Rebel Talk: You don't know how it feels.

Last week I wrote about time spent with family and my parents 50th wedding anniversary. I spent the week with them, along with other family members. While this trip is something I very much enjoy with my kids and my family, it can also be exhausting.

The last 36 hours of my life have been exhausting. From packing the boat and cabin, to spending 13.5 total hours driving over 800 miles, I'm tired. I hadn't seen my girlfriend in over a week. In fact this entire month has been a challenge for face time. But today we had a window, an afternoon and evening together. While I am exhausted, she's been couped up inside from the unseasonal amount of rain we've got in the part of MN we live. So when I got home, to 80 degrees and sunny for the first time in days for her, she was ready to go. Honestly, all I wanted to do was lay down. But instead, we hopped on Lucille (my Harley Davidson), and put on another 130 miles of drive time. As exhausted as I am, I'm glad we did. Life is short.

While on the final stretch, a song came on, and there's a certain magic in music, a way it captures the unspoken emotions swirling within us. Tom Petty's "You Don't Know How It Feels" is one such song (that came on) that resonates deeply with those of us navigating the complexities of life. It's a reminder that our feelings, experiences, and struggles are uniquely our own, and that sometimes, others just won't get it—and that's okay. We don't always all have to feel the same at the same time.

The Unseen Struggles

We've all been there—exhausted, tired, drained. The weight of the world pressing down, yet outwardly, we carry on with a brave face. Whether it's juggling responsibilities, facing personal battles, or just the relentless pace of life, we all have our moments. And in these moments, it can feel incredibly isolating when those around us don't seem to understand.

Tom Petty's lyrics capture this sentiment perfectly. "You don't know how it feels to be me," he sings, a simple yet profound statement that echoes in the hearts of those who feel unseen and unheard. It's a gentle reminder that our pain, our exhaustion, and our emotions are uniquely ours.

The Individual Journeys

It's crucial to recognize that every person we encounter is on their own journey. They have their own battles, their own joys, and their own struggles. Just as we crave understanding and empathy, so do they. Our significant others, friends, and family—they all experience life through a lens colored by their personal circumstances.

We might be feeling overwhelmed by work, while our friend is dealing with a family crisis. We might be grappling with self-doubt, while our partner is navigating their own challenges at work. These different life circumstances shape our perspectives and, inevitably, how we relate to each other.

Embracing Different Pages

Being on different pages in life isn't a sign of disconnect but rather a testament to our individuality. It's okay to have different things going on in our lives than those we care about. It's okay to feel misunderstood at times. What matters is how we navigate these differences with empathy and respect.

Imagine this: You're exhausted from a long week, while your friend is brimming with excitement about a new project. Instead of feeling frustrated by the disparity, acknowledge it. Celebrate their joy and share your fatigue. It's in these moments of honest communication that we find true connection.

Finding Strength in Understanding

Understanding that others may not fully grasp how we feel can be liberating. It frees us from the expectation that our emotions need to be validated externally. Instead, we can find strength in our own resilience, knowing that our journey is valid even if others don't fully understand it.

The Power of Compassion

When we embrace the idea that everyone is dealing with their own struggles, we cultivate compassion. We become more patient, more understanding, and more willing to offer support without expecting others to fully understand our plight. This compassion not only strengthens our relationships but also enriches our own emotional well-being.

Let's wrap it up

"You Don't Know How It Feels" serves as a poignant reminder that our experiences are deeply personal. While others may not always understand our struggles, they too are navigating their own challenges. By embracing our unique journeys and offering compassion to ourselves and others, we can create a more empathetic and connected world.

So, the next time you feel misunderstood or isolated in your emotions, remember Tom Petty's words. Embrace your journey, honor your feelings, and extend a hand of understanding to those around you. It's our individual paths that make the tapestry of life so beautifully diverse and richly textured. 

Stay Relentless,

Ryan