Chapter 1: Embracing Our Emotions

It's perfectly normal to have days when we feel low. Oddly enough, there's absolutely nothing wrong with this. Recently, the Australian Open didn't unfold as we had hoped, and I've been grappling with jet lag all week. Yet, amid these challenges, I've managed to produce some quality work, and life is still good.

Even during times of contentment, it's unrealistic to expect ourselves to maintain a consistently optimistic outlook. Life is filled with obstacles, and while I generally relish my life, I haven't seen my wife, Joy, since December 28. I won't be reunited with her, my daughter Roxanne, son-in-law Efe, and my wonderful grandchildren for another six weeks, and I truly miss them.

Although this isn't my first lengthy time away from home, I can't pretend that everything is perfect. Still, everything is also just fine. I recognize that I may not be operating at my full mental capacity at the moment. Physically, I'm well and have a lot to be thankful for, yet I find my motivation lacking, and that's completely acceptable.

How long will this feeling persist? I'm uncertain. I might wake up tomorrow feeling energized again. However, experiencing a low phase doesn't imply that something is wrong or that life is terrible, nor is there necessarily a specific cause for my feelings.

I used to believe I had to shake off these feelings, thinking I was being foolish or ungrateful. Nowadays, I remind myself to take it easy and accept this emotional ebb. I am not grumpy about it, and no one in my professional life would notice unless they read this. I’m not sad; rather, I sense a subtle emotional shift.

We often need to grant ourselves permission to feel a bit off, to be less driven, and to take time for ourselves—whether that means watching a movie, reading a book, or simply unwinding without the guilt of feeling unproductive. I can’t stand up and declare that everything is perfect, so I allow myself a day or two to refrain from pushing for excessive happiness or productivity.

I'm just okay, and honestly, I haven't felt much inclination to write a blog this week. However, I realize that neglecting this responsibility could lead to a dangerous cycle of self-pity—a slippery slope indeed.

When we begin to let ourselves down and fail to follow through on our commitments, we risk losing trust in ourselves, which can diminish our sense of responsibility. If we stray too far down this path, it could negatively impact our self-esteem.

I’ve committed to creating a meaningful piece each week, and I intend to uphold that promise until I no longer find it valuable. Feeling a bit low is not a valid excuse to halt my efforts entirely. Instead, the solution lies in easing my workload slightly and placing less critical tasks on hold.

Writing this blog has proven challenging because articulating these feelings isn't easy. However, I would appreciate acknowledgment for the effort I do put in during these times. For now, I'll see where I stand after a particularly busy week, especially before heading to Germany.

"It's okay to feel sad sometimes - This video explores the importance of accepting our emotions without guilt."

Chapter 2: Finding Comfort in Connection

"Daniel Tiger's | SING ALONG: It's Okay to Feel Sad Sometimes - This engaging video helps children understand and accept their feelings."