Feeling your Feels
Feeling Your Feels is Critical for Growth
We live in a world where busyness is celebrated, and emotions are seen as nuisances getting in the way of productivity. We’ve all been told to “just get over it” or “move on” as if we should be ashamed of our emotions or try to avoid them. The truth is that emotions are not weaknesses; they are guides, messengers, and integral parts of the human experience. Learning to feel your feels is not only empowering but essential for good mental health and personal growth.
Why Is It Important to Feel Your Feels?
Emotions are Messengers: Emotions are meant to communicate something important to us. For example, anxiety might be telling you that you’re pushing yourself too hard or that your environment isn’t safe. Sadness can indicate that we need to slow down and process a loss, however small it may be. By tuning in to your emotions, you gain insight, helping you to make the best decisions for your well-being.
Avoidance Leads to Accumulation: Trying to escape your emotions with distractions like work or social media doesn’t mean they disappear; buried emotions can build up and manifest in unhealthy ways. They can lead to overwhelm, anxiety, depression, or physical illness. Noticing and acknowledging your feelings as they appear helps prevent accumulation and promotes emotional balance.
Fostering Authentic Relationships: When we’re honest with ourselves about how we feel, we become more honest in our relationships. We stop hiding behind facades of “everything’s fine” and start connecting with others on a deeper level. By being open with our emotions, we invite others to do the same, creating space for authentic, supportive relationships.
How to Start Feeling Your Feels
Practice Mindfulness: When an emotion arises, take a moment to sit with it and breathe. Where do you feel it in your body? Is it a tightness in your chest, tension in your shoulders or a pit in your stomach? Paying attention to what you're feeling without trying to change or judge it is the first step toward acceptance.
Name the Emotion: It becomes easier to understand when you identify and label what you’re feeling. For instance, instead of saying “I’m upset,” experiment with getting more specific: “I’m feeling hurt because I don’t feel heard.” Discovering the root of your emotions helps you gain clarity and perspective.
Give Yourself Permission to Feel: Feelings are not inherently good or bad; they’re simply part of being human. Try letting go of the guilt or shame surrounding certain emotions, and allow yourself the freedom to experience them fully; it is okay.
Express Yourself: After feeling and understanding your emotions, find a way to express them. This could be through journaling, talking - and crying - with a trusted friend or relative, creating art, or being physically active. Take a walk. Dance in your pajamas. Expressing repressed emotions, leaves room for relief and closure.
Embracing All of Your Emotions
Feeling your feelings doesn’t mean indulging in unhelpful emotions or letting them control you. It’s about balance. Emotions come and go like waves, and part of growth is learning to ride those waves rather than fight against them. By permitting yourself to feel, you gain emotional intelligence, resilience, and a greater understanding of yourself.
Even if it’s uncomfortable, the next time you feel a surge of emotion, just pause and instead of pushing it away, let it in. This is not a sign of weakness —it’s a profound act of self-care and strength. By embracing all of your emotions, you open the door to greater progress, inner peace, and authenticity.
In a world that often encourages us to disconnect from our emotions, remember that the ability to feel deeply is a gift. Emotions are your inner compass, guiding you toward what matters most and helping you grow through every experience. You are allowed to honor them, listen to them, and most importantly, feel every one of them.
