Rachel Hollis may have some of my favorite podcasts. She recently interviewed Brad Paisley, and this country music fan was swoon. Brad’s voice is lovely. He appears to me to be just a normal, down-to-earth guy with a vast knowledge of music. On the podcast he was sharing his top women of country music. Of course no list would be complete without Dolly Parton. Dolly is a QUEEN! Even if you don’t like country, you have to acknowledge her being unapologetically herself while changing the world is nothing short of amazing. Anyway, Brad touched on a duet they did together, “When I Get Where I’m Going”. Brad sang part on it on the podcast and my eyes welled up. No, this isn’t a new song. In fact, I know all the words to this song. As soon as the podcast ended, I knew I had to listen to Paisley and Parton’s duet. Mind you, I’m outside walking our dog around a lake where most of Rochester also walks after work. However, I was so moved, that I pulled up YouTube and pressed play. Que the ugly tears. (See the picture on the blog this week’s for the after ugly tears look.)
Now you may be thinking, “Lindsay, what are you telling me this?” I am telling you this to set the stage of I haven’t really been myself lately. I have been mildly depressed. Hearing that song was the big cry release I needed as well as talking with someone. While when I get in this mood, it takes some time to “get back to normal”, I can say that I’m on my way.
Due to my personality and values, I struggle with needing to look the part and be the best. Obviously, that hasn’t been working for me so it is time to admit it, learn from it, and release it. What did I learn this time? It is okay to not be okay. Talking about it helps, even if you don’t know why your mood is off. Journaling and a gratitude practice recently aided in identifying what is currently happening in my mind. After doing some of these these things,I was able to identify what things weren’t right.
While I share this because I want people to know that I’m not always happy and achieving, I think an equally important lesson here is that I chose to move out of the “sad” space and not stay there. (Please don’t mistake my feeling off with a clinically diagnosed depression that may require more assistance and work to move forward. I’m talking to the people who are starting to fall away from who they are. Some people may need to do more to manage depression, and they 100% should!) Once you realize you’re “in a funk” you have a choice. Are you going to stay there and play the victim, or will you take ownership to move out of that space. If you’re interested, Donald Miller has many resources on storytelling and the roles we can play in our own story—fascinating!
As for me, I choose not to be a victim, so I’m moving forward again. I realize it is okay to not be okay. BUT, it is NOT okay to stay not okay. So where are you in your life right now? Are all things great? Or are you in a bit of a slump as well. Your turn to take action and move forward.
Greater Than 