Whatever you're going through, it's okay

And how The Rock helped shape R4Rs message

Ever since Running for Resilience (R4R) started, I’ve been fortunate to have numerous conversations that I would have never had otherwise. These conversations have been incredibly helpful for me in validating my previous struggles, but also in validating how I’ll be navigating new ones, whatever they may be.

The one aspect of these conversations that sticks out to me is the sign of relief when someone acknowledges the tough time that they’ve endured. It’s almost as if I can see a release of tension, a relaxing of the shoulders, as people offer their own story and how they ‘Just. Kept. Moving.’

It sticks out to me because it’s a familiar feeling.

When I first shared my story in public, I felt a relief that I recognise in others so strong, that it almost brought me to tears. Even though I had just publicly acknowledged going through mental health struggles, nothing bad had happened to me as a result, and it empowered me to not be afraid of future struggles. In a way, I had told myself that regardless of whatever I face in the future, I’ll be okay.

‘It’s okay’ might be the most powerful advice you can give yourself or anyone going through something.

‘It’s okay’ doesn’t mean that you’re not going through something, nor does it mean that you’re immune to pain, it means that despite your struggles, you still have the ability to keep going, and if you do, everything will work out one way or another. It means that you’ll be stronger for the experience, and when it’s all said and done, you’ll be proud of yourself for overcoming it.

The power of verbalising how you feel and understanding that it’s normal is immensely beneficial for you personally, but it also allows someone else to hear it and then be kinder to themselves next time they’re going through something. I’ll certainly never forget the first time I heard it…

For those of you know me well enough, you’d know that I’m a massive Rock fan (No, not the music, the 10-time WWE World Champion), and it was ‘Brahma Bull’ who opened up on his depression that helped me connect the dots with my own struggles.

“I wish I had someone at that time, who would just pull me aside, and let me know that it’s going to be okay.”

As much as it makes me laugh to reference the People’s Champion, this video helped me tell myself that things would be okay. When I told myself that, it helped me stop worrying about how I was feeling, and allowed me to start thinking about how I could feel better.

By telling yourself that it’s okay, you’re accepting your circumstances for what they are, and allowing yourself to do what you can to feel better.

There are so many nuances and finer details that I could explore on this topic and R4R isn’t just a manifestation of my love for the Rock… But I truly believe telling yourself that how you’re feeling is okay and that it’s normal, is the best place to start on your way to feeling better.

Just. Keep. Moving.