Mental Battles

“Life is like photography. You need the negatives to develop.”Ziad K. Abdelnour


Most people when burnt out or depressed, prefer the company of others. Mental battles are tough when you're alone because you're truly alone in the arena that is located in that big head of yours.

For physical challenges, you have countless solutions; your body itself has its methods of healing, and there's professional treatment too. Then there's the presence of our loved ones, which itself is quite comforting. Mental battles though, of emotions, of the things we can't change, fear of failure, and the habit of harsh self-criticism; to cope with such things is quite punishing, and sometimes scary.

If only there was a delete button for such thoughts...

Of course, when we have others surrounding us, these thoughts start to simmer down a bit. But for how long can you rely on others and their presence? At the end of the day, it's your battle, and no one's coming to save you.

During such times, some prefer to go for a cup of coffee or tea with friends and acquaintances and conversate a little. Some like to walk alone, and some would rather travel together.

I, however, prefer a bit of alone time these days...


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ᴵᵐᵃᵍᵉˢ ᵃⁿᵈ ᵒᵛᵉʳᵃˡˡ ᶜᵒⁿᵗᵉⁿᵗ ᵃʳᵉ ᵐʸ ᵒʷⁿ ᵘⁿˡᵉˢˢ ᶦᵗ'ˢ ᵐᵉⁿᵗᶦᵒⁿᵉᵈ


It wasn't always like this, but I guess it is what it is now.

Even when I'm called upon to hang out sometimes, I may not participate. It's not like I hate meeting up with people now and then. I love meeting up with friends once in a few months, maybe watch a movie together, sit at the park, and conversate about our different views, hobbies, topics, and new opportunities.

Yet, these days my means of seeking refuge and healing has simply become a few days of solitude. It's the most effortless and minimal form of rejuvenation for me. I'll probably stay indoors all day, watch a movie, or a documentary, learn and study something new, or delve into one of my hobbies.

I guess I choose to keep it that way because my work life has become so cumbersome, that whenever I get a bit of free time, I choose peace and quiet over everything else. It has become the one true solution. Even though most of it is mental, the weight of it all, I can feel it sometimes.

But, will it stay that way forever? I don't think so...

One day these worries and emotional/mental baggage won't be a thing, and I'll look back and wonder how I pulled it off. Yet, new challenges will appear, probably heavier too. It doesn't get easier or lighter with time, we just develop elasticity, sometimes callouses, a stronger shield that's better at repelling negative thoughts.

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” - Albert Camus

Yet, sometimes I just seem to prefer a bit of winter over summer...



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14 comments
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Same here. Alone moments see to have a certain kind of therapeutic effect on my mind and emotions. I prefer them by far to social situations where you get to mingle with others. Also during these times I get flashes of ideas of real quality. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. Have a blessed day.

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A bit of alone time is needed, but too much of it can be dangerous. That is why I try and balance it out.

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As long as it is peaceful and calm, no harm in it. Like you said, it is your way of choosing what you do with your free time. It surely sounds peaceful. And the thing about weight is, as it gets heavier, you get stronger

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It surely sounds peaceful

It is, most of the time, but I do feel lonely once in a while.

And the thing about weight is, as it gets heavier, you get stronger

Definitely! But, only if you choose to carry it, and not avoid it...

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I find the best thing for me is to either be alone or to just hang out with my wife quietly. We can sit and read a book or something like that, and it ends up being just the right kind of therapy when my mind is racing/reeling.

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I find the best thing for me is to either be alone or to just hang out with my wife quietly.

It's quite like my method. My wife lives in a different city and is currently getting her master's degree, which is why we're not always together. But, whenever we're together, it's always a good time.

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This is exactly how I love to treat myself anytime I’m free
I always make sure that I stay away from anything that will distract me
It helps me to meditate
I love to spend my time alone

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For many of us, it has become a necessary part of our routines it seems.

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This is exactly how I love to treat myself anytime I’m free
I always make sure that I stay away from anything that will distract me
It helps me to meditate
I love to spend my time alone

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"harsh self-criticism" is one of the strongest enemies you have in those rough patches. I think people who are more demanding of others are generally more demanding of themselves as well. And that makes the battles a little more difficult. The inner voice turns up the volume and overstates the bad thoughts. It's a tricky thing. I liked your solutions. We agree on some of them. Regards @riz611

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I think people who are more demanding of others are generally more demanding of themselves as well

Definitely! I without a doubt, fall into that category. I want the best for my people, and sometimes my methods are a bit too blunt; which means I become my own enemy sometimes because of such harsh treatment and self-criticism.

I liked your solutions. We agree on some of them. Regards

Glad you liked my way of thinking. I thank you for dropping by and for sharing your thoughts. Cheers! 🥃

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