Telling people what you feel is a superpower. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Have you ever been mocked or ridiculed for sharing your emotions? Or perhaps you’ve been called “weak,” “too emotional,” or “sensitive”? Society frequently teaches us to suppress our emotions, put on a brave face, and never let anyone see us vulnerable. But the truth is telling people what you feel is a superpower. In a world where people are often discouraged from expressing their feelings, being vulnerable and authentic can help you build stronger relationships, achieve greater success, and live a more fulfilling life.
The power of emotional expression
Communication is the bedrock of all human relationships, be they personal or professional. It takes courage, vulnerability, and a willingness to be honest with yourself and others to maintain and strengthen these connections. When you share your emotions, you’re showing others that you trust them enough to reveal your innermost thoughts and feelings. You’re also allowing them to see the real you, without any masks or pretenses. This level of authenticity and openness is incredibly powerful, as it fosters deeper connections and more meaningful relationships.
“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.” — Brené Brown, a research professor and author known for her work on vulnerability, courage, empathy, and shame.
Unfortunately, we often receive messages that discourage emotional vulnerability and openness. We’re told to “toughen up” or “stop being so emotional.” These messages can create shame and guilt around expressing our emotions, making us feel like it’s a weakness to share our feelings with others. However, this damaging narrative prevents us from experiencing the benefits of emotional expression.
Why sharing emotions is essential
Expressing our feelings can be one of the most empowering things we can do for ourselves and for others. When we communicate our emotions, we give others the opportunity to understand us better and create a space for empathy and compassion to grow. It also helps us to gain clarity and insight into our own feelings, leading to a greater sense of self-awareness and personal growth.
Moreover, telling people what we feel can help us set healthy boundaries and protect our emotional well-being. It allows us to communicate our needs and desires in relationships, which can prevent us from feeling overwhelmed or resentful. By expressing our emotions, we also create a sense of authenticity and vulnerability, which can be incredibly powerful in fostering deeper connections with those around us.
Of course, expressing our emotions isn’t always easy. It can be scary to open up and be vulnerable with others. But, it’s important to remember that vulnerability isn’t a weakness — it’s a strength. It takes strength and courage to be open and honest about our feelings. When we are willing to be open and honest about our emotions, we create a space for others to do the same. We give others permission to be themselves and create a sense of authenticity and trust in our relationships.
Breaking down emotional barriers and embracing your superpower
We must also recognize that some people may look down on those who share their emotions due to social conditioning, fear of vulnerability, misunderstanding of mental health, or a lack of empathy. However, it’s crucial to remember that emotional expression is a normal and healthy part of being human. Sharing one’s emotions can also be a sign of strength and courage, and being able to express one’s feelings honestly and openly can foster deeper connections with others and improve overall well-being.
So how can we start embracing this superpower? Here are some potential challenges you might face when trying to express your emotions, along with strategies to overcome them:
- Fear of judgment or rejection: Remind yourself that everyone has emotions, and it’s a normal part of being human. Start by sharing your feelings with people you trust and who have shown understanding and empathy in the past.
- Difficulty identifying emotions: Practice self-reflection by journaling or engaging in mindfulness exercises to develop a better understanding of your feelings.
- Limited emotional vocabulary: Expanding your emotional vocabulary can be helpful in this situation. Read books, articles, or poetry that delve into emotions or try using emotion charts (like the “Feelings Wheel”) to identify and label your feelings more accurately.
- Cultural or societal barriers: Seek out supportive communities or individuals who value emotional expression and can provide a safe space for you to share your emotions.
- Worry about burdening others: Recognize that sharing emotions can strengthen relationships and foster understanding. Consider seeking professional support, such as therapy or counseling, if you feel uncomfortable discussing your emotions with friends or family members.
- Difficulty managing intense emotions: Practice calming techniques, such as deep breathing or grounding exercises, before attempting to express your feelings. This can help you maintain composure and communicate your emotions more effectively.
Now that you understand the importance and benefits of expressing your emotions, it’s time to take the first step towards embracing this superpower. Here are two simple exercises to get started:
- Journaling: Set aside 10–15 minutes each day to write about your thoughts and feelings in a private journal. This practice allows you to explore your emotions, develop self-awareness, and build your emotional vocabulary without the fear of judgment or rejection. Studies have shown that expressive writing can lead to significant improvements in both physical and psychological health (Writing About Emotional Experiences as a Therapeutic Process, Pennebaker, J.W., 1997).
- Heartfelt conversation: Reach out to someone you trust, such as a close friend or family member, and initiate a heartfelt conversation about your emotions. Sharing your feelings with someone supportive can help you practice vulnerability, strengthen relationships, and foster a sense of empathy and understanding. As Dr. John Gottman, a renowned psychologist and relationship expert, has noted, “One of the most important findings in our research is that people need to feel understood, validated, and cared for in their relationships.”
Take the first step today and start experiencing the transformative power of emotional expression.
Remember, telling people what you feel is a superpower. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Embrace it and use it to create deeper connections and a more fulfilling life.
