Today, I’m here to close the loop on something I’ve promised to discuss. For those of you who have been following along, you know I’ve been going through some stuff lately, and I said I’d come back to talk about it. So here I am, ready to share why it’s okay not to be okay and why we need to normalize it.

When I was going through my rough patch, it was shocking how often people would ask how I was doing, and I’d automatically respond with, “I’m great, how are you?” even when I wasn’t. It felt so inauthentic, and that’s why I think we need to talk about it, not as a Debbie Downer, but to be honest and authentic and create genuine connections. It’s essential to recognize that it’s okay not to be okay.

We all need help at some point, yet we often say we’re fine when we’re not.

Over the past 12 weeks, I kept telling people I was fine when I wasn’t, and it felt like a narrator in my head said, “She was not indeed fine.” every time I said those words, “I’m okay”.

No one wants to dump their problems on a casual acquaintance, but with close ones, we should be truthful. It’s important to admit when we’re struggling, both to ourselves and to our loved ones.

By pretending to be okay, we miss opportunities for genuine connection and support. When we say we’re fine when we’re not, we shame ourselves unnecessarily.

I learned that lesson the hard way, feeling like I had always to be great. I wasn’t being authentic, and it took a toll on me. It’s essential to be honest and seek help when needed.

Podsters, let’s normalize not being okay. If someone asks how you are, be honest. You don’t have to explain everything, but you can say, “I’ve been better.” Let’s be real with ourselves and each other. It’s okay not to be okay; acknowledging that is a step towards healing.

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