I just spent the last twenty minutes literally staring at my computer screen. You know that post I recently wrote on tips for staying motivated when you lack it? Yeah, that would be me right now needing to read it. Again. In my moments of feeling down and mostly out of it because of a flu bug I caught this week, I managed to pick up my phone. You may have guessed I was browsing Instagram. I saw a post from the beautiful Inspiration Indulgence, who in between her moments of always inspiring and lifting up her readers also feels like she has been “stuck.” I applaud her for being so real and open with her followers and have major respect for her doing what’s not always comfortable. It brought to mind something that even I find it hard to admit — it’s OK to not be OK all the time.
Just be yourself.
All too often people find themselves in a situation of masking their pain. Society tells us to tough it up and just let go of whatever is bothering you. Easier said than done, am I right?! I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to not be okay all the time. You have every right to feel whatever it is that you’re feeling. You are allowed to (and in fact, I encourage it) let go of your desire to be perfect all the time. Ignore anyone who says just “tough it up” and just be you.
You are human.
In case you didn’t know, you are a human. This means you live, breathe, think, and feel. You have basic human needs and many of those needs are on an emotional level. So don’t begin by dismissing them or trying to get rid of them. Accept what you feel as OK (even if you don’t like it) and take a moment to breathe. It’s how you handle those feelings that matters most, and you’ll need the breath to give yourself a little break before handling life’s little battles.
It’s OK to cry.
Sometimes crying makes no sense at all, and even when it does there is a powerful emotional release that can come from it. When I was going through some tough things in my life I attempted to avoid crying. I hated crying and felt ashamed for doing it. I’ve never been much of a crier anyway. I would tell myself to just get over it, but all I was really doing was bottling up the pain. If you need to, allow yourself to cry and have that release that comes from allowing yourself to feel.
Your emotions are valid.
Never let anyone tell you that your emotions are not valid for any reason. You feel for a reason and those feelings make you a part of who you are. Feelings are not something you need to be afraid of. In fact, they are a beautiful thing and show how much you truly care. View those feelings as the very thing that makes your soul unique and amazing. You will begin to appreciate them so much more when you learn to see them as a positive.
Tough things happen.
My dear, life is full of ups and downs. If you’re in one of those ups right now then I encourage you to spread some goodness around anywhere you can. The world could always use a little more kindness and cheerful spirits anyway! But if you’re feeling down or just in one of the “feeling stuck” moods, I’m here to say you’re not alone. The truth is bad things happens to all of us. No bad season lasts forever so keep your head held high!
No one has a perfect life.
If bad things happened to everyone all at once then I’m pretty sure the world would explode! But that’s not reality. The truth is those things we call “bad” can happen at the same time we are looking around wondering why it’s not happening to everyone else. Do yourself a favor and quit comparing your life to the picture perfect life of someone else’s. Playing the comparison game will only steal your joy. And when all else fails, remember, “Life can be tough my darling, but so are you.”
Keep smiling!
Gray tee: HER. Boutique. By far the BEST pocket tee out there. So soft and extremely comfortable! This versatile tee comes in ten colors!
(Use code MISSMOLLY20 to get 20% off this dress & everything from HER. Boutique)
Necklace: ADORE Swarovski Elegance Y Necklace | Bracelet: ADORE Swarovski Crystal Bangle
Earrings: ADORE Swarovski Elegance Arc Jacket | Rings: ADORE Swarovski Elegance Coil Ring
Photo Credit //Jenna Lynn Photography
I’m Molly Lawson! I live in Seattle and am an optimist, adventurer, and bold lipstick wearer. I created this space to inspire and empower women with words of encouragement known as #MollysWords and share inspiration through my personal style. I always want my readers to leave with a smile and I hope you do!
First, I need this look in my closet and that suede jacket is GORGEOUS. I am always so stuck as to write in my posts especially outfit posts. I think my other content comes more easily. But I understand the lack of motivation. I always love how you are so honest and open. Keep it up.
This is such an inspiring post! I love the powerful message – we should all be more honest and open!
xo Kara
http://www.historychic.com/
This is such a great post! I kept nodding my head in agreement while reading it. Also obsessed with your jacket, it’s so stinkin’ cute!!
This article brought me so much peace of mind. Thank you!
Also, lovely pictures!
Cristina | *janded
This was a really awesome post, even though it’s the end of the week, I always need some motivation! Love your outfit, BTW! Totally rockin’ this look!
xo, Chloe // http://funinthecloset.com/caught-nets-fishnet-trend/
Loved this girl! So true!
This post literally made me tear up. I found out a couple weeks ago that I didn’t pass my engineering licensing exam, but my fiance passed. I didn’t want to be upset because I wanted to be happy for him. But, it’s ok to be upset because I am truly devastated! Thanks so much for this post! Loving the post girl!
Your posts are always so raw and I absolutely love seeing that from you! It’s so inspiring and refreshing. Love this outfit too! You look gorgeous as always!
xo, Amanda | http://www.thegoldengirldiary.com
such a cute and casual look, love how you put everything together!
http://www.layersofchic.com
AW girl! Here I am, catching up on your blog on a Friday night and in the first paragraph I see that you gave me a shout out! Thank you, sweet girl! You motivate and inspire me. In those moments when you don’t feel okay, think about those moments when you inspired others, like me. <3
You look absolutely stunning!! And I just love this post. I’m going through the same thing and definitely needed the motivation. Thank you always being so honest and encouraging! Happy Friday!
Liz
http://Www.lizzieinlace.com
I love that you wrote this! I think as bloggers it’s important to bsee real and authentic online and let follows know that our lives aren’t perfect and we have bad days too! Love you for being honest!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
Love how you tie in inspirational posts with your outfit posts!!
http://www.mollyonthemoveblog.com
Love this reminder Molly <3 I cry all the time haha so I know that's okay, I have been struggling with the perfectionist in me and trying to get her to go back to sleep lately! It's been causing unnecessary stress and pressure but I need to rememeber that we are all human and its all good!
Rachel | The Confused Millennial
2016 was a very difficult year for my family and for so many friends of mine. Deaths, illnesses, heartbreak…plus all the tragic news from around the globe… Sometimes it’s not easy to cope. At those moments especially it’s so comforting to lean on God and let Him handle the situation.
Just got to keep going and staying positive. And thankful <3
I hope you're feeling much better, sweetie. I am here for you.
xox Nadia
http://www.mielandmint.com
This was such a beautiful post and that jacket…I want it! Like right meow 🙂