Get Over It
If I’m feeling annoyed and someone says, “Just think differently. You have so much to be grateful for,” even if that’s true, it can be infuriating. This kind of advice simplifies what’s actually a complicated emotional process. It’s dismissive to expect someone to bulldoze through their pain and reach happiness without acknowledging the middle ground—the healing process itself.
We often do this to others, especially when it’s not our pain. It’s easier to see how someone might get through their struggle, but we forget the importance of slowing down and allowing for the necessary time to process.
Being present with someone in their pain is difficult. We tend to want to fix the problem, regain control, and move on. But the more we practice sitting with our own pain—without trying to avoid it or push it down—the less fear we have about experiencing it.
When someone says, “Get over it” or “It’s not that bad,” they’re often unintentionally rushing us through our healing process. If we don’t appreciate being rushed, let’s not do it to others. More importantly, let’s avoid doing it to ourselves. Healing takes time, and that process deserves our patience and attention.
ACTION: Be mindful of how you process pain and allow yourself the time needed to heal. Instead of rushing through tough emotions, take a moment to acknowledge them. Whether it’s journaling, talking to a trusted friend, or practicing meditation, choose a method that helps you stay present. Practice patience with yourself and others in times of difficulty.