Do you agree with the idea that keeping a pen and paper on your nightstand is advantageous, considering that profound thoughts often surface when you wake up at 3 am?
Usually, these thoughts aren’t the most enjoyable; instead, they tend to be distressing and punitive. They may delve into the depths of your pain, anger, irrational fears, uncertainty about the future, and past regrets—a phenomenon commonly known as catastrophic thinking.
Tonight is no different however, I have decided to put pen to paper and journal my thoughts. How did I reach this point? Why haven’t I attained the position I imagined for myself at this stage of my life? What actions am I neglecting, or what aspects am I overlooking? Why do many young women perceive my lifestyle as ideal or something to aspire to?
Many young women watching from a distance might assume that I have everything figured out— a stable job, a cozy home, and some degree of financial independence. However, if they were to step into my shoes, they might be disappointed to find that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
As a woman who has lived through much in my thirty years, I’m beginning to grasp the importance of some of social media highlights, sometimes without my conscious acknowledgment. Ideas such as boundaries, self-worth (having a heightened sense of one’s own value), self-care, asserting oneself by saying no when necessary, and mastering the art of walking away. It’s about simply moving on, Shiku, and breaking the bonds that tie you to a particular friend or family member without any regret or lingering sadness.
Every individual has their own boundaries—limits to how much they can tolerate being pushed, exploited, insulted, abused, or mistreated, or simply how much they’re willing to endure. It only takes a small spark of an issue to trigger these boundaries, leading them to unexpectedly erupt onto those around them.
Frequently, we fail to seize opportunities to assert ourselves, sacrificing our own interests to uphold relationships or maintain a “favorable” reputation with individuals we believe may support us in times of need. Prioritizing camaraderie with peers can overshadow important values like dignity, hard work, and perseverance
January 19th, 2022, my insomnia led me to contemplate a series of non-catastrophic questions, such as my current life situation, methods for personal development, the kind of company I should keep, activities that bring me joy beyond alcohol consumption, and how I manage my finances (essentially engaging in self-reflection). What matters most to me? Ultimately, I come to the realization that I alone hold the power to nurture my own happiness and to mend any broken pieces—it is solely and exclusively up to me.
What thoughts come to mind when you wake up at
thewhisperofstrength.com 