“Remember that first you’re an animal”

What if it’s okay to admit disappointment?

What if it’s okay to admit frustration?

Alternatively, what happens when it’s not okay to believe you can feel a certain way?

Consider this paradox to social conditioning – the spectrum to which you choose to express or not express your most unfiltered self, in an effort to keep the peace with those around you…

On one hand, “keeping it together” to avoid harming others is advantageous, let alone necessary. How would the billions of us coexist here otherwise?! Equally so, however, consider how internally storing angst, and to a degree that negatively affects you, can be harmful.

If you read this blog with any regularity, you’re well versed by now with a capacity to reframe situations towards more constructive navigation. That said, the next time a friend, classmate or coworker shares any negative emotion(s) out loud to you, consider this reframe:

NOT suggesting a reframe that would dismiss the emotion expressed. (i.e. “It’s not that bad,” “It could always be worse,” “Yeah, but think of all you have to be grateful for!”)

Food for thought – remember that first you’re an animal. As poet Francine Witte elegantly says in her poem, “Learning to trust your gut,”

Remember that first you are an animal, reacting in animal ways. Your nostrils flare at predators. Your eyes squint you out of the sun. Your body tells you everything. You know all this. You’ve always known. But still you have your doubts.

Here’s your takeaway: exercise that ability unique to human beings to observe yourself, but consider what might happen if you granted more permission to yourself and those around you to feel a certain way without guilt. Might you move on from it sooner?

I hope you exercise compassion as consistently you exercise your body.