You know that feeling when you’re trying to do something, and you just can’t seem to get it done? You feel like life is going so fast and you’ll never get a moment’s peace?
I’ve been there. I’ve been in your shoes.
I’ve been feeling like everything I do is not working. I felt like I was trapped in a rat race that was going nowhere, and all I could think about was how hard it was to navigate reality.
I didn’t know why I felt that way back then, but it was like my brain had gotten stuck in “down” mode, and every thought or action felt like a waste of time.
It’s hard to see the good things when you’re always looking for the bad ones.
It’s hard to make plans when they don’t go as you expect them to. It’s hard to keep going when it feels like nothing ever gets done right. And then there are those days where the depression and anxiety get so bad you just want to… quit?
I’m not kidding when I say that I’ve felt this way for most of my life.
It was bad in high school — when all I wanted was peace but ended up getting bullied, or when I was trying to hang out and mingle with more people but I was alienated instead. It was bad in college — when I was skipping so many classes and getting my GPA ruined. It was bad after college — when I tried to find a job I actually have a passion for but mostly ended up with the ones I faked to like.
And back then hopelessness was just… everywhere. In everything. The worst part was that sometimes it feels like there was no hope left for me at all: that if I didn’t get out there and live my best life now, then maybe — maybe someday — I would just die from exhaustion! But then again… maybe not? Maybe it will all turn around somehow one day? Right?
But I’m not a quitter.
I used to be one of those people who thought that if you tried hard enough, you could make it through anything. It’s true — you can overcome any obstacle and still live your best life.
But I’ve learned that sometimes life throws us curveballs, and there’s nothing we can do about it.
Sometimes we have to let ourselves down and let go of the things that are holding us back from being happy, because they’re not going to help us get there anyway.
It’s hard to stay positive when you feel like nothing will ever change for the better — but if you don’t help yourself up first, then no one else will either.
I know how it feels when the world seems like it’s closing in on you and there’s no way out, but I also know that it’s not true. It’s just a feeling that comes from your head — and it can change if you give yourself time to think about it.
Hopelessness is normal.
Don’t beat yourself up for feeling hopeless. You’re human, and that means that sometimes life can be hard. Every time you’re feeling down, sad, or hopeless, stop and take a deep breath. Focus on the things that are going well in your life. If you’re really not feeling good about yourself during that moment, try counting up all the amazing things about yourself. Maybe something will surprise you.
Don’t let negative thoughts affect your mood or energy levels. You deserve better than feeling anxious all the time; remember that there are other things in life besides anxiety. Anxiety is an emotion that can fill you with worry, fear, and doubt.
Find your own solution to managing anxiety, your own method of self-care.
Some people prefer to keep a journal or their phone handy with things they need to remind them of when they’re feeling anxious, while others may enjoy exercising or meditation. Find what works for you and try it.
Remember that we all go through periods of life where we feel like giving up, and then we come back again.
Don’t let these moments define who you are as an individual — you’re more than your emotions.
We’re humans and we experience a lot of stuff. It’s going to happen again, but you don’t have to let it get the best of you.
You’ll never be happy if you keep focusing on your flaws. It’s hard to not focus on our shortcomings. But, what makes you feel better is that when we find out our mistakes and recognize them in the present, it helps us learn from them and move forward with a positive mindset.
Don’t let these moments define who you are as a person.
