I told myself that earlier this week when I started missing someone who used to be in my life.

It wasn’t so much that I missed them—it was the memories. The moments that once felt safe, warm, and familiar. And then, just as quickly, I remembered the neglect. The way I sacrificed my dignity and freedom just to keep the peace.

In my effort to move on, to “take the high road,” I never let myself be upset.

Who knew that was the final piece of the puzzle? That I had to allow myself to be mad.

But it makes sense, doesn’t it? How many of us have swallowed our words because we grew up with emotionally unavailable parents? How many of us made ourselves smaller, easier to love, just to be valued?

So let me tell you something: It’s okay to be upset.

You just can’t let it consume you.

When we talk about feelings—really feeling them—we have to understand that they’re valid only when we allow ourselves to experience them. How can you move forward if you don’t first acknowledge that it hurt? That you didn’t like it?

Your voice matters. Even if someone doesn’t like what you have to say.
Your voice matters. Even if it shakes when you say it.

Something to think about, huh?

So take a moment and ask yourself:

1. Is what I need to let go still occupying my mind?
2. What emotion do I need to feel in order to truly move forward?
3. What specific action or situation is making me upset?
4. Am I upset, or is it my ego?
5. Do I need help letting this go?

I’ll see y’all next week. As always, love you!

From my desk with love,
Teisha