It’s Okay to Not be Okay

Jassila Sikkandar
3 min readAug 19, 2023

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Hey there, friends! Today, let’s dive into a topic that often gets swept under the rug but is as real as that morning cup of coffee — it’s okay to be not okay.

Yes, you heard it right! In a world where perfection is glorified and Instagram filters make everyone seem like they’re living their best life, it’s time we embrace the roller coaster of emotions that life takes us on.

Amidst life’s twists and turns we sway,

Through stormy nights and sunny day,

It’s okay to stumble, to fall, to weep,

For in our imperfections, our souls run deep.

Let’s face it — life isn’t a Pinterest board where every picture-perfect moment is meticulously curated. We all have our highs and lows, moments of triumph and times when we feel like we’re stuck in quicksand.

And guess what? That’s perfectly fine! Life’s a journey, not a destination, and just like any journey, it’s bound to have its share of roadblocks and detours.

Remember those times when you couldn’t put on a smile even if your life depended on it? It’s as if the weight of the world was resting on your shoulders and you were just waiting for someone to tell you that it’s okay, that you’re allowed to feel this way.

Well, my friends, consider this your reminder — it’s absolutely okay to feel overwhelmed, anxious, sad, or lost.

Why It’s Okay to be Not Okay

Think about it — when you have a headache, you don’t hesitate to take a painkiller.

Similarly, when your heart aches from the weight of your emotions, why hesitate to acknowledge them?

Bottling up feelings is like trying to hold a beach ball underwater — it might work for a while, but eventually, it’s going to pop back up, often when you least expect it.

Allowing yourself to feel and express your emotions is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to admit that you’re not okay, that you’re struggling, and that you need a breather.

Life isn’t a competition of who can put on the best mask; it’s about living authentically, with all the shades of your emotions painting your story.

Navigating the Storm

You’re not alone in this. Friends, family, or even professionals are there to lend an ear or a helping hand when you need it.

Treat yourself like you would treat your best friend. Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it’s taking a walk, reading a book, or enjoying a bubble bath.

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be incredibly therapeutic. It’s like giving your mind a chance to declutter.

Mindfulness and Meditation practices can help ground you in the present moment and ease the racing thoughts that often accompany tough times.

Remember, no one has it all figured out. It’s okay not to have all the answers; life is about learning and growing.

So, the next time life throws you a curveball and you’re not feeling like you’re on top of the world, remember that it’s okay.

It’s okay to cry, to be unsure, and to take a break from pretending everything’s perfect.

Embrace your emotions, for they are the colors that paint the canvas of your unique journey. After all, even the most beautiful sunsets need a bit of rain.

Stay authentic, stay strong, and ride those waves like the resilient surfer of life that you are!

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Jassila Sikkandar

Author | Premium Content Writer | Storyteller “Writing is my guide, navigating the depths of human experience and uncovering the beauty in our stories.”