Podcast Ep 27: Is Being “Okay” Enough?

Is Being “Okay” Enough? Is it a negative term? Or is it a way to escape how we really feel? Or is it a positive expression? Listen here to know more, but if you can’t have a listen, then you can read what I’ve said too:

Is Being “Okay” Enough?

“Hi! I’m Shruti and this is my podcast space where I speak about life lessons, chronic conditions, mental and physical health tips and experiences.

Please note that this podcast is available in text format on my website allthingsendometriosis.com in the podcast section. And very importantly, this podcast does not aim to substitute any medical advice because I am not a medical professional. I’m just sharing what I’ve observed and learnt over time.

“I am okay” – at times, I feel it’s a line that hides way more than it reveals.

Somedays, I use the word “okay” to avoid putting effort into the truth. As someone who has been unwell since the age of 11 – I have found it really easy to get away with saying that, “I’m okay”.

I think, like I said the effort that goes into the truth and also, how much of the truth I should dive into? What details do I share? Will this person be receptive to my truth? Do I have the strength to put myself through the emotion of the truth? In all that thinking, I end up with “I’m okay!” – it helps to avoid saying a lot that I’d wish to say but I guess I just don’t have the mental bandwidth to do it.

But then, you know there are days, well most of the days – thankfully – when I am genuinely okay to be where I am in life. I am okay and accepting of my health, I’m accepting of how life is going for me – I am in that comfortable space where I proudly say that “Hey I’m doing okay you know!”.

There’s a reason why that’s possible for me, and I’m going to share that too and soon in this podcast itself.

But yep, I do realise that “I’m okay” isn’t an answer unique to me. I find more and more people preferring to stick to the “I’m okay” response – and I’m okay with that!

But is being “okay” enough?

My mum has taught me that never let any emotion consume you. Never be extremely happy, never be extremely sad, angry, or fearful – no emotion should go to such extremes that you lose yourself.

First I used to find that quite restrictive and unfair. It almost felt claustrophobic and made me feel that I couldn’t be myself.

Over the years and through more conversations with my mum, I’ve come to understand that this is what her “okay” is. To work towards a zen mode where you’re not controlled by wavering emotions that are dictated by external life happenings. That you’re okay in the craziest storms of life where you allow raw emotion to come out, for there to be a release but to come back to your “okay”, your centre, the place you’re most balanced in.

We all have our definition of the word “okay” and based on that definition we quietly know whether it’s enough or not.

I have quietly attempted to strive towards my mum’s version of being okay.

The version in which, yes I can be myself but not be majorly dictated by what’s happening around me and in me. It’s a VERY tough thing to do, when your mind and body are working at different speeds. But I know for me, it’s doable, at least with more consistency, which is why I can proudly say that “Hey I’m doing okay you know”!

So for me, the word “okay” is now enough, I’d even take it to the point of it being my form of happiness because “okay” now has a calming and positive tone to it – it isn’t always about me wondering if I need to make the effort to give the tiring answers related to my health, instead, it also expresses that I’m comfortable where I am – it doesn’t mean my pains and problems have gone away – it means that I’m mentally handling it better because my perspective is about leading a simple life through simple thought, actions and emotions all while being centred and balanced with my “okay”.

Makes sense? I hope it does!!

Okay now, your turn… What is your constant? Is being “okay” enough for you? What’s your definition of the word? Do you use it as a way to avoid talking about your realities? Do you use it as a way to protect yourself? Or maybe you don’t use the word “okay” – is there another response you’re more comfortable with?

I’m really interested to know what your take is on this, so you can direct-message me on Instagram, my Insta handle is @footprintsnoboundaries or email me on [email protected].

Thank you so much for listening and wishing you all the best type of “I’m okay” possible. B-byee!”

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I’d love to know what you thought of today’s podcast. Please do share your thoughts in the comments section below…

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Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. I am a patient and have created this platform to share my experiences. This is all purely informative and in no way am I providing medical advice. Please consult a medical professional.