We tend to form memories when we experience stronger emotions. Either positive* ones (like joy, anticipation, surprise, trust, etc.), or negative* ones (fear, anger, disgust, sadness, etc). Most often than not, we might have collected more of the negative ones, as our brain and system are designed to keep us alive (so the negative ones give us survival information). But if we don't understand this process, we might develop beliefs and thoughts that will put us in patterns that keep us from growing as human beings, or from tapping into our creative, expressive selves, filled with beauty and hope for a better world.

Learn to be present to the positive emotions as well, so that you create these beautiful memories, either at work, with your family or with friends.

For a long time, I didn't know about this process. And somehow, I've shut down my feelings, in order to protect myself from the overwhelm the emotions were causing me. Without guidance or examples in my immediate world, I became judgemental of these strong overwhelming emotions as I didn't know how to process and integrate them. It took years to grasp this concept and to let my heart expand its range of emotions and feelings, to allow joy and hope back in, with full expression.

If you are at a life stage where you feel numb but have an inkling there's more to life, you are right. The transition to feeling again might take a toll on you, as when you allow one emotion in (let's say joy or love), all the other emotions will jump in as well, sometimes all at once (and that might feel too overwhelming).

Expect a bumpy ride, with ups and downs, good days, and worse days.

➡️ Some might ask, "But what is the point of all these feelings and emotions if they feel uncomfortable or painful at times?"

My experience tells me that when we are feeling, we connect more.

As intuitive people, we know when one person is disconnected, we can sense the walls and the distance in the relationship. Trust is less likely to happen in these cases.

The world's work environment gets more complex as time goes by. And for one person to solve all the problems, well.. that's unrealistic. That's why we have to trust one another in solving these complex problems together.

The process of emotional healing and nurturing takes time. The encouragement with this post is to be brave and start this process.

And reach out if you would like support (if you are an introvert manager or leader, that's my speciality as a fellow introvert who's gone through this process). This is also part of our Future-Proof Confident Leadership - a three months program, in case it's of interest.

*Emotions by nature are not positive or negative, but neutral, as they are signals your body creates in response to stimuli. The common understanding is that some of the emotions are labelled "positive" as they are easier to process and feel/experience, and "negative" when the load on us is heavier and our system is in alert or in distress.