Facing the tough feelings

Recently I posted a work in progress in all of it’s over-saturated, messy glory.

And although I actually really didn’t like where it was at, I had to remind myself it was the messy middle.

It might end up staying messy. I might hate it once it’s finished!

But through this, I had an opportunity. I could have said:

‘I can’t do this’

‘I’m never going to get better at this’

‘I’m not good enough’.

I could just give up.

Or….I could quietly sit with the emotions and accept them.

Brené Brown shares-

“The opposite to recognising we are feeling something is denying our emotions. The opposite of being curious is disengaging.

When we deny our stories and disengage from tough emotions, they don’t go away, instead they own us, they define us”.

So instead, my narrative might become:

‘I’m frustrated that I’m not where I want to be, but I’m on the path that my heart feels aligned to’

‘I recognise my impatience to do something that takes years to develop’

‘I may feel like I’m not good enough, but I’m practicing kindness and acceptance of myself.

‘What I do or create is not a reflection of my worth.’

The second set of statements are definitely harder! But honestly facing your feelings is such a very deep and valuable work.

If you find that you say the first set of statements to yourself - whether it be when painting, singing, or anything really - I get it. I’m working through it too.

Hang in there friend.

Peace & Love,
Elissa

P.S- Stay tuned for the final product!