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Stop Saying You Are “Feeling Some Kind of Way” and Own Your Emotions Instead

Our feelings have a mind of their own, so get to the bottom of them for a better understanding

Michele Maize
The Maze
8 min readDec 11, 2024

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A young girl facing the ocean on the beach
My daughter in her happy place — the ocean brings reflection about our feelings — Photo by author

I am all about feeling my emotions now that I have been sober for almost 4 years. I used to run from feelings, numbing them out any chance I could get. If something was too hard and it stressed me out, I would drink. If I was depressed or manic, I would drink. Most of the time, I didn’t want to feel like myself because it was too hard.

It’s interesting to me now how much I have changed simply by not consuming a toxic liquid. Over the years, I have learned to pause, listen to my gut, and understand what I am feeling. It has taken some work, as I have had to grow up in sobriety and I am no longer the everlasting teenager that I was in adulthood.

My relationships have evolved and deepened, allowing me to hold space for others and help them process their feelings. Sobriety is a beautiful thing.

In the past, I numbed and blocked so many emotions that it became hard to identify them, so I would use a blanket statement.

I am feeling some kind of way.

But, I couldn’t explain my feelings or get deeper, because I was intoxicated. Now, I…

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The Maze
The Maze

Published in The Maze

The Maze is a collection of thoughts, ideas, and musings that bring a sense of purpose or comfort. As we travel through life, let us feel peace and acceptance.

Michele Maize
Michele Maize

Written by Michele Maize

Sober Traveler | Wannabe Vegan | Yoga Addict. Dog-loving extrovert turned introvert. Owner of "The Maze". Editor at Black Bear and Globetrotters.

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