We have a tendency to consistently try to make ourselves or others “feel better.” We are driven by compassion and empathy, but these two can often be misdirected and instead, we project our idea of “okay” onto ourselves and other people.  

What would it look like for us to simply feel whatever it is that’s coming up for us? When we are sick, we know to take medicine to feel better. But what if we are emotionally sick or in pain? There is no medicine to take. There is no concrete action that is always available to us. But often, seeking out a solution to our pain will simply cause us to put off the inevitable process of feeling our feelings.  

It is okay to feel pain. It is okay to feel scared. It is okay to feel uncertain. It is okay to feel grief. It is okay to feel lonely. It is okay to not be okay.  

Yes, it will pass. Yes, it is impermanent. But you can honor your emotional experience by being present for it, not by distracting yourself or avoiding it with every fiber of your being. Just for today, show up for whatever you're feeling.