Sometimes the allure of ending something no longer wanted and living something far better is so enticing that we rush forward refusing to hear our inner feelings, thinking we can skip over them without consequence. 

Many refuse to get connected to their feelings fearing it’s a slippery slope to becoming weak and dominated by emotions.  That’s one extreme. The other is just as dangerous. Repressing, ignoring and avoiding feelings is toxic to the mind, body, and relationships, ultimately to life.  Between extremes lies a place of strength, a place where emotions are brought into the light, felt and expressed. 

If you’ve never allowed yourself to feel or you’re afraid of your feelings, professional help is warranted.  Don’t deprive yourself.

It is important to acknowledge and express feelings in harm-free ways.  Free form writing, talking with a safe listener, crying, laughing and speaking aloud can work wonders.  Louise Hay advocates regular pillow punching.  My personal preference is to write about my feelings in a no-holds-barred, nothing-off-limits way. When I have nothing left to say and feel almost bored with the exercise, I take the stack of papers (sometimes 10+ pages) and, in the safety of my fireplace, set them alight, offering them to a higher power. 

Give yourself a safe outlet.

If you’re with family or group this week, wait until the holidays are over to allow yourself to be heard and honored by the listener in you.

This is another vital step in the direction of completion, release and laying the foundation for the next year and decade of our lives.

We never get over things, but we can get through them. 

~ Cynthia