In this episode: Riding the Wave of Emotions
Let’s be real—life in your 20s can be an emotional rollercoaster. From the highest highs to the lowest lows, you feel everything. And sometimes, you’re just trying to hold it together. But what if instead of pretending to be fine or bottling it all up, you learned to ride the wave of emotions with acceptance and grace?
In this episode, I’m diving deep into the realities of managing emotions in your 20s and how to stop fighting the current. Spoiler alert: it’s okay to feel everything.
The Myth of Control: Stop Fighting the Waves 🌊
Many of us try to control our emotions, thinking that if we hold it together, we’re doing life “right.” But that’s like trying to hold back the ocean—it’s exhausting and ultimately impossible.
- Example: Bottling up sadness can lead to anxiety, and numbing anger often fuels resentment.
- Takeaway: Emotions are natural, and trying to suppress them can lead to even bigger emotional breakdowns later on.
Ditch the Toxic Positivity: “Good Vibes Only” Isn’t Reality ✨
The “good vibes only” culture can be toxic. It tells us that feeling sad, angry, or confused means we’re failing somehow. But emotions are valid, no matter what.
- Example: Going through a breakup? Feeling down doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It means you’re human.
- Takeaway: Allow yourself to feel the full spectrum of emotions. Healing happens when we accept all our feelings, not just the positive ones.
The Danger of Numbing and Avoidance 🚫
Avoiding your emotions is harmful. Whether it’s binge-watching, scrolling endlessly on social media, or isolating yourself, numbing out might offer short-term relief, but it doesn’t solve the problem.
- Example: One listener shared how numbing through Netflix binges led to deeper feelings of isolation and sadness.
- Takeaway: Bottled emotions can lead to anxiety, depression, and even physical health problems. We need to acknowledge them, not run from them.
Toxic Positivity: The Smile Mask 😃
We’ve all felt pressured to put on a happy face even when we’re struggling. But this pressure to always appear happy invalidates our real experiences and creates a sense of shame and loneliness.
- Example: Social media often promotes unrealistic happiness. Seeing post after post of “perfect” lives can make you feel like there’s something wrong with you if you aren’t constantly upbeat.
- Takeaway: It’s okay not to be okay. Reject the idea that happiness is the only acceptable emotion.
Feel and Release: Let Emotions Flow Through You 🌬️
Emotions are messengers. They’re here to tell you something, whether it’s about boundaries, relationships, or your own unmet needs. Suppressing them blocks you from learning valuable lessons.
- Example: If you’re feeling anger, it could be highlighting an injustice in your life that needs addressing. Instead of shoving it down, pay attention and take action.
Healthy Release Strategies 🧘♀️
Now that we know we shouldn’t avoid our emotions, what can we do? Here are a few healthy ways to release those feelings:
- Mindfulness: Simply observe your emotions without judgment. Name them, acknowledge them, and let them exist.
- Example: Take a deep breath, notice where you feel the emotion in your body, and let it be.
- Journaling: Write out your emotions to process them. Journaling helps you gain clarity on why you feel a certain way.
- Example: Write a letter to your anger. Express why it’s there and what you need to feel better.
- Creative Expression: Sometimes, words aren’t enough. Painting, dancing, or even singing can help you release emotions in a healthy way.
- Example: Put on your favorite song and let yourself dance without worrying about how you look. Let the emotion flow through you.
- Talk it Out: Share what you’re feeling with someone you trust—whether it’s a friend, family member, therapist, or online community.
- Example: Find a support group where people are dealing with similar challenges. Just knowing you’re not alone can make a huge difference.
- Body Movement: Physical exercise is a great way to shift your emotional energy. When you move, you release tension and feel a mood boost.
- Example: Go for a run, do yoga, or try a dance class. Let your body process what your mind is holding onto.
Final Thoughts 💛
Want to dive deeper? Listen to my full podcast episode on Healing in Your 20s: Riding the Wave of Emotions for more on how to embrace the emotional ups and downs of life.
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