It's just one of them days, when I wanna be all alone
It's just one of them days, when I gotta be all alone
It's just one of them days, don't take it personal
I just wanna be all alone, and you think I treat you wrong
- Monica
Hey Friends,
So the past couple of months has been one heck of a whirlwind, like seriously who would have ever thought we would be socially interacting at least six feet apart, all masked up. We’ve missed out on seeing our favorite artist in concert, visiting our elderly family members and friends. The way that we celebrate life has changed completely; it’s really exhausting if you ask me. The pandemic got everybody in their feelings; I don’t know about yall, but the girl needed a break. Between school, work, coaching, family/friends and blogging, balancing it all has been one heck of trick worthy of an act in the UniverSoul Circus. In between my balancing act, I noticed that I needed a break. But if I’m honest, I knew that taking a break would let somebody down; and Nakia doesn’t like to disappoint. However, I was overwhelmed with it all and adjusting has really taken a toll on my mental. & trust when you take time for yourself, someone is going to take it personally, but it be like that sometimes (Kanye shrug).
The work that I do on a regular basis requires me to put everyone else’s needs before mine in both my day job and my clinicals with clients. What I do know is “there is no way I can be any good for them if I’m running on empty.” During these times, mental health check-ins are real and so needed. I appreciate the bi-weekly check-ins with my supervisor. For the last few months, he asked me the same question,“When are you taking off?” So guess what I finally did this week? I took off, for an entire week, sis.
See here’s the thing... dealing with both of these pandemics, Covid-19 and this overload of racial injustices, the past couple of months have been tough and nothing is “normal” anymore. We all have to understand with all that is going on, it is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and of course worry about all the uncertainties, but you got to take care of yourself sis. I know I know, you want to attend all the birthday parades, zoom happy hours, instagram live events, and so on. However, some of these celebrations can interfere with your ability to set aside time for yourself. Because I’m still not sure how my calendar has been just as full during the world of virtual everything than when I could see people in person; craziness I am aware. But if you were/have been feeling anything like me, here’s your permission slip - you are allowed your days, like the great philosopher Monica said “it’s just one of those days when you want to be all alone”, so breath and enjoy.
We have all reacted differently to the many pressures to have it all together and the reality is, these pressures probably don’t just include your needs. I'm sure one day, you are telling yourself “I got this” and the next you’re like “what in the world did I get myself into?” and that’s ok because your feelings will change over time. In those moments, notice how you feel, take note and then accept how you feel. Bottom line, taking care of your emotional health during any type of crisis or overwhelming situation will help you think clearly and react to your urgent needs and the needs of those around you. And I know I say it all the time but I can’t stress it enough self-care is key and when you develop these habits during a stressful season it will help your long-term healing.
BGH Tip #6 : Set aside a block of time/day on your schedule where no one else can put an event, activity, or any other form of interruptions. Do it weekly, monthly, quarterly, whatever your wellness plan requires and stick to it.
Until next time take care of yourself, I love you and I mean it.
Signed,
