“It’s okay not to be okay.” It’s a phrase I’m still learning to coexist with and truth be told it’s rarely easy to accept. I don’t know about you, but for me, it’s a real challenge. For anyone navigating depression, seeing the good in things often feels nearly impossible. Learning to accept that you won’t feel okay much of the time is a slow process, indeed. But that doesn’t mean you won’t get better—it’s just that a bad day tends to minimize the good. With that said, it’s also completely normal to get upset when you’re struggling; that frustration is part of the journey, too. To me, “it’s okay not to be okay” is a powerful, strong reminder—one that acknowledges you don’t have to pretend. We are human beings, after all.
Acceptance: A Crucial Key
When we hear the word “acceptance,” it’s easy to misunderstand what it actually means. Accepting that you aren’t okay doesn’t mean surrender, nor does it mean you are consenting to feel this way forever. It simply means acknowledging reality as it is in this exact moment—without judging yourself for it.
It’s important to recognize when you’re having a bad day so you can try your best to accept it and handle it. Acceptance is a vital step to take when things are not going well, when you are not okay. I totally understand how difficult it can be at times to accept what you’re going through—the pain and discomfort you might carry within. It’s hard and frustrating, indeed, but through acceptance, you can slowly start to take action. I’m not saying that you need to be positive on a dark day; rather it’s about being mindful of your state of being and okay with where you are right now, even if it is difficult. When you accept your current situation, it becomes easier not to place so many heavy expectations on yourself. For example, if you have been crying all morning, the next right thing you can do is prepare a comforting cup of tea and watch a feel-good series, instead of forcing yourself to write an essay.
Self-Care Practices
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you are not feeling okay. Self-care is about prioritizing your wellbeing; it’s like a cuddle you give to yourself when all is difficult and painful to manage. With that said, self-care should always be present, whether you’re feeling okay or not.
Anchors for the Mindful Soul
Small, meaningful daily rituals give me comfort, feel-good vibes, and anchor my days. My ultimate non-negotiable is brewing a warm cup of tea and drinking it calmly; it’s such a calming practice for me. It serves as my self-care boost—a constant reminder to land in the present moment whenever anxiety starts spinning and worrying about what will come next. Starting my morning with tea sets a calmer tone for whatever lies ahead. Depending on the season, I spoil myself with a cup of hot dark chocolate in autumn, or gelato when it’s warm. And whenever I’m feeling down, if possible, cuddling with my neighbour’s rabbit is remarkably comforting and reassuring. I also turn to baking: it’s such a mindful, grounding activity for me that fills the kitchen with warmth (and yields sweet rewards!) 🙂
A Gentle Reminder for the Journey
Having bad days and feeling like you’re not okay can be truly frustrating and difficult to handle, but know that whatever storm you navigate, you’ll emerge stronger. Breathe deeply through uncertain moments, do what brings you peace, and be kind to yourself as if you were speaking to your best friend. Hardships are an inevitable part of the journey, so give yourself permission to be vulnerable—don’t carry it all inside. It’s also okay to show our weaknesses; we are not perfect, after all. ❤️
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