We live in a world where “I’m fine” has become the most common mask we wear. As a therapist at Seeds2Succeed Wellness & Therapy, I hear those two words almost daily. They roll off the tongue so quickly, but what hides underneath is often exhaustion, self-doubt, or a quiet ache that feels too heavy to name.
I’ll be honest, there was a season in my own life when “I’m fine” became my default answer. I remember driving to work, stomach in knots, fighting back tears, and still greeting coworkers with a smile and those same two words: “I’m fine.” Looking back, I wasn’t fine at all. I was running on empty, holding my breath, hoping no one would notice.
The truth is, many of us carry silent struggles:
• 🌪 Anxiety that keeps spinning even when the world is quiet
• 💔 Loneliness in a room full of people
• 🔄 Perfectionism that whispers “you’re not enough” no matter how much you do
• 🕰 Exhaustion from constantly showing up for everyone else but rarely for ourselves
What I’ve learned, both personally and as a therapist, is that healing begins when we gently name what’s real. Steven Hayes, founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, often reminds us: “Struggling with your thoughts and feelings is optional, but having them is not.”
We don’t need to silence our pain, fix it instantly, or pretend it isn’t there. Instead, we can practice making space for our feelings without judgment. Russell Harris describes it as turning toward your pain with compassion, the way you’d comfort a friend who was hurting.
📅 This Week’s Wellness Challenge
Next time you catch yourself saying, “I’m fine,” pause. Take a slow breath. Ask yourself gently: What am I really feeling right now? What would it be like to share just a piece of that with someone I trust?
You may be surprised by the relief that comes from speaking the truth, even in small doses.
🌱 Growing Through Awareness
When we trade “I’m fine” for honesty, even in the smallest ways, we begin to lift the weight we’ve been carrying. Choosing to be real with ourselves and others is not weakness, it is the start of freedom. At Seeds2Succeed Wellness & Therapy, we believe your story matters, your voice matters, and you don’t have to face life’s quiet battles alone. Healing begins the moment you allow yourself to be seen.
