A reminder for when the sadness feels heavy:

t’s okay to have off days—days when nothing is technically wrong, but you still feel off. Somber. Out of sorts. Days when you wonder if you’re measuring up or feel like you should be further along by now.

Remember: Life is not made by going from mountaintop to mountaintop. It is shaped in deeper valleys and rugged off-roads, in winding, narrowly lit paths, and in the quiet of open meadows.

When I’m in this kind of slump, I need to hear someone say, “You’re okay. Feel your feelings, but don’t let them drive the car.”

Let the feelings out, but don’t let those feelings convince you that you’re standing in territory you’ve already reclaimed, in lies you’ve already wrestled down to find truth. Don’t allow those feelings to tell you you’re small, or going nowhere, or behind. Or that you’ll feel this way forever.

Sometimes, the best forms of self-care are the smallest acts of kindness to yourself: a snack and some sleep. This sadness will end. Make a cup of tea. Put down the phone— it’s a powerful tool, but it’s likely not what you need right now.

Meet yourself where you are today, not where you should be.

You’re okay. Get some rest. 

You’re okay. I’ll see you in the morning.