It's Okay to Not Be Okay

Pablo Picasso once said, “All children are born artists. The problem is to remain an artist as we grow up.” In a society that awards the facade of perfectionism, displaying strength, and having it all together, nurturing the artist within is continuously challenged.

We are often influenced by beliefs and taught what to think, not how to think about ourselves, others and the surrounding world. There are times when obstacles will attempt to upend our progress and disrupt our peace. There will be times we will not feel our best, have all the answers or be clear on our next steps. And that is okay.

In a society that praises being right and appearing right ― it is okay to not be okay. As we grapple with instant gratification’s emergence and effects, it is okay not to be okay as we meticulously prepare, create, and grind for our next opportunity. Life is not just about the finished product and success story. Life is about the process of never surrendering our worth and dreams.

Like art, life is a canvas. And sometimes, that canvas can appear messy and confusing, joyous and painful, slow and fast, tranquil and overwhelming — tender and liberating. No matter how your canvas looks and feels at this moment, lean into that experience with faith, grace and gratitude. When we lean into the emotions, we acknowledge and learn from what is while letting go of what is not. When we lean in more, we move forth in the unveiling, discovering, and understanding of who we authentically are.

As the artist of our lives and our craft, our mind, thoughts, creativity, empathy, and imagination control and cultivate the next steps and decisions ahead. Displaying signs of vulnerability does not make us weak. It makes us human. The courageous act of living vulnerably humanizes our experiences while allowing us to see ourselves in others’ shoes.

As leaders and positive difference-makers, we need to give ourselves permission to show up in this life as flawed, self-compassionate human beings. We will make mistakes. We will not always have it together. We will not always feel our best. And that is okay. Instead of fleeing from those moments, we have a precious opportunity to lean in, stand-in, and take accountability for where we are right now and where we want to go tomorrow.

Let’s be more patient and loving with ourselves today. Let’s be kinder to ourselves and everyone we meet. Realize your canvas is uniquely yours. There is no duplication of you. We were all born artists. We were born with the right to show up in this life and our work as the real us, not a perfect illusion of who we think we need to be.

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