Giving Feelings Space to Just Be

How’s it going, friend? Ngl, I had a full-blown moment in my kitchen about feeling imposter syndrome and what my online identity comes across to other people (the pasta was, in fact, overcooked). At that moment, I felt a surge of anxiety, tempted to jump on Instagram, delete posts that fell short of my expectations, and embark on a complete re-branding endeavor. Just writing that out feels equally funny as it does embarrassing. In those moments when our monkey mind takes the steering wheel, it's easy to get caught up in the fast-paced rhythm of the modern world, one that posts anxious questions in regard to our identity, our purpose, and our engagement with social media. Guilty as charged. In an attempt to not fully get lost in the pasta sauce, I knew that taking a moment to give myself space, physically and mentally, was the key I needed to feel regulated again. I’m learning to observe my emotions without immediately reacting to them by cultivating mindfulness.

How can I give mental and emotional space where my feelings can exist without being overshadowed or dismissed?

Although we know that all of our emotions, even the uncomfortable ones, have a purpose, it’s a bit more difficult to see when you’re head deep in al dente. Instead of my usual tactic, viewing certain feelings as "negative" and attempting to suppress them, I’m exploring what it’s like to accept them as part of the human experience, a sticky and overcooked human experience. Acceptance doesn't mean resignation; rather, it is an acknowledgment that our emotions are valid and worthy of recognition. With that being said, our pasta is al dente and our monkey mind deserves space to watch our favorite show or read our favorite book, so rather than leaning into re-branding my socials, I think I’ll grab a beverage instead and hit play on Grey’s Anatomy.