Read When You Feel like a Mess

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my mind is a mess

and I can hardly remember the truth

help me to see

help me to know
open my eyes to what you want to show
let my heart be still
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A lot of times when I'm at my lowest moments, I fail to remember the truth. My mind can't even begin to take in the opposite of what my feelings express: hope.

So I decided to write hope down. 

Dear myself and whoever is reading this, I want you to read this when you're trying to find the strength to carry on in your journey.

1. You are not "not-worthy" to talk to God. It doesn't matter how messed up you feel or what you did... He's not mad at you. He wants you even then. He's with you even then. He's listening even then. He's moving even then. Spill it all out to him, my friend.

2. Going off my first point... it's okay to not be okay. It's okay to be real and honest. It's okay to cry. Your feelings are valid. We are all too human.  But in those moments... I don't want you staying to yourself. Call your friend. Talk to your mom. Talk to me. Talk to someone. Even if your mind fights you on this, you will always feel better when you get it out of your head. 

Quick tip: when your mind is spiraling or you find yourself overthinking, say "shh" out loud really quickly.

3. Try out these simple changes in your routine. I started doing this just yesterday, and I think it will help you and I in the long run. And hey, it may be a challenge at first, but start with small steps and don't give up! 
Don't feel like you have to be perfect in all these areas, you're doing great at your own pace :)

• Eat better. And don't worry, I try to like salads but it just doesn't work for me lol! I like to make my food homemade when I can. 
• Try cutting out sugary and fast food!
• Some options: Fruit Smoothies, Turkey/Chicken Sandwich with spinach and cheese, snack-sized veggies with tasty dip, baby bell cheese. 
• Drink more water! If you want to feel better, drink water. Make sure you're staying hydrated.  
• Having a steel water bottle always motivates me to drink more water! Try using one. And remember, aim to drink half of your body weight in ounces.
• Exercise! 
• It's okay to not have a gym membership. I don't. What works for me is using a yoga mat, I stretch and exercise in my room most evenings! I usually follow a workout routine from Pinterest.
• Sleep better. When is the last time you didn't sleep at 2 am? How much better would your body feel if you had the proper time to recover and rest for the next day? 

4. Know your worth. Because truth is, our worth does not come from people. Being noticed, or feeling loved. Our true worth is knowing who we are (Especially as a son and daughter of the Most High) and loving ourselves just the way we are. Scared of rejection? You're not alone... but everything, and the people that come with it will fall into place beautifully, in the hands of our creator. And you won't even have to worry about a single flaw of yours :) 

5. Your life is not as worse as you think it is. Remember of the breath you just took. The food in your pantry. The closet full of clothes. The employment you have. My friend, seasons don't last forever. You are not stuck. No matter where you are. You are one step closer to being where you need to be. Keep living one day at a time, and keep believing when it's hard. Things are moving even when you don't see it... and the light will come rushing in.

Most importantly, I want you to know that you don't have to go through this alone. Support is so important. Please do not make the mistake of underestimating the power of reaching out to someone. They can stand up for you when you can't yourself. I am here for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. 

I love you all,
Rithika <3