“I hate crying.”
“I don’t like to think about that.”
“That hurts too much. Let’s not go there.”
We try to protect ourselves from emotional pain because it sucks to feel it. Sometimes we’ve even been taught to not cry or that our anger is shameful. But when we shy away from awareness that brings us pain, there are bigger consequences.
We can’t get ourselves out of a bad situation unless we’re willing to feel the hard feelings that TELL us it’s a bad situation.
For example, I’m dealing with a head cold as I write this email. I notice that I want to keep my commitment to sending you a thought-provoking message each week. And also, I notice difficult feelings in my body, my brain is slower, and that my emotions are more tender than usual.
It is inconvenient to feel and be sick. It runs counter to what I want and the plans I’ve made. However, it’s just what’s happening right now and there’s nothing good that comes from me pretending like it’s not real.
So I’m choosing to keep this email short and not worry too much about editing it. This is me being honest with myself about how I’m feeling and making choice from that honest place.
Not running from pain or discomfort, but instead recognizing what is real and true in our hearts is a huge act of self-love.
What truth do you need to face in yourself this week? Are you willing to be brave and listen to what might bring discomfort, but needs to be heard?
