Image credit: azatvaleev
Have you ever felt alone in your struggle, like you are the only person who is having a hard time while everyone else is doing amazing?
I have. In fact, I was feeling that way just recently.
Business has been a tad slow and it can be disheartening, especially when you get onto social media and it seems like everyone else is just killing it!
This makes the “yes, buts” come out in force:
- “Yes, but” maybe I’m just not cut out for this.
- “Yes, but” maybe there is something wrong with me.
- “Yes, but” why am I the only one going through this?
Rational? No. But as I mention at the top of my keynotes, we, as humans, are often not logical and reasonable. We are often irrational, emotional, confounding decision makers.
Then I was at an event at my kids’ school and I started talking to a friend. He was very open, and within about five minutes I discovered that he shared many of the same challenges I felt with focus, attention, motivation, energy, etc.
I thought it was just me.
Then I spoke to two speaker friends and they both told me that things were slow for them right now too.
I thought it was just me.
Then a friend of mine who seemed to have everything going right for them had found out they were getting laid off.
I thought it was just me.
I had somehow forgotten:
- Everyone has their struggles.
- Everyone has their ups and downs.
- Everyone has their “yes, buts.”
Remembering this helped me let go of some of the negativity and doubt and get on with the work of making life better.
If you ever feel this way, first of all, get off social media for a while! It’s filled with people sharing only the best things while hiding the rest.
Secondly, remember: You are not alone!
Everyone has their own issues and challenges, and you are only privy to a tiny fraction of it. In fact, don’t just remind yourself of this, go find out.
- Have honest conversations with people.
- Ask for help.
- More importantly, say “yes, and” to offering help.
- Build a community, be it at work or at home.
Through actions like these you’ll realize the importance of connections. You’ll realize that everyone has their own issues, and that the universe doesn’t have it in for you. This allows you to say “yes, and” to yourself and get on with the work of making things better.
What novel ways have you found to connect with others?