Give Yourself Permission to Have First World Problems

The issues you face are valid, no matter what

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“I know, I shouldn’t complain, but…”
“It’s been difficult for me, but I know that there are others who have it much worse…”
“I feel bad whining about being tired and lonely when there are people worrying about their sick loved ones…”

In the past weeks, it has become a habit to start every business call and virtual meeting with a quick check-up on others, asking them how they feel, how they are holding up, how they handle the monotony of the everyday. Similarly, calls with friends also start with the same discussions. The external hardships affect us all and make us more sensible and curious about the mental states of those we care about.

In a world that used to be always about success and accomplishments, it’s a heartwarming experience to see that no matter who you are and what you think you are supposed to achieve, you are allowed to have bad days, angry days, frustrating days. You are allowed to worry, to be afraid, to be less productive. But admitting that not everything is fine can be still tough.

I have always been an overachiever and as such, I usually don’t even notice that I am doing too many things, that I am juggling to keep way too many plates in the air. I have a day job, I have three kids…