Stop pouring salt on your own wound.
On days when you have to look up to see the bottom of the world, it can be especially hard to do things that you know would help you. Most people struggle with this sometimes. But pouring salt on your own wound is another story. If whatever happened in your life is the source of your pain, then adding salt is the source of your suffering. And the good news is that you can learn how not to do that.
The idea is to get through the bad days without making them worse than they already are.
When you’re feeling gripped with strong emotions like sadness and regret, your basic habits of mind, body, and spirit – what you think, what you do, and how you feel – will either help heal the pain or make it even worse. And if you tend to kick yourself when you’re already down, don’t worry; you can learn how not to do that too.
Easy does it.
Your ability to hold yourself gently, even amidst the awful harshness you’re feeling inside and out, is going to be key. No matter what happened, you deserve the same compassion that you would give to anyone else. It may sound like a tall order, but it is definitely possible, and you really can learn to do it. As you do, even your hardest times will become a bit more bearable. And a little relief can go a long way.
Ready to pick up the pieces and move on?
You may never feel whole again if you compare yourself now to yourself at some earlier time in your life, because the truth is that we don’t get “over” things. But we do get through them. And those broken pieces are what become the new and unexpectedly beautiful mosaic that is you. They’re what become the solid ground you’ll walk upon, one step at a time.
Here’s the link to my podcast entitled “You’ll Never Be The Same.” In it, I will:
- Tell you how to get through your bad days without making them worse than they already are
- Give you concrete skills for self-care
- Share the story of my own “hitting bottom” moment
After you have listened to it, post your thoughts below!
Listen to this episode.