The Power of Vulnerability: It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
Life is full of moments that feel overwhelming, and right now, I’m living through one of them. Packing up my life for a cross-country move, starting a new job, and balancing my other commitments has left me feeling like I’m carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders.
Some days, I feel excited and optimistic about what’s ahead. Other days—like today—I feel completely drained, disconnected, and lost in my own thoughts. And you know what? That’s okay.
The Weight of the Moment
This morning, I woke up after sleeping for 18 hours straight. Even with all that rest, I still felt exhausted, both mentally and physically. There’s a heaviness that comes with balancing so many big changes at once, and today, it felt like that weight pressed down harder than usual.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we need to have everything figured out all the time, especially when life gets busy. But the truth is, we don’t. And in those moments when everything feels like too much, it’s okay to let ourselves feel it.
The Highs and Lows of Big Transitions
Packing up my apartment has been a mix of emotions. On one hand, it’s satisfying to see everything coming together. Most of the major packing is done, and that progress feels good. But on the other hand, the reality of leaving behind a place I’ve called home for so long is starting to sink in.
With every box I tape up, I’m reminded of the memories tied to the things I’m packing. Each item holds meaning, and deciding what to take and what to leave behind feels like an emotional weight of its own.
Then there’s the move itself—a cross-country journey that’s both daunting and exciting. It’s hard not to think about the unknowns ahead, even as I try to focus on the opportunities this move will bring.
Why It’s Okay to Feel Overwhelmed
There’s a pressure in our culture to always put on a brave face, to push through challenges with unrelenting positivity. But life isn’t always sunshine and success stories. Sometimes it’s messy, complicated, and downright exhausting.
And that’s okay. Being human means experiencing the full range of emotions—the highs and the lows, the joy and the sadness, the energy and the exhaustion. Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re navigating something big, and that takes a lot out of anyone.
Coping with the Tough Days
When the world feels heavy, I try to remind myself that it’s okay to slow down. Today, I let myself rest. I didn’t try to push through or accomplish a million things. Instead, I focused on small wins—like making a meal or taking a few minutes to sit quietly with my thoughts.
I also lean on the people around me. A conversation with a friend or a quick check-in with someone I trust can make a world of difference. Sharing what I’m going through reminds me that I’m not alone and that it’s okay to ask for support when I need it.
Finding grounding activities also helps. Whether it’s playing a game, writing, or simply stepping outside for fresh air, those small moments of connection to the present can provide a sense of clarity amid the chaos.
Finding Meaning in the Mess
As difficult as these moments are, they’ve taught me something important: it’s okay to not be okay. Feeling overwhelmed is part of the process, especially during times of transition and growth. These moments remind us of our resilience and help us appreciate the better days when they come.
There’s something profoundly human about sharing these experiences—the highs and the lows, the good and the bad. It’s not always easy to stay positive during difficult times, but it’s important to remember that we’re not alone in our struggles.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re going through your own tough moment, I hope this serves as a reminder that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human. Take it one day, one moment at a time. Rest when you need to. Lean on the people who care about you. And most importantly, give yourself permission to not have everything figured out right now.
The highs and lows are all part of the journey. And while it’s not always easy, it’s these moments that remind us of our strength, our humanity, and our capacity to grow.
Who or what do you lean on when life feels heavy?
