It’s Okay to Feel the Feelings

Whatever you’re feeling now – please know that it’s okay to feel that.

Now is not the time to hide our feelings or push them aside. Nor is it the time to paint them over with pink paint and pretend all is well.

This isn’t life as normal – and while I’m a person who believes in having a positive outlook on life – there have been times (many) in the last few weeks, where positive was FAR from what I was feeling.

And, from the conversations I’ve had with many, I’m not alone.

If you’re feeling grief around anything be it a loss of life, loss of livelihood, loss of security, loss of time – it’s totally okay to feel that.

If you’re angry now, for reasons like things you planned not going as you expected. Buyers and sellers canceling – or even that you have even more responsibility at home and not extra support. It’s totally okay to feel that.

If you’re feeling sad – it’s totally okay to feel that.

If you’re feeling hopeful – it’s okay to feel that.

If you’re feeling concerned – it’s okay to feel that.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed – it’s okay to feel that.

If you’re feeling okay one moment and then another moment not – know that it’s okay to feel that.

If you’re feeling ________________________ – it’s okay to feel that too. Whatever it is.

What is not okay right now (or anytime for that matter) is to feel guilt or shame. If you made a financial decision to do something, without any knowledge that a pandemic was coming – you can’t beat yourself up for that. If you said something in a moment of anger to someone you love – you can’t beat yourself up for that.

Apologize, forgive and give yourself some grace.

We are in unprecedented times and moment by moment things are changing. And as human beings, we have feelings and those feelings need to be expressed. Because if we don’t do that, if we stuff them down, let them fester, try to hide them or even shame ourselves out of feeling them, it will only make things worse for us. And those around us.

Things are different and will be different once we are able to go back to school, offices, and events. None of us know what that will look like. Of course, this triggers our fears – and, that’s okay.

We know the practical things to do to take care of our health – like social distancing and hand washing. What I want to encourage you to do is to take care of your psyche – your mental health. To know that whatever you’re feeling is okay.

So without guilt, judgment or shame, I invite you to express what you are feeling.

I am sending love to each and every one of you.