It’s OK to be sad. It’s human nature to feel, to experience sorrow, joy, fear and anxiety. There is so much pressure on everyone to be happy, outgoing, energetic and perfectly organized in our professional, emotion and family lives. We are medicated, counseled, instructed to push through the emotions and to put on a happy face.

But it’s OK to not be at your best. You are loved. Whether you know it or not, your existence is of vital importance to another individual – and not only when you are on your game, but maybe even because of your imperfections. We are so hard on ourselves to reflect this picture of perfection, an un-attainable, non-existent portrayal of all that society pretends to be.

Best laid plans may fail. You may stumble, but if you pick yourself up and try again, you will learn from your mistakes and be that much closer towards attaining your goal. Fail again. And again. But NEVER give up. Take a break, recoup, re-strategize. We are our own greatest critics, but remember, you are loved. You can inspire no matter how low you are, GET BACK UP! Sometimes the results of our greatest efforts leave us filled with despair, conquered, insufficient. But don’t give up. Forgive yourself and know that you are enough.

We must remember that the only one who expects perfection is ourselves. Suffer a loss, stumble, then move through. Respect yourself and your emotions and allow yourself to feel. Embrace your feelings, allow yourself your pain, disappointment, loneliness, then brush yourself off, straighten your back, and take another first step towards that goal.