I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that phrase. Most of the people who said it didn’t mean to hurt me. But boy did it hurt.
I feel things deeply. I am very empathetic. I feel what others are feeling. I identify deeply…whether it’s with a real person or a character in a movie.
I feel deeply. I’m emotional.
But am I “too emotional”?
Up until about a week ago, I thought that I was too emotional. I thought I needed to hide what I was feeling. I thought that burying those deep, raw emotions was what I was supposed to do.
I don’t think that’s true anymore.
Part of this struggle came from being made fun of and being afraid to make mistakes as a child. I would practice not responding or showing emotion on my face…and then excuse myself to go cry in the bathroom.
I am unique. I am me. I am emotional.
I don’t need to hide who I am or pretend that I don’t feel deeply. I just need to continue to learn to not let my emotions control my actions and reactions.
But learning that balance involves letting my raw emotion show. Being honest about how I feel is vital to responding correctly. And that’s tough.
Maybe you are like me. Maybe you feel deeply. Maybe you tear up easily.
You are not too emotional. You do not need to hide who you are or how you feel. You were made to feel deeply.
Feel. Live. Cry. Laugh. Love.
And be honest with yourself and others as you learn to not let your emotions control your actions.
But don’t ever for a second feel like you need to be anyone other than who are.