Emotional Honesty and Self-Trust

Each time we really tune into ourselves with openness and attentiveness, we build self-trust. Each time we can clearly acknowledge how we feel, without pretending, we build self-trust.

If we really want to tune into ourselves and be attentive—which is a necessary part of being conscious and intentional during a transition—we have to start by acknowledging the feelings we actually have. We can’t pretend to be feeling different than how we really are. It takes so much energy to pretend, and it’s not ultimately doing us any favors.

But in a world where so many are excited to return to their pre-pandemic lives, it can feel hard to admit that we’re scared or hesitant or overwhelmed. In the face of friends who are eager to resume connections in person, it can feel scary to say “I’m not ready for that yet.” But being honest with ourselves about what we feel is the only place to start if we really want our own rite of passage—our own transition—to be conscious, intentional, and empowering.

And here’s the thing: each time we really tune into ourselves with openness and attentiveness, we build self-trust. Each time we can clearly acknowledge how we feel, without pretending, we build self-trust. Each time we allow ourselves to feel what we feel without judgment, we build self-trust. And self-trust is what will help us navigate whatever life transitions we face, now and in the future.

Here are some prompts to help you think (or write) about what feelings you may be carrying right now that are driving you:

·      What challenging emotions are you carrying within yourself?

·      What do you want to acknowledge?

·      What do you need to grieve?

·      What do you feel anger about? 

·      What do you feel anxiety about?

·      What do you need to express gratitude for?

·      What do you need to admit to yourself?