Sadness. One simple word. 

A simple word that makes you feel a thousand different things like rage, frustration, exhaustion and so much more. 

I am consumed by sadness more times than I would like to admit. I never show it though, my problems don’t need to be other people’s problems as well. In my mind, it’s easier to bottle everything up. 

I have recently learned that doing such a thing isn’t good, shocker right? It actually makes me feel worse and it makes the breakdown ten times bigger. 

I’ve struggled with that for as long as I can remember. That habit of bottling up my emotions needs to be broken. I just don’t know how to break it. 

Even on the sunniest of days I still feel this dark grey cloud looming over me. Now, you are all probably thinking, get this girl in some therapy. Which I do. I fully support going to therapy, but sometimes I just have to word vomit all over a page to feel better.

I have learned that it’s okay to feel sad. Everyone gets sad, but it’s how you cope with the sadness that matters. 

I spent all day on Saturday sad and in my head. I wish I could say I didn’t know why I was feeling the way I was, but the truth is I did. In some cases, it is worse than not knowing. 

But it’s how I coped with the sadness that mattered. 

Instead of laying in bed all day consumed by the millions of blankets on my bed and countless Netflix shows, I got up and got dressed. Step number one. I made my bed, braided my hair and even put on a little mascara. 

I went to get my favorite coffee from Caribou, an iced mint condition mocha. Then I packed my backpack and soaked up the sun in Owen Park. 

I didn’t stop there though, I then went home and took a nice long hot shower, shaved my legs, did a hair masque — to which I linked the one I use for all you guys — and pampered myself a bit. 

Now, I won’t lie — I still felt down and out after all that, but I did something for myself which is what I needed to do. 

When you allow the sadness to take over, the bad thoughts start to creep in. But if that happens, that’s okay too. I am guilty of allowing the sadness to take over. However, make sure you talk with someone. Whether that’s a trusted friend, family member, or even counseling services on campus. 

Nothing is more important than your mental health. 

To reiterate, it’s okay to feel sad. Allow yourself to feel sad, cry about it and then pick yourself up and dust yourself off. You are a queen. You are all wonder women. 

Do things that make your heart smile, just like I did by getting coffee and sitting in the sun. It’ll be different for everyone because what makes one person happy may not do it for another. 

Be kind to yourself; allow yourself to feel emotions and next time you look in the mirror do the wonder woman pose. Tell yourself three things you love about yourself — nothing is more important than you. 

Geiger can be reached at [email protected]