The song was inspired by The Comfort Book by Matt Haig, one of Annika Jayne's favourite authors. Critics have said, "This book feels like a giant hug". Annika hopes this song will feel the same. She wrote it in February 2022 and it's about being kind to yourself. It also sets the tone for the whole album because "It's Okay" seems to be the ultimate comfort phrase in the universe.

But how often are we not kind to ourselves and instead we beat ourselves up? Is it because of the way we were treated in our childhood? Or because of what we've been taught?

"There have been many situations where I have been judged for how I felt, when all I needed was comfort and a hug, and all I needed to hear was 'Don't worry, it's okay'," Annika reflects. "At the end of the day, I think everyone just wants to be heard and seen, but instead we are told that our emotions are not okay and that we are not okay the way we are or that we should behave differently."

She adds: "How many times have we been told to be tough and not to be 'wimps' or 'sissies', when it's perfectly okay to acknowledge our imperfections - or rather, what's perceived as imperfections? Society suggests that we should always be happy and smile all the time. That we should always be strong. That it is wrong to be introverted or shy. That we must always be there for other people - even at the expense of our own wellbeing. And yet sometimes we feel bad - just because we are human. And it's okay to cry or complain or be angry sometimes - it can be quite cathartic. And it's okay to set boundaries when we need to."

Annika invites everyone to add many more verses that reflect their story. "But please remember," Annika reminds us, "that it's okay how you feel in any given moment, that there's a reason why you feel that way, and that you're okay the way you are."