Everything is (Not) About Attitude
It’s funny when you listen to these coaches and speakers telling you that “you just gotta keep it positive” or, my favorite: “Everything is about attitude.”
While I understand that they say it from a good place and want you to suffer less, I don’t think everything is about attitude. In fact, it makes me kind of angry to listen to this when I’m going through a rough patch (as Michael Scott would say — the whole year, actually).
I’m not writing this to make others pity me or to victimize myself. I am aware of how lucky I am to be living in Spain, have an education, and have friends and family that support me. I am also aware that people are suffering all over the world.
You can acknowledge how lucky you are and, at the same time, feel frustrated because of one or many personal situations. And you don’t have to feel bad or ungrateful for feeling like this.
A year ago, I underwent knee surgery. I remember thinking it was going to be my worst summer. Everyone at the beach (despite COVID) and I would be walking with crutches and doing rehab. I was looking forward to my 2021 summer since then!
A year went by, and, in June, I could not even sleep due to the pain in my right arm and neck. A cervical herniated disc. And I am a dentist, which worsens the pain.
A month after that, I could not walk due to the pain. Knee hemarthrosis. And the day I was going to start the physiotherapy, the most terrible headache and fatigue I have ever had. COVID-19.
So, as you can imagine, if someone tells me: “Just keep it positive!” I may lose my patience. It is okay to feel overwhelmed. I have not been able to work out in over two months (those who know me know how necessary this is in my life), and I am in pain since, and a positive attitude will not fix it.
I am not saying that I have to give up and be grumpy every day and seeing the negative things only. But I am a human being, and I am allowed to have bad days, weeks, or even months. Every person processes their issues differently, and IT IS OKAY not to be like these influencers on IG that seem perfect 24/7 because life is not perfect.
So, take your break. I wanted to write this for the people who are struggling right now. Every problem is valid, and if something is affecting you (even if it seems silly for others), you don’t have to feel bad about it. Life is not always easy, and I can promise you that you are not alone.
But I will tell you this: It will pass. You have gone through all the obstacles and made it this far, and I’m sure that your strength is infinite and you will conquer your actual challenges as well.
There is a time for everything. Don’t blame yourself if right now you are not the fittest, the most positive, the most proactive. Focus on getting up from bed every day and make it through the day.
There will be time for the rest when you are ready,
and that’s okay.
