Emotions Aren’t the Enemy: Why We Need to Listen to Ourselves

Hey girlfriend! Feeling your feelings isn’t as simple as it sounds. We often tell ourselves to “Just cheer up” or “It’s not that deep,” but sometimes, it is that deep.

I’ve come to realize that my emotions aren’t just inconvenient side effects of being human. They’re messages from my mind and body, telling me what I need. Embracing your emotions is more than just acknowledging them—it’s not just about saying, “I’m sad.” You’re not just sad—you feel sad. Sadness is simply visiting you. Ask yourself: Why did sadness stop by? What does it want to tell me? I’ve learned to observe my emotions the same way I would an infant’s cry—almost like a checklist. Have I eaten? Do I need a nap? Maybe a hug? What can I do to welcome this emotion without letting it overstay its welcome?

My anger means I need more understanding. It’s a signal to take a deep breath, step back, and give the situation some space. When anger stops by, it often gifts me with meditation.

Anxiety helps me lighten the load. When I share my unnecessary fears, I’m reminded that every problem doesn’t need to be solved in one day. Sadness signals that I’m disconnected from my tribe and community, reminding me to take time to reconnect. Our emotions bring us gifts; with every negative, there’s a positive.

At times, exploring our feelings feels like moving through a dark tunnel. They can feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. But facing them takes strength and compassion. We need to be willing to confront these parts of ourselves when they arise and deal with them mindfully. When the waves of emotion rock our boat and pull us under, it’s not enough to just hold our breath and wait for sunnier days. We need to learn to swim. By doing so, we build the emotional toolkit needed to navigate and surf life’s challenges.

Having feelings is a part of life, but truly feeling your feelings is a part of living. Don’t just shrug them off. The next time your emotions call, listen to them. They may have something to say or a thing or two to teach you.