It's okay to not be okay

It's been mental health awareness week in the UK so I wanted to drop in with a reminder that it's okay to not be okay. It's also okay to be fine, or to be bouncing off the walls with excitement at some great news you just received.

However you're feeling, withholding judgement of yourself is a powerful thing. Allow it rather than force yourself to try and feel differently.

The theme for mental health awareness week this year is kindness, which is a thoughtful aspect to focus on during a pandemic. Have you noticed the random acts of kindness around you during lock down? I sure have.

Like the chap at Sainsbury's who's wiping all of the self-scanners and safely handing them out, neighbours asking each other if they want anything from the shops, and friends sending each other care packages, particularly to those who live alone.

There are all sorts of ways we can be kind to others, and I'd love to hear what you've been experiencing and how you've been kind. But the purpose of the blog this week is to remind you to be kind to yourself.

A useful way to sense check if you're giving yourself a hard time unfairly (e.g. the voice in your head is pointing out all the things you haven't done), is to ask yourself: would I say that to a friend? If you wouldn't say it to a friend, why would you say it to yourself?

Try out that filter, give yourself a break (or even better, a pat on the back) and bask in your new level of kindness to yourself.

And if you or someone you know is having a difficult time, remember that the Samaritans have well trained, kind people who can face it with you. They are available 24/7 on the phone number: 116 123

P.S.  Kindness is the answer. Being kind to others AND being kind to ourselves.

P.P.S.  There's 2 ways you can currently work with me: 1) a 2 hour breakthrough NLP session or 2) a 4 session coaching programme over 2 months. All phone based. When you're ready, hit reply and we'll agree which approach best serves your goal.