It's Ok Not To Be Ok

People tend to see me as someone who is always moving. Always working. Always creating. Always building something. Whether it's radio, television, podcasts, conventions, business ventures, appearances, voice acting, writing, charity work, or one of the countless projects I somehow find myself involved with, I've always been the guy who just keeps pushing forward. Truth be told, I've worn that like a badge of honor. I've always had a pretty high tolerance for stress. For most of my life, when I pushed myself too hard, it was my body that would let me know. Maybe I'd get sick, lose my voice, pull a muscle, or simply run myself into the ground physically. My mind would keep going long after my body waved the white flag. This time was different. This time, it wasn't my body that tapped out. It was my mind. If I'm being completely transparent, that's been difficult for me to accept. There's a lyric from the song Heavy by Linkin Park that says, "I don't like my mind right now." Simple words, right? But they hit SO very hard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhZTNgAs4Fc

Sometimes we carry so much for so long that we don't realize how heavy the load has become until we're struggling just to stand. People often ask me why I take on so much. The answer is easy. Purpose. Everything I do has a reason behind it. I don't generally fill my schedule with meaningless things. Every project, every commitment, every opportunity usually serves a greater purpose... whether it's helping others, building something meaningful, creating opportunities, supporting my family, or pursuing something I'm passionate about. The problem is that purpose doesn't make you invincible.

You can love what you do and still become overwhelmed.

You can be grateful and still struggle.

You can be successful and still hurt.

You can be surrounded by people and still feel alone.

That's something we don't talk about enough. Mental health isn't a one-size-fits-all conversation. There is no magical cookie-cutter solution. What helps one person may not help another.

Some people need quiet.

Some people need to talk.

Some people need therapy.

Some people need time.

Some people need support.

Some people need all of the above.

And that's Ok.

For years, society has conditioned people to believe that strength means carrying everything by yourself. But strength isn't pretending you're fine when you're not.

Strength is being honest enough to admit you're struggling.

Strength is asking for help when you need it.

Strength is recognizing your limits before they break you.

"It just takes some time." a lyric right out of The Middle by Jimmy Eat World... sometimes that's exactly what healing requires. Time. Not perfection. Not immediate answers. Not overnight fixes. Just time.

If you're reading this and you're going through something right now, I want you to hear me:

It's OK not to be OK. Read that again. It's OK not to be OK.

You don't have to have all the answers.

You don't have to carry the world on your shoulders.

You don't have to smile through the pain to make other people comfortable.

And you most certainly don't have to suffer in silence.

Reach out. Talk to someone. Lean on the people who care about you. Allow yourself some grace. Life can be beautiful, but it can also be incredibly heavy. We're all fighting battles that other people may never see. As for me, I'm taking things one day at a time. I'm working through it. Some days are better than others. But I'm trying. Right now, that's enough. Carry On Wayward Son by Kansas said,"Lay your weary head to rest." Perhaps that's advice more of us need to hear. Rest doesn't mean quitting. Everyone needs downtime and alone time.

Taking a step back doesn't mean you've failed. It means you're human.

So please, take care of yourselves. Take care of each other. Check in on your friends. Answer the phone. Send the text. Offer the hug. Listen without judgment. You never know what someone may be carrying behind their smile.

The world is a better place with you in it.

You matter. Your story matters.

And no matter how dark things may seem, you are never alone.

- Brim