I usually will play a song that helps me work through the emotions. I definitely write (specifically, journal) and engage in ritualistic practices (admittedly, outside of academia and non-profit work, I am a tarot reader) that involve my senses (lighting incense, for example).

How do you keep from feeling defeated and giving up?

The first thing I do is acknowledge feelings of defeat, sadness, grief, loss, anxiety. Suppressing doesn’t help at all. I usually see these feelings as *visitors* (albeit, possibly unwelcome visitors). Whether it is writing, making, doodling, etc.

Wow Dorothy. Thank you for such a beautiful response and the helpful advice.

As adults, I feel we lose so much imagination related to coping because we’re constantly reminded to “stay positive” and “be strong.” Most importantly, it’s okay to ask for help and seek support. Trust me, I have felt like giving up MANY times. ♥️ Thanks for asking the question.

incredibly thoughtful response Dorothy ❤️

A combination of therapy and being able to acknowledge that it’s OK to not feel OK. We all go through ups and downs. A feeling of defeat is just being human, so don’t let it consume you.

When I feel up to it, I do something that incorporates the feeling of defeat and resignation and work with it somehow…writing a letter, turning it into a caricature in my mind. It might all seem juvenile, but it’s not.

I don’t. It happens all the time. I just recognize those are thoughts and my own brain is the biggest liar I know. No hacks or tools. Just ok brain I guess we’re feeling shitty, maybe we need to go for a run or sit outside for a bit. And know that we all experience it.

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