It’s time to get emotional

Today marks the anniversary of a particularly difficult time in my life, I always get a little knocked sideways around this time of year. And, weird as it may seem, I’m glad I do. I want to honour it.

“I am very glad I lived through some hard days, so that I could have this one.”

—John Green

Now, I haven’t told you about my current emotional unrest to encourage a flurry of replies asking if I’m OK. I know you care. I feel it, I really do; you’re always bloody lovely! (And yes, I really am OK, thank you.) The reason I write about this isn’t just about me. It’s about us all…

Everybody has been through something, usually many things, that they experience as traumatic, unpleasant, or difficult. It’s rare to get to this stage in our lives without having done so.

So, I thought it might be useful for us all to share a discussion here. For me to be open and encourage conversation with you (my DMs are always open), then move into some useful ‘stuff’ about how we might manage these times in a very sensitive (to ourselves) way in our busy lives.

The priority is allowing ourselves the time and care to not only sit with our emotions and thoughts but also to apply some actionable strategies to help us cope and grow through them.

I’m not going to tell you how to ‘feel instantly better’ by distracting yourself. Sorry. Nope. There really is only one way to deal with emotions properly, and that is to fully experience them, process them, and move them through your body, so they don’t get trapped in there and cause all sorts of problems.

As you well know and see (if you follow me on Insta @georgieshearsstrategist), I’m a real human just like you, grumpy sometimes, mad sometimes, sad sometimes. I have self-doubts, fears, etc. All of it. I’m excitable a lot of the time, insufferable occasionally, and underlying it all, yes, I’m very positive and happy.

I’ve intentionally created a life I love living and continue to grow personally and professionally to keep on ensuring that is so, daily. But does that mean I don’t have all the emotions? Of course not!

Back to happy for now (I like it there)… What the hell actually is it?

Well, what it’s definitely not is skipping down the street smiling widely, whistling as you go every moment of every day.

It doesn’t have to be or feel joyful at all moments either. No. That’s not the aspiration.

Happiness is a much quieter affair; it’s a genuine feeling of inner peace within yourself. Of knowing you’re okay right now and whatever happens you always will be, because you’ve got you. A quiet contentment that you’re on your own right path and taking care of yourself, your world, inside and out.

But along with happiness comes all the other emotions too. In fact, it’s when we learn how to properly process these emotions, to sit and feel and hear them and be guided by them, that ‘happy’ is created in the first place! Sounds bonkers, I know, but think about it. It’s growth that makes and keeps us happy, and tough challenges make us grow.

So without further ado, let me tell you some of the actions I’ve intentionally brought into this week to allow myself to process some of these emotions, to hold myself and prioritise myself (whilst doing life too), to go through it, while I’m a little less resilient, less patient with those I love, and a little more insular…

• Gratitude Practice: I’ve made sure my morning gratitude practice has been given real attention. Not just racing through it as a process—consciously making the time to do it and really feel into ALL the great things in this life, in my life. Life is busy at the moment, so how do I find space and time to give more to this? Not allowing myself to pick up my phone and slightly tweaking my morning routine so I do my gratitude practice before making the beds and folding the towels from the night before (It’s not glam—but it’s real!)
• Honesty and Vulnerability: I’ve been very conscious to share how I am feeling with those nearest to me, without ever using the word ‘sorry.’ Why is that important to me? Because when you’re feeling things, you need not be sorry and add a layer of guilt as to your outward demeanour as long as you go deep and explain how you are feeling with those you love or someone who will hold that space for you. When you share real, deep vulnerability, really show you are not feeling good, cry, release it—the connection you build with that other person is like the most gorgeous energetic exchange for you both. You’ll both feel the positive impact of true connection. If it ends in a healing, nervous system-regulating hug too—even better.
• Prioritising Self-Care: If you’re a giver, know this will benefit everyone around you too, so you can square that circle that way! Luckily, my best friends Georgia and Kat got me a voucher for the most wonderful massage for my birthday. That’s booked and being enjoyed later today. Yesterday, I spent time with people I loved, got out walking, went to lunch with my Stepdad, got myself in the gym, and did a really long meditation in an Epsom salt bath to finish the day. Listened to music that felt uplifting and allowed my emotions and thoughts to be just as they were.
• Clearing Space: Yes, clearing a space of clutter really helps to clear your mind and bring about a sense of achievement, calm, and self-satisfaction. Definitely for me! I can physically feel the clearer space in my body… And yesterday, it was just a pen drawer!! Bliss.

So, that should help. If you need someone to talk to, I’m always here. I have a 15 min free chat link always open to you, and if you can’t find a spot there, drop me a DM or reply to this email. I care more than you know.

Off to make pancakes and spend some time with the kiddos.

Before I go, remember:

“Everything you've learned to love about your light was taught to you in darkness. Do not rush your healing—embrace every shadow, listen to your ghosts, and dance with the skeletons in your closet. They are the reason you glow with authenticity.” —Vex King

Be kind to yourself. There is so much good in your life if you take the time to see it. Focus on that, but allow your emotions to flow through.

You are ace!