Almost a year ago, I shared a post about embracing self-kindness and setting realistic goals for the year ahead. I talked about slowing down, nurturing ourselves, and practicing self-compassion. In the moment, I truly believed that would be my path for 2024. But the truth is, I haven’t published a single blog post since then.
Why? Because I’ve been struggling. Depression, burnout… they crept up on me in ways I didn’t expect. I had days where just getting out of bed felt like an impossible task. The passion I once had for writing, self-care, and all the little joys in life seemed to fade. And you know what? That’s okay.
Today is World Mental Health Day, and I feel compelled to share that it’s perfectly okay not to be okay. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve struggled. In fact, I think it’s time we all start being a little more honest about how tough things can get.
You are not alone…
Mental health is such an invisible, often misunderstood battle. We put on brave faces, keep pushing through, and sometimes, we crash. If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just plain exhausted, please know you are not alone. There are so many of us out there who understand exactly what you’re going through. You matter, and your mental health matters too.
It’s easy to talk about self-compassion when you’re feeling good, but it’s even more important to practice it when you’re at your lowest. Over the past year, I’ve had to learn that it’s okay to take a step back, to feel lost, to struggle. And that doesn’t make me a failure – it makes me human.
I have also had to allow others to pick up the slack and have spent the majority of the last few months feeling like a failure. A failure as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend…well the list just goes on really doesn’t it?
Moving forward…
I’m still navigating this journey, and I don’t have all the answers. But what I do know is that being kind to myself has been more important than ever. Some days, just getting through the day is enough of an achievement. And slowly but surely, I’m learning that progress isn’t always linear, and that’s okay too.
So if you’re reading this, take a moment to breathe. Be kind to yourself. You’re doing your best, and that’s more than enough.
Let’s continue this conversation, not just on World Mental Health Day, but every day. Let’s make sure no one ever feels like they’re in this alone.
Boo x
Dreadfully Kelly 