I Need Strength: Looking For Joy

TRIGGER WARNING: Explicit language and talks of depression and low moods. Reader discretion is advised!

"And if today, all you did was hold yourself together, I am proud of you." - Tiny Buddha

Sometimes we see strength as something we get from accomplishing something huge but really, strength can be found in the most smallest, mundane, and even weird places. Which I think is pretty amazing and hopeful in itself! 💜 Despite this though, it's easy to feel stuck and that, when you're struggling, like you won't be able to get back out of the dark place (but you will, you need to hold on, keep fighting, keep breathing, and ask for help if you need it). This is where I've, sadly, found myself recently . . .

I haven’t been in a good place for a couple of weeks and it’s been tough! There’s been tears, meltdowns, anxiety attacks, and basically going into hermit mode. 😂 I’ve been struggling with everything which is why there wasn’t a new blog post a fortnight ago. I didn’t have it in me to write, even this now feels somewhat difficult, but I want to write because I really enjoy it and it also makes me feel better. I don’t want to post just for the sake of posting, though, nor do I want to post something that even I wouldn’t want to read. But I’m aware, or somewhat hopeful, that there’s someone out there who looks forward to and waits to read my blog posts so I want to make sure I’m uploading when I can . . .

Despite being in a difficult place, I know I’m going to be okay. I know this is just a difficult moment, I know to hold onto hope, I know to keep pushing forward and keep going. But I just need to recognise and get it off my chest that life is, and can be, well . . . S**t. And not allowing yourself to feel like s**t or to feel the s**t makes you feel more like s**t (go figure 😂). 

I just want to say that I’m okay, I’m still doing okay in my recovery, I’m just in a low place mentally and have been out of routine for a bit due to my Mum being ill which as you can imagine has thrown me off but she’s getting better, routines are starting to return, and hopefully we’re on our way back. I’ve been treating myself with patience, acceptance, kindness, and love, and if that was too much or too difficult then I made sure that I at least treated myself with respect. (As well as trying, however I could, whilst still badly struggling with OCD, to look after and be there for my Mum!) 💕

I’ve been struggling with what to write for this post because, honestly, my brain isn’t brain-ing right now! 😂 So I thought I’d write a list of things that brings me joy as a positive and hopeful reminder for myself and if there’s anyone else out there who’s struggling or who needs a reminder of the good things, or maybe just wants something to distract themselves to help them get through, then hi! Here’s a list of joyful things to remember when things feel like crap and you’re struggling . . . 💜 (And yes, it’s multi-coloured! It gives it a bit more of a sparkle! ✨️😂)

My List Of Joys:

Books

Music

Falling asleep with ease

Beaches

Friends

Family

Hugging my Mum

Completing an exposure task for OCD recovery

Noticing that I’m gradually feeling more comfortable doing exposure tasks (feels great! 👌😂)

Games on my mobile (I’m literally that kid who’s like, “You got any games?” But with my own phone! 😂)

Hugs

Dogs

Puppies (yes, I added these as 2 separate items because, let’s be honest, they provide 2 individual levels of joy! 😂)

Dogs chewing (anyone else, NO! If you’re human and chewing loudly and I hear you, you’re going to have a problem on your hands and it goes by the name of Emily! 😡😂)

Just . . . Animals 🥰

Making my Mum laugh hard

Sunsets

Sunrises

When music or a certain song just hits you and explains something you’re going through or have gone through perfectly

Writing (I would love to write a book! 🤞💜)

Making videos/TikToks and posts for Instagram

Playing board games (I love games night but no one in my family wants to play with me because apparently I’m too “competitive”. 💁‍♀️🤷‍♀️😂)

My niece (literally anything she does! She could just be sitting there and I melt! 🥰😂)

Dancing 💃🏼 (because we all know I like to shimmy and shake it! 😂)

Comfort TV Shows (The Big Bang Theory, Baby Daddy, and The Office (U.S.) are my top ones! 🙌💜)

My favourite movies (The Phantom Of The Opera (2004), Power Rangers (2017), and Warm Bodies are at the top of that list! 💜)

My favourite TV shows (yes these are different from comfort shows! 😂 Grey’s Anatomy, and How I Met Your Mother are 2 that are on the list as well as my comfort ones!)

Video games (Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Assassin’s Creed, and GTA 5 are my favourites! 💜)

Tarot Cards (and readings) and Spirituality

Realising you’re doing and feeling better than you used to

Making someone smile/laugh

Helping others

Becoming/being the person you needed when you were younger/who would make your younger self proud

Make-Up

Skincare

Blankets

Fairy lights

Chocolate

Hot Chocolate

These are to name a few! 😂 What are some of your joys that help you to feel better and enjoy life? Let me know! 💜 If you have any more that you would like to add, then comment them below or message me on Instagram or TikTok (tagged below!)! 💜

Life is not easy and can sometimes feel like it’s never going to get better but I know it will. And you will too, despite if it feels like everything in you is saying otherwise. I believe in you (and me) to keep going, to keep fighting, to keep holding on. 💜

I need strength and for that, I need to search and remind myself of the joys in life and the things that make me feel good and you should too. It’s easy to get lost in the bad and unhelpful behaviours and thinking patterns of “doom and gloom” and, yes, you need to allow yourself to notice and feel those emotions but don’t let them keep you stuck there. Keep fighting and holding onto yourself. Keep showing up and loving yourself, that’s what will help you to find joy in life and the strength to carry on so that it can help you keep the feeling away of, “Hey Universe, Did You Forget About Me?”

Thank you so much for reading, I’m sending all the good vibes to you! 🌌

Please feel free to comment, share, and follow me on my socials below! 💜🌌

All the best! 💜

Emily 🌌

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Instagram: @heyuniverseblog

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 ©️ Hey Universe, Did You Forget About Me?, 2024, all rights reserved.

Helpful Links And Resources:

(These are UK numbers and services, if you don’t live in the UK please call a family member, friend, trusted person, your doctor, or look online. There is help out there for you!)

• Call your GP

• Talk to a family member

• Talk to a friend or someone you trust

• Call 111 (UK)

• SHOUT: (Text) SHOUT to 85258 or visit their website: https://giveusashout.org/

• Samaritans UK: (Phone) 116 123 or visit their website: https://www.samaritans.org/

• Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/

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