"لن أقول أنني أشعر بخير بعد ما مررت به، لا أستطيع الكذب"

The essence of this quote is the raw honesty about one's emotions after experiencing something difficult. It's that moment when someone asks how you're doing, and instead of the automatic "I'm fine," you choose to be real. You admit that you're not okay—that what you've gone through has left a mark, and pretending otherwise would be dishonest.

Let's put this in a bit of context. Imagine someone who’s just lost a loved one. When people express their condolences and ask how they’re holding up, the natural inclination might be to say, "I'm fine," just to make the conversation easier. But saying you're fine when you're not can feel like you're burying your true feelings, like you're wearing a mask. This quote pushes back against that. It's about embracing the truth of your experience, even when it's uncomfortable.

Take Jane, for instance—a woman who just went through a tough breakup. Her friends invite her out, and she’s trying to push through the heartache. When they ask her how she’s doing, she could easily say, “I’m fine,” and move on. But instead, she chooses to be honest. "Honestly, I’m not okay right now," she says. "It's been rough, and I'm still processing everything." Her friends nod, offering genuine support and understanding. By being truthful, Jane opens the door for real support and connection, instead of hiding behind a façade.

Now, how can you apply this in your own life? Start by giving yourself permission to be honest about your feelings. It's okay to admit when you're struggling. It doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human. Next time someone asks how you’re doing, pause for a moment. Think about how you really feel. If you’re not fine, say so. It might feel awkward at first, but it can lead to more meaningful conversations and support.

Picture this: You're at work, and a colleague notices you're not your usual self. They ask, "Hey, everything okay?" Instead of brushing it off with a "Yeah, I'm fine," imagine responding with, "Actually, I've had a tough week. Some personal stuff has been weighing on me." This honesty can foster a deeper connection. Your colleague might share their own struggles, and suddenly, the workplace feels a bit more human, a bit more understanding.

Remember, we all have ups and downs, and pretending we're always fine can be exhausting. It's perfectly okay not to feel okay sometimes. Being real about your feelings can not only help you process them better but also encourages others to be honest about theirs. After all, we’re all in this together—navigating the highs and lows of life. So, next time someone asks how you’re doing, consider giving them the real answer. It might just be the start of a more genuine connection and the support you didn’t know you needed.