Calm in the Chaos: Day #8 Talk about it

Recognising that you need to talk to someone about how you are feeling can be really difficult but also really quite liberating. To find someone who is willing to hold space for you and listen can be such a relief. If talking is difficult, adapt to a way you are happy with. When I first burnt out and got CFS/ME I joined a lot of online forums/groups with people going through a similar thing. This was a real lifeline when talking was exhausting (and when I felt like no-one in real life could relate).

I spent a lot of time with a mask on to my real life friends and family, while I bared my soul to complete strangers on the internet. It worked for me at the time and I would recommend to anyone who feels actually talking out loud is too much right now. I have to say that I now feel like I am thriving, not just surviving, because I now have a willingness to talk to most people about my tough experiences and not just strangers. There is also a great power in talking out lous.

One thing I have found – particularly since I have trained in Coaching (and been coached a lot through the process) is that when you talk things out, amazing things can happen:-

- You may recognise what you’re thinking isn’t necessarily true or helpful

- You may unlock thoughts and ideas you didn’t know were lurking in the back of your mind

- You can label some of your thoughts and feelings, which can help let go of them 

- You can start to see things from other peoples perspectives

- You can create a bit of a plan, if you want something to change

Whether it’s a trusted friend or colleague, a therapist or a coach, talking about what’s going on for you right now can be super helpful. Finding the courage to talk about it can be tough, but when you do – that’s when the shifts start to happen.

I am offering donation based coaching sessions in October, in aid of Mind Mental Health charity. An hour of ‘talking it out’ in a totally confidential, judgement free zone. If you are interested, send me a message and we can chat.