Being Sad is OK!

Being sad is ok! Tuning into negative stuff from the past or worrying about possible future problems is NORMAL. Yup, we are wired to pay attention to negative experiences, we file them away with a red flag to avoid or prepare for them happening again. That's survival! Thank goodness we have this, otherwise that time as a kid I put my hand on the iron to check if it was hot would have been repeated, a lot! The trouble comes when the list of sad/worrying things becomes our only focus. Like everything in life, it's about balance. It's not surprising then, the powerful impact that tuning into things that are going well (gratitude/appreciation) has on resilience to depression and anxiety. Let's be clear, I'm not talking about being a Pollyanna (squeaky clean, perpetually glad no matter what happens!) It's not achievable or authentic. Unfortunately, this is a misconception many people have about practising gratitude. It's ok to be sad & worried about some things...and at the same time be thankful & hopeful about others. So, if Like most of us, you have a list like the one in the photo, that's ok! Have a go at having a second list too "things to be thankful/hopeful about today" It doesn't need to be a long list, it just needs to be authentic (NO ONE can tell you what to be grateful for). Make it meaningful! #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #anxiety #depression #acceptanceandcommitmenttherapy #resilience