June 13th, 2019

Giving ourselves the permission to feel

I feel blessed to work with underprivileged kids. It made me think about how I compare my situation to theirs and how I don't have it as "bad". While that's true, it doesn't mean that whatever I'm going through isn't valid.

We don't have to "tough it out"

It has taken practice for me to give myself permission to feel whatever I am feeling.
Before I started taking care of myself, I used to suppress all my emotions.
What I now realize was that without feeling sadness, hurt, or anger, I wasn't able to feel joy in its entirety.
Feelings are inherently irrational but it's still okay to feel whatever we are feeling.

It's hard for me to talk about things that affect me in a negative way. I feel as though we've often received messages from society to "tough it out". I think there are times that we need to push through the challenges and other times when have have to stop and listen to what our bodies are telling us. When do you know that you need to pause and listen to your body?

WE'RE NOT ALWAYS JOYFUL, BUT WHEN WE ARE, IT'S AWESOME.

This week I was upset about a situation at work. Enjoying the moments with one of my students was so much sweeter because I have been consumed by angst.

DO YOU FIND THAT YOU'RE ABLE TO ENJOY MOMENTS THAT MUCH MORE AFTER FEELING CRANKY OR IRRITATED?!

A few years ago, I felt self-conscious about everything. I was worried about others' perceptions of me. It carried a toll on me to the point that my head was spinning. I still feel self-conscious, but instead I've come to terms with my anxiety. When I'm with others, I think to myself, "I'm feeling anxious and it's okay." I'm okay with myself if I'm awkward. I'd rather be awkward than avoid what I could be experiencing.
When have you felt self-conscious?

Feelings are hard to feel. What I'm learning is that sadness is the hardest to feel (for me). When I decide and let myself be vulnerable, it's not as bad as I expect it to be. It's still hard feeling sad and hurt, but I know that I survive despite feeling those feelings!! I don't ever die from feeling a feeling. Can you imagine that?!