Anonymous

Photography by Jerry Stamatelatos

If you’re reading this, remember that it’s okay to not be okay.

We live in a world where pressures and obstacles corner us, forcing us to put on a brave face, act as if we have everything under control, and keep pushing forward no matter what comes our way. However, the truth is, even those who say things are okay struggle just as much as anyone else. No one is strong all the time. No one is brave all the time. No one has everything sorted out all the time. Struggling is not something that you should be ashamed of or discouraged by. It’s what makes us humans and what gives us the strength and room to grow and learn.

There may be times when things feel impossible, and it seems like nobody could understand what you’re going through. Just remember that you don’t have to have everything sorted out or try to accomplish everything you want every day. Simply experiencing the day and seeing the sunrise once more is enough.

Healing isn’t about constant progress or feeling better every day – it’s a rough, messy journey. One day you might feel like you’re making progress, and another day you might feel like you’ve hit a wall. But even in these different moments, you are getting through another day and moving forward. Every positive intention to keep progressing is a victory worth celebrating.

I want you to know that asking for help is not a weakness. Reaching out and showing your hurt takes incredible courage. Whether it’s a family member, counselor, professor, or friend, you deserve to be cared for and listened to. You know the saying, “A shared pain is halved; a shared joy is doubled.” You don’t need to carry the burden all by yourself.

So if you’re reading this and find life to be tough, please take this as a reminder that it’s okay to hit the pause button, regather your thoughts, emotions, and self, and start again when you’re ready. It will be difficult, but in the end, you will find the sunrise. Just remember, it’s okay to not be okay.

With compassion,

Someone who cares about you.

Anonymous, New York University

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