We are not supposed to be happy all the time. Things are not supposed to play out exactly how we want them to all the time. Not everything is supposed to be great all the time. Because if there were no dips, if life did not take unexpected turns, the highs would have no value, and we would fail to recognize most pure moments. Because after all, life has its seasons, and this is one of them.
When I say “life’s seasons” – although I am referring to seasons of experiences, I am more importantly referring to how those experiences shape our headspace. Or simply, how life’s seasons affect how we are feeling and in turn create mental seasons. I use the term “season” to reiterate the temporary element. These times are temporary. These feelings are temporary. How you might be feeling is temporary.
On top of being temporary and ever changing, each season has the good and bad attached to it. Winter may be cold and depressing, but the holidays are (to me) the most beautiful time of the year. Although summer is a time for freedom, relaxation and the sun, the heat can get unbearable and sweating is not fun. Point being: not every season is perfect. It is our job to find the light in each. And so, with each season being temporary yet having a beautiful light to it, we must recognize both of these facets in order to truly reap as much good as we can from each.
I would describe my current mental season as funky, odd, inconsistent, confusing, sad, unmotivated and uninspired. These feelings come from all the sudden change and what feels like loss due to all these sudden changes. But I have to recognize that I am not supposed to be on a mental high all the time; I am not supposed to be feeling the same way all the time. We do not have to be happy all the time. And if you are after such, you will be left unfulfilled and repeatedly angry at yourself for not getting what you want – because such an end goal is impossible! And more importantly, there is so much light to this season! I sleep in my beautiful bed, I wake up to eating beautiful food and I attend lectures about subjects I am truly passionate about. I have time to read, to explore, to think about my life and where I want to take it. I am thankful for being able to self quarantine, for that means I have a place to call home, and it is heartbreaking that many do not. There is so much light to this season. And although it has its dark moments, it too shall pass, and the light will always shine through.
I urge you to dissect your mental season and how your current life experiences are shaping it. Then, assure yourself of the temporary element it holds, and then dig deep to pull apart all the good. This season of life too shall pass.