When Disappointment Hits, Remember Who You Are!

Today my heart feels a little heavy, but also incredibly determined. We've all been there, haven't we? That gut-punch feeling of disappointment. It can come from so many places – a dashed hope, a broken promise, or maybe, most painfully, the realization that someone else's actions or words have left us feeling less-than.

Life has this funny way of throwing curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs feel less like a game and more like a direct hit to our core. When you've invested your energy, your trust, or even just your good intentions, and it all comes crashing down, it's easy to feel lost, to question everything, and to let that sting deep into every part of you.

But here’s the thing I've learned, sometimes through tear-stained eyes and quiet reflection: Disappointment, though painful, doesn't define us. It's a moment, a challenge, a feeling – but it is not who we are.

And speaking of who we are, let's talk about those moments when someone else's shadow tries to dim our light. Oh, how often this happens! Someone, perhaps grappling with their own insecurities, their own unresolved pain, projects it onto us. They might lash out, criticize, or try to diminish our worth. And in those moments, it can feel like their words are etching themselves into our very soul.

But let me remind you with all the conviction in my heart: No one has the power to pull you down unless you give them permission.

Their insecurities are theirs. Their unkindness is a reflection of their own internal struggles, not a commentary on your inherent value. You are not responsible for carrying their burdens or letting their unhealed wounds become yours. So, how do we navigate reclaiming our peace and honoring our happiness? How do we rise above the pain, the sting of disappointment, and the toxic projections of others?

It starts with a fierce, tender act of remembering who you are.

You are resilient. You are capable. You are worthy of peace, joy, and respect. You are a unique, vibrant individual with gifts and a light that no one, absolutely no one, can extinguish.

This isn't about ignoring the pain; it's about acknowledging it and then choosing not to let it consume you. It's about consciously shifting your focus back to the only person whose happiness and stability you truly control: YOU. Remember that your well-being comes first. In moments of hurt or external negativity, our mental stability can feel like it's teetering on the edge. This is when it's crucial to pull ourselves back, to ground ourselves, and to protect our inner sanctuary.

Here are a few gentle practices I lean on, and perhaps they can help you too:

  1. Acknowledge, Then Release: Feel the disappointment, let the tears come if they need to. But then, consciously decide to release it. Visualize it floating away, like a cloud in the sky.
  2. Re-center on Your Values: What truly matters to you? What are your core beliefs? When you align with these, external noise loses its power.
  3. Create Boundaries: This is huge! You don't have to engage with negativity. It's okay to step away, to limit contact, or to simply disengage from conversations that chip away at your spirit. Your peace is non-negotiable.
  4. Nourish Your Soul: Do the things that bring you genuine joy and calm. Spend time in nature (I personally don't like the outdoors but there is something very calming about digging my feet in the sand and hearing the sound of the sea), listen to music, read a good book, connect with people who uplift you, indulge in a hobby. These aren't luxuries; they're necessities for your mental well-being.
  5. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. You're doing your best. You're navigating complex emotions and situations. Talk to yourself like you would a dearest friend.

Remember, the goal isn't to pretend the pain isn't there, or that people won't disappoint us. It's about strengthening our inner core so that when these moments arise, we can weather the storm, stay anchored in our truth, and emerge even stronger.

Your happiness, your peace, your mental stability – these are precious. Guard them fiercely. You are worthy of a life filled with joy, and no one, absolutely no one, gets to take that from you.

Sending you all so much strength, courage, and a gentle reminder of your incredible worth.



*Taken at 6:52am on the 18th of Oct '24. A morning, I took for myself, inhaling the tranquility of the beach. I smiled alone for a long time that day staring at the sea and feeling so grateful that I can finally experience what unconditional happiness feels like. I cannot explain what it felt like to be that happy. Isn't it ironic how the universe decided to surprise me as I left the beach and drove home that I spotted my other half (then my fiancé) cycling on the same road for the first time.

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