Okay, guys, let’s talk about something a little heavy today: “hollow denial.” It’s a doozy, and I’ve been grappling with it firsthand, so I thought I’d share my whole messy journey with you all.
First off, I started by recognizing there was something off. You know that feeling when things just don’t add up, but you can’t put your finger on it? That’s where I was. So, I decided to dig a little deeper. Accepted that something is not right, and admitted it to myself.
Then, I started reaching out to people I trust. It was tough, I won’t lie. Talking about this stuff isn’t easy, but I knew I needed some outside perspective. I poured my heart out to a couple of close friends and even a therapist. It was like lifting a huge weight off my shoulders, just getting it all out in the open, and their response are helpful, talked to them made me feel good and that’s the most important part.
Next up, I dove into some serious self-reflection. I spent a lot of time thinking about my feelings, trying to understand why I was in denial in the first place. Journaling helped a ton with this. I wrote down everything that came to mind, no filter. It was raw, sometimes painful, but incredibly eye-opening.
And you know what? I started practicing self-compassion. I realized I was being way too hard on myself. Denial is a natural human reaction, and it’s okay to give myself a break. I started being kinder to myself, acknowledging my feelings without judgment.
Throughout this whole process, I kept reminding myself that it’s okay to feel uncomfortable. I mean, facing reality isn’t always a walk in the park, right? But I knew that pushing through the discomfort was the only way to grow. Avoided arguments with others, used “I” statements when expressing my feelings. Focused on the behavior, not the person. Set boundaries for myself, like not engaging in dishonest conversations.
Slowly but surely, I started to see things more clearly. The denial started to fade, and I could finally face the truth head-on. It wasn’t easy, and I still have moments of doubt, but I’m learning to navigate them with more grace and self-awareness.
So, that’s my story with “hollow denial.” It’s been a wild ride, but I’m grateful for every messy, uncomfortable moment. I feel like I’ve come out stronger and more in tune with myself. If any of you are going through something similar, just know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to ask for help, to feel your feelings, and to give yourself the time and space you need to heal.
- Stayed calm and composed as much as possible.
- Avoided confrontation or getting aggressive.
- Stated the facts and evidence clearly when I had to.
You got this, and I’m here cheering you on every step of the way!