Feeling our Feelings: Why It’s Important

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and ignore our emotions. We push them down, suppress them, and pretend they don't exist, all in an effort to keep moving forward. But the truth is, our emotions are an essential part of who we are, and they deserve to be felt and acknowledged. In fact, feeling our emotions is incredibly important for our mental and emotional wellbeing. It's not healthy to suppress or ignore our feelings. 

Our feelings are like a compass. Our emotions point us to something we need; they alert us, send us signals in an attempt to grab our attention. Anger may be an indication that our boundaries are being violated; anxiety may prompt us to prepare and remain cautious (and yes, not all anxiety is bad, sometimes it can be helpful). All of our feelings are necessary. Ignoring or suppressing these signals, our emotions, can lead to unresolved emotional baggage that can weigh us down over time. When we allow ourselves to feel our emotions fully, we are able to process them and move through them more easily. 

Accessing our feelings also allows us to embrace our humanity, and thus, allows us to connect with others on a deeper level. When we are able to be vulnerable and express our emotions to others, we create deeper connections and build stronger relationships. 

Feeling our feelings is not always easy. It can be uncomfortable, scary, and overwhelming. But by allowing ourselves to experience and express our emotions, we can better understand ourselves and our needs. We give ourselves permission to be human. 

To feel is to be human. So, the next time you feel an emotion, take a moment to acknowledge it, name it, and allow yourself to feel it fully.