As a child, it felt challenging to reveal my feelings. Whether through subtle societal messages or direct admonition, it seemed that showing my emotions was simply not okay. On rare occasions, when I did break down and cry in front of a teacher or another adult, I felt embarrassed and ashamed of exposing myself and my feelings. Though I was a sensitive person prone to strong emotions, I tried to suppress it at every turn.
Losing my husband was a turning point in my emotional life; it taught me to stop hiding my feelings. I soon discovered that camouflaging my heartache made coping with grief nearly impossible. Through embracing my vulnerability, I discovered that I could feel my feelings and cope with my pain. Showing this side of myself to others also allowed them to provide me with much needed support. Moreover, I found that by staying open to others, I could help them feel seen and understood as well. Ultimately, I learned that my vulnerability was actually one of my greatest strengths, helping me find healing and sharing this new sense of peace with others along the way.
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