“We are all fearful and anxious about our future, but those who acknowledge and feel their emotions will thrive.” —Nancy Salmeron
How are you doing, beautiful one? Are you tired? Do you wonder if you can go on? I feel you. I know what you are going through because I am also feeling tired. There are days when I struggle to go on. It’s been a very exhausting and challenging time for me also. This world pandemic has made me fearful and, at times, has made me feel hopeless. I wonder where my business will be in a year. I wonder about the future of my family and friends. Will they survive this world pandemic? Will they stay alive and healthy? It is normal and healthy to feel fear, disappointment, anger, stress, and sadness right now. When going through a life-altering event like a world pandemic, it is expected that fear, sadness, anxiety, and disappointment will surface in our lives. It is understandable to sometimes wonder how much more you can bear. I take pride in always focusing on the light at the end of the tunnel, yet I also understand that as we move through the darkness of the tunnel it is completely healthy to feel every emotion that comes our way. Today, I want to share with you why it’s important and healthy to feel and embrace all of your emotions. I also want to remind you that your present situation is not your final destination, and that the best is yet to come.
When you embrace and welcome your negative emotions, you appreciate joy more.
Growing up you were probably told to stop crying, to not be sad, or to not get mad. The reality is that you cannot suppress emotions. Even when you think everything is fine, if you have not dealt with anger or disappointment these feelings will surface sooner or later. However, if you embrace and experience sadness, you will appreciate joy with more intensity. Currently, I embrace sadness and fear by understanding that these emotions are like waves of the ocean. They come and go. The same applies for joy and happiness.
Fighting your true emotions brings more suffering.
Trying to numb negative emotion is like putting a band-aid on a deep wound. The wound will get worse. Just like a deep cut, you must notice that the wound is serious by feeling the pain. You must clean and nurture the wound and then use the appropriate gauze so it can heal. Don’t ignore or run away from your feelings. Observe what your feelings are trying to tell you. When I observe fear in my body, it usually shows up in my stomach. I notice it and let fear tell me what I should be fearful about. In this pandemic situation, I am afraid for my family and friends. I am also afraid about my finances. These fears are legitimate. I understand why I feel these fears. Once I have welcomed and tried to understand my fears, I send them off.
Having emotions is part of being a human being.
Love, joy, peace, and contentment are part of the human experience. But so are disappointment, fear, pain, sadness, and hurt. Feel your negative emotions by fully welcoming them into your life when they show up. Show appreciation for what they are trying to tell you and know that negative emotions, just like positive emotions, come and go. I know that my fears and anxieties are part of my current experience because I am human, not a robot. I feel deeply and care in great depth for my family and friends. It is unrealistic that I would not feel fear and sadness during uncertain times. Remember, however, that nothing is forever, and this world pandemic shall pass.
We are emotional creatures and we need to appreciate and acknowledge our feelings. Have self-compassion when dealing with your negative emotions. Ask yourself what you would do if you saw someone you loved feeling fearful or sad. What would you tell him or her? Would you be kind and understanding? I hope so. Treat yourself just as well as you would treat them. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling afraid or sad as this will only make you feel even worse. If you are able, share your emotions with someone you trust and love. I encourage you to do so. And if you truly feel like you can’t go on anymore, please seek professional help. Identifying and sharing your emotions with people who you trust is a sign of strength. We are all fearful and anxious about our future, but those who acknowledge and feel their emotions will thrive. Until next time, Believe. Change. Become.