It’s Okay To Not Be Okay, Despite What Society Tells Us

I’m not a crier. In fact, I’m not particularly emotional outside of hungry and angry – and those two things are usually linked in one way or another. I’ve always considered myself strong and capable and I’ve kept my emotions to myself – like a lady is supposed to.

But listen. I’m here to tell you that that is nonsense.

It’s okay to not be okay. 

Honestly. I wish I could scream it from the rooftops.

It’s okay to not be okay.

Don’t let anyone tell you differently. 

As I sit at my desk, crying, for the second day in a row, my mind wanders to what I did wrong. Why can’t I succeed? Why am I in the position I’m in? And why do I feel so helpless all the time? You know – all the questions that flood our minds when we’re at our weakest moments. 

Then, it hits me – I’m holding myself to impossible standards. I’m making myself feel the way I feel and I’m the only one causing my stress levels to explode on a daily basis. Now, while I’m quick to judge myself on my faults, this isn’t new to women – especially conservative women (Rep. Elise Stefanik anyone?). It seems there is no “safe space” for us and social media lives to point out our faults. 

I’m here to tell you that, despite what society screams at us – we don’t have to be perfect or wonderful, or even pleasant all the time. It is okay to have and express your emotions and it is definitely okay to ask for help. 

Sometimes it feels that conservative women are held to a different emotional standard than anyone else.

We’re pro-life so we must hate women’s rights.

Since we’re advocates for limited government, we must hate poor people.

We’re conservative so we must hate feminists.

We’re scrutinized for everything we do and everyone on social media seems to passionately disagree with us. 

As if political stress and standing up for our values wasn’t bad enough, we also have to work to advance our careers, ace our finals, find the perfect holiday gifts, be cute and glamorous and put together and fight for liberty all while trying to have a healthy and balanced life.

Whew. Even that sentence was exhausting. We are so hard on ourselves and girl, I’m here to tell you – it’s okay. 

Scream into your pillow.

Say no to the extra project at work.

Take a day (or week) off social media.

We all do better work when we’ve made the effort to take care of ourselves first and we won’t always have someone there to remind us that we don’t have to do everything.

So consider this your reminder ladies: Know your limits and know that it’s okay to not be okay. When you take care of yourself you’re stronger and ready to keep fighting for the conservative movement.