I am a big fan of feeling my feelings. I like to name my fears and worries out loud. I know they are there whether I acknowledge them or not and whether I say them or not. I believe that naming them, saying them out loud and putting them outside of me is key to reducing their power.

It’s an important way for me to connect to myself and not to numb.

It’s also a step toward connection with others who might feel similarly so I can feel less alone.

So I am not a fan of dismissing or diminishing the feelings when they are spoken out loud. I try hard never to tell my friends or boys that what they are feeling is not a big deal and that there are people much worse off in the world. Or that if they voice their fears, that voice might bring them forth so don’t say it. I disagree with both of these philosophies.

Our feelings are real whether we acknowledge or not. Our lives and worries and anxiety and blessings are not part of a comparison game. We are allowed to worry and be sad no matter what. And naming our fears does not make the universe send them our way. For myself, I try not to encourage wallowing because I don’t think it helps me. But acknowledging and being acknowledged absolutely does.

How can I work through my feelings if I am not even allowed to say them out loud?

Yes to feeling our feelings.

#yearofyes #karenikayearofyes

Tonight I rest.

I haven’t been sleeping properly. I keep waking up in the middle of the night and then have a hard time going back to deep sleep.

So tonight I will rest.

Yes to rest.

#yearofyes #karenikayearofyes

I connected with an old friend today and it reminded me how magical and easy it can be to spend time with someone who knows you and sees you.

New friends can be fun and exciting and yet old friends are like comfy clothes that always fit you just right.

It’s always good to have a mix of both.

Yes to reconnecting.

#yearofyes #karenikayearofyes