When I don't feel like making lemonade

Hoping this speaks to any ladies going through the toughest seasons of life

Almost everyday, I stumble upon research that supports that women are twice as likely to suffer from mental instability than men. This cripples me because it takes just a couple of failures, rejections, heart breaks or feelings of insecurity to contribute to that statistic.

I want you to know that it is okay to not “feel like” making lemonade when life gives us lemons. We are human, and humans are allowed to feel completely lost or close to giving up. Society does not help our situation either by consistently tagging us “tenderhearted” “fragile”, “hormonal”, “angry”. You are not alone! Believe me, I have had the most terrible disappointments trying to be an over-achieving college student, expand my professional network, build friendships that last or even discover my purpose in life.

The “feeling” of disappointment is okay, but what doesn’t help is dwelling in toxic emotions for too long. In the words of Maya Angelou, “If you don’t like something change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” When there are road blocks we just can’t move in life, it is time to change our attitude by “taking charge of our emotions”

How exactly can you take charge?

-Cry it out AND let it go!

This may seem contradictory, but expressing yourself is a great way to take charge. Being a crier is not bad because research actually suggests that crying improves emotional state. So lady, cry as much as you want to release every negativity you are feeling right now, and then LET IT GO. Don’t hang on to it for too long or else it might consume you.

-Find your outlet

An outlet is anything that helps you destress or release toxic emotions, it doesn’t have to be a physical activity—> yoga, exercise, hiking, painting, creative writing, singing, talking to friends. You need to find your own outlet…FYOO. What takes your mind off stress?

-Take charge of how you look

I started feeling better about myself when I started caring more about how I looked.

Get a good manicure and clean hair-do at the very least. Just make sure to look your best at all times.

-Be around supportive friends

It does take a while to find these types of friends: they are true and supportive during your lowest times. If they share your core values, they will slowly ease you back on track. My best friend is my twin, and I found sharing my problems with her to be my greatest method of relieving myself.

Negative emotions will not leave all at once. You need to keep pushing till you win your battle!

-<3, "Vee"