Getting Comfortable with Uncomfortable Emotions
Let’s face it — feelings like anger, jealousy, overwhelm, and regret are downright uncomfortable. And yet… we all feel them. We’re not robots; we’re human.
Still, most of us were never taught what to do with uncomfortable emotions. So, we treat them like they’re a problem — something to fix, avoid, or push away.
We might reach for food, pour a glass of wine, or scroll through our phones, hoping the feeling will disappear. But the truth is, emotions don’t need to be fixed or avoided. They just need to be felt.
When we can stop resisting our emotions and start allowing them to be there, something powerful happens: they move through us more easily. We no longer have to eat, drink, or distract ourselves to escape them. We can simply be with what’s true in the moment — even when it’s messy or uncomfortable.
Here are 3 gentle ways to allow yourself to feel your feelings:
1. Place your hand on the part of your body where you feel it, and take three deep breaths.
Emotions often show up as physical sensations — a tight chest, a heavy stomach, a lump in your throat. When you place your hand on that spot and breathe, you’re sending a signal to your body that it’s safe to feel. You’re saying, “I’m here with you.”
2. Validate your feelings by speaking to them kindly.
Try saying something like, “I know. Of course you’re here. It’s okay.”
It might sound simple, but this kind of gentle self-talk builds emotional safety and self-trust. You’re no longer judging your emotions — you’re meeting them with compassion.
3. Remember that feelings are temporary.
Even the most uncomfortable emotions will pass if you let them. Think of them like waves — they rise, peak, and eventually settle on their own. The more you allow them, the less power they have over you.
Learning to feel your feelings isn’t always easy, especially if you’ve spent years trying to hold it all together. But this practice isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being human.
The next time you notice an uncomfortable emotion bubbling up, try pausing instead of pushing it away. Breathe. Place a hand on your heart. Speak to yourself with kindness.
Because the more comfortable you become with your emotions, the more comfortable you become with yourself.
If this resonates with you, take a moment this week to simply notice your emotions instead of pushing them away. And if you’re ready to go deeper in learning how to honor your feelings without guilt, I’d love to help you. Schedule a free consultation to start building a calmer, more confident relationship with yourself.