I Couldn't Stop Crying (Why It's NECESSARY to Feel Emotions)

The title of this blog post is NOT click bait.

I DID, in fact, cry (on and off) all day today.

Finished working out? Cried. Finished recording a video? Cried. Finished packing for Florida? Cried.

The reason why I was crying isn't really relevant to this email - mainly just travel-related stress and anxiety knowing I'll be in Florida/out of my normal routine for a week.

And since today is #WorldMentalHealthDay, I want you to know that it's OK to cry for what feels like no good reason. To feel your feelings. To process the fear, anxiety & sadness you're feeling, instead of distracting yourself and letting it build up.

I used to avoid my feelings like the plague.

If I ever felt lonely, sad, anxious, I'd reach for the first thing that would numb me out: food, social media, TV... anything that would distract me from feeling whatever negative emotion that was washing upon me like a tidal wave.

But what happened when I ignored those feelings?

They came back later, only 10000x worse.

I would lash out at someone I loved. I would binge eat. I would feel so anxious that I would have panic attacks walking down a crowded street.

Part of being on this journey to become the strongest version of ourselves means embracing the good AND the bad. The joyous times AND the struggle.

It means crying when you need to. Having tough conversations with people you love. Reaching out to someone when you feel lonely, vulnerable and anxious.

THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH FEELING SAD.

Crying is not a sign of weakness.

In fact, crying today was JUST what I needed to feel that release of stress that was building up in my chest. I feel so much better now.

Next time you're feeling sad, lonely, anxious, etc. - I challenge you to really FEEL into those emotions.

Take a few deep breaths.

What does being sad feel like?

Does your chest feel contracted? Do tears start to flow?

Whatever happens, don't judge it.

It's all natural, it's OK, and it's necessary for our growth.

Embrace the struggle just as much as you embrace the joy: that's where the growth happens.

<3

xoxo

Julie