How to forgive myself
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Tough Day? You Can Learn When You Give Yourself Grace

A friendly reminder that you're only human

320
Tough Day? You Can Learn When You Give Yourself Grace
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155249320542013&set=t.750462012&type=3&theater

I've never really been into tattoos. In fact, they used to be a big turn off for me for a while, but as time has progressed, I've become more intrigued by them. I've learned to appreciate the backstory behind them. The meaning behind the words, the sketches, and the hours of detail put into ink on skin. Do I have any? No. Well, at least not yet. (Mom, I know you're laughing and rolling your eyes right at this line). I've always been pretty afraid of needles, so I deemed myself to be tattoo free for the rest of my life, until a friend relayed three words to me in a time I was overwhelmed beyond belief; in a time where I did not have the answers that I wanted; in a time that I needed these words the most:

Give yourself grace.

For being a phrase I repeat so often and live by so fully, it is funny to think that I did not quite understand its meaning when it was first stated to me. My first translation was probably, "Girlfriend, calm the HECK down." Sure, that's one way to interpret it, but the realm of grace opens up more than just calming down. The realm of grace offers forgiveness, understanding, and validation for whatever overwhelming nature it is you find yourself among.

By no means does the concept of "giving yourself grace" have to stem from religious roots. It is the simple act of understanding that you are human, that you cannot do it all, nor should you have to. It is the justification of wild emotions, some too strong to tame, others too confusing to comprehend. It is the deep breath you take at the end of that crazy, awful day, knowing you did all that you could, and tomorrow brings new sunshine and opportunities. It is the moment you stop beating yourself up over the little things, the moment your eyes go wide at the big picture of it all. It is the day you quell your worries and silence your insecurities, embracing yourself for all you are in that present frame.

The word grace grants some forgiveness. They don't call the six-month break before having to pay student loans a grace period for nothing! (Pure forgiveness for being broke as hell, I guess). But in terms of combatting obstacles life presents you, there is forgiveness for being in the situation you are in and forgiveness for not being able to provide your whole self to what you had previously committed to. In all we do, we want our entire being engaged, our physical, emotional, and mental capacities in tune and ready to conquer what is next. Sometimes we are not ready for this undertaking, and that is okay. This is where I say those three words.

Give yourself grace.

Give yourself grace so that you can process. Give yourself grace so that you can heal. Give yourself grace so that you can nurture.

Give yourself grace.

Our world today is constantly going, go, go, go. Seldom do we take the time to evaluate if we are ready for life's next plunge. As we give ourselves grace, we grant ourselves the opportunity to become introspective, breathe in, breathe out, and remind ourselves that indeed, we are only human. No, we do not need to do it all. Yes, I am deserving of this self-care and attention. And a thousand times yes, I will conquer whatever it is before me, in due time.

You would be lying to yourself if you told me that you did not get tangled in your thoughts from time to time, that uncertainty doesn't breed a bit of nervousness, or that you have never found yourself frustrated when you have not reached a milestone you thought you would so long ago. We have all been there. In due time, you'll be able to find those three words inked, somewhere, on my body, serving as the utmost reminder that as a human being, we deserve to give ourselves all the grace we need in order to progress through this beautiful, beautiful life. Do I think you should have them tattooed as well? Well, only if you see fit, but if you do anything in this life, make sure to give yourself some grace, too.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

38525
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

22851
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

949347
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

126434
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments