Life’s Tough, Get a Helmet!
DON’T say this to a person who’s struggling right now.
2020, it’s the year of perfect vision and we’re already more than halfway into it. All of the sickness, hate, and destruction are more visible than ever right now. I mean, really, it’s rough out there in the world today. Many people are struggling. They're suffering mentally and emotionally, they’re overburdened financially, and they’re grieving all sorts of losses.
So many individuals are experiencing trauma during these trying times while more and more people are witnessing other people’s anguish.
If you find yourself trying to offer some kind words, try not to offer the wrong ones. Here’s what NOT to say to a person struggling right now.
Life’s tough, get a helmet!
It’s dismissive of a person’s ordeals in life. You’re telling a person to basically, “rub some dirt on it” or “toughen up” as if things could be solved so easily. Life is tough. Hardships can’t simply just go away by putting on a “helmet” or a braveness to take on whatever gets thrown at you. With good intentions, many people are voicing various versions of this saying. “It could be worse”, “look on the bright side”, or “think positive”… Saying these things are not helpful to anyone who is going through a tough time.
Especially in a global pandemic.
Now is the time to do better for others. Be kind. Be more aware of what you say if you find yourself offering any words of encouragement.
Try telling them that you want to do your best to support them, that you care, and that you want to understand what they are going through. Assure them that they are not alone.
Try saying, “life’s tough, but I am here for you.”
