Are you good for someone's mental health?
I try to take inventory of the people in my life, and wonder if I truly benefit them?
I also ask myself the same question about who I choose to spend time with. Do they benefit me?
I feel like the mental health phrase is overused nowadays, with the word being a crutch for those that are the least bit unhappy with someone or something.
I am not making light of the process, but rather encouraging you to take a deeper look into it all. What are the things that bring you joy and peace?
The nature of my profession lends itself to some sort of opinion, and the feedback is almost instant:
You are great.
You are not great and here's why.
Being told you're great feels better. After a while, you almost expect it and do things to ensure it...It creates expectation, and makes you emotionally spoiled.
Once the people stop telling you you're great, you lose interest in them...citing your..ahem...mental health.
How many of you look at the friends and family in your life and base the relationship on how they make YOU feel? Pretty one-sided, isn't it?
How many of you currently have some sort of relationship where YOU are constantly validated? Pretty one-sided isn't it?
I know this was me..and I know it's as addicting as Fortnite for a 10 year old.
But, as with any addiction...It's unhealthy. Unless you're addicted to carrots.. but too much and your skin turns orange, so that's not good either.
And that's when it dawned on me...
People are only good for your mental health when they not only make you feel good, BUT challenge you to be better.
They support you..and push you...and you do the same for them.
If everyone says only what the other person wants to hear...you will eventually...go deaf.
If everyone only critiques...you will eventually..go deaf
Those that support your mental health should make you angry
Those that support your mental health should make you run home when you're barely making it to first base.
Those that support your mental health should nurture, listen...and not always be passive..
and not make you call the hearing aid company.
Take inventory, and adjust relationships accordingly.
Or, purge...you know how good it feels when you unload all those bags from your SUV at Goodwill?
All my best as you figure out life and the relationships in it.
XOXO Glenn



