It’s Not Ok To Remain Not Ok!

The phraseology it’s ok not to be ok has its origin from a South Korean romantic drama television series and later became a song in our American culture. This statement has taken on a life of its own in many mental health circles. It simply means that as an individual you are acknowledging in an honest and forthright way that your mental and emotional state is not always where you would like for it to be. We all find ourselves in an emotional funk whether occasionally or frequently. The initiative to acknowledge this state is one of the first steps to regaining emotional and mental health. Your healing is in your honesty, your victory is in your vulnerability and your transformation is in your transparency.

I am hopeful that anyone that finds themselves in a “not ok” posture will not dig their heels in this state and render it permanent. There must be some determined resolve on your part to change your mental state. Life has so many twists and turns, changes and challenges, headaches and heartaches until you often wonder which way to go. However, one of the first steps to regaining your mental health to no longer remain not ok is to have “go to” people that will be a source of strength in your life like a spouse, parent, clergyman, counselor, friend or colleague who will lift you up with their words who see the best in you when you cannot see the best in yourself. Secondly, I think it is important to read positive material, listen to positive music and watch positive television programming that brings hope and inspiration to your life to help change your focus. It is often what we are focused on that determines our feelings. The late Rev. Ike taught that “you have to tell your feelings how to feel.” Thirdly, I believe it’s important to reach out to others and check on them. Sometimes when we see how others are doing we may discover that our situation is not as severe. Of course, this is not to say that we are comparing our mental state with others but when you learn of someone dealing with more severe issues than yourself it cultivates compassion in your own heart to pray for them, offer words of encouragement, and declare best wishes for them. When that happens, you will find yourself feeling better and regaining strength and having your joy restored to live a more productive day.

It is my hope that you will have a prosperous year spiritually, physically, financially and most of all mentally. Always remember “Have The Courage, Pay The Price, And Stay The Course To Remain Original!”