These three words resonated with me so much when I saw them the other day…
I don’t know about you, but one of the biggest lies I tend to believe is that it’s better to isolate myself when things are, well…not so great. Sometimes even the smallest, dumbest of situations can make me want to just stay cooped up in my room watching Netflix and browsing Pinterest all day.
But the truth is that 99% of the time when I feel that way, going out and surrounding myself with others is what will actually turn things around.
Not only is it helpful to be around people that will encourage and support you, but for me – getting out of my own little world and focusing on other people really helps put things into perspective. It usually makes me realize that I was being too focused on myself, and that the thing bothering me wasn’t this life-ending situation like I thought it was.
So get up, get dressed, and KEEP. SHOWING. UP.
Even if it sucks at first, it’s better than isolating and letting your thoughts spin out of control.
Been there. Done that. Trust me on this one.
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When something is bothering you, do you tend to isolate yourself?
I'm the girl, Gracie Gordon. Here at GML you can follow my journey of dreaming, working, eating, loving, and blogging my way through life in NYC.
This was so encouraging! I had such a rough day yesterday and I am one that tends to isolate. But I decided to get out to church and see my friends. It made such a difference to tell people I was struggling and talk it out. It gave me such a great perspective- I am not alone in the struggle! In fact, so many people have it harder than I do. Your post again reminded me that as girls we can get so stuck in our head. I think that is one the reasons God gave us community
That’s awesome, Jenelle! So glad you could relate and that you decided to surround yourself with your friends!
Definitely good advice Sometimes I get in a funk and I just don’t want to do anything but I ALWAYS feel better when I get out of the house and surround myself with good people!
I think I definitely coop myself up inside when the hard stuff is going on, but it is so so true that getting out of the house and surrounding yourself with people can make a world of difference. That is usually why on those days I get myself to my CrossFit gym. Just being around my CFA family for an hour or so makes me feel so much better! The catch? You have to make sure you are around people that will keep you happy and positive!
yes, sometimes going to the gym can make all the difference in the world! endorphins are always a plus
Ok, I’m pretty sure you wrote this post just for me. I’m the textbook definition of an introvert, so I tend to hole myself up with my cats and Netflix. But when I do venture out, I always have so much fun and wonder why I don’t get out more.
You are SO right!! I feel like when things are going wrong we all have the tendency to want to crawl under the covers and escape the world… But really it’s going out into that world that makes things better! I always find
…that by focusing on helping others is the key!
Yes yes yes! Love this!
This was exactly what I needed to read today! Currently truckin’ on a major job hunt, finding all the ‘no’s’ so discouraging. But you’re right, I just gotta keep showing up, and hopefully soon a ‘yes’ will turn up! Thanks!!
Keep at it, girl! That job is coming!!
Yes I always think it’s the right way to go about things, but obvs not! such good advice
This was just what I needed to read today. It’s so easy to want to run away from your life when one thing goes wrong, but focusing on others gives us a sense of purpose, which is the best therapy. You’re very wise
glad this resonated with you, Molly! xo
I can relate to this- not so much literally staying cooped up, but I stay cooped up in my head and don’t talk about what’s bothering me. Once I start talking about what’s bothering me I feel a million times better.
Oh my goodness! This is so true. Moving to NYC brought out the worst of the social anxiety. I’ve always been one to isolate when things get tough, so you can imagine what the combination of both does lol. I’m so glad I forced myself out even when I really didn’t want to! Great post!
Yes - I agree. it’s especially difficult to “keep showing up” in NYC because every social situation is just so much more extreme here!
I totally agree with you on this. It’s so easy to want to isolate yourself when things get hard or tiring. I am sometimes guilty of staying inside with Netfix, but I always feel so much better when I go out for a run or meet up with a friend for a cup of coffee. Thanks for the inspiration!
xo Julianne
I have been going through a rough patch this summer and have completely shut myself out from going out. I’ve been keeping myself busy with work and the internet. I think I’ll try to go be around people because being around good people makes you feel good