience or moment. My concern is that in saying "it could always be worse" - we're essentially invalidating our feelings and experiences because "it could be worse."

Just because it "could be worse" or someone else "has it worse" doesn't minimize YOUR feelings and experiences. Yes, you can be grateful that it's NOT worse, but just because it's not as bad as it could be doesn't make what you're feeling or experiencing any "less than."

Your feelings and experiences matter, because YOU matter. And if something sucks, it's OK to say so and feel everything that goes along with it!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Really. Send me a DM @awakentheextraordinary on Instagram, or share this episode on your Stories and tag me in it. You never know - I just may give you a little sumpin' sumpin if you do!