Growing up can be tough. As your body grows, so does your mind. You start to feel everything deeply and try to find its meaning in this process.
One minute, you’re happy about getting a new outfit, and the next, you’re frustrated that it does not look the same as you pictured.
Yes, feeling what you’re feeling is okay.
Fear, anger, happiness, sadness, empathy, and antipathy, we all have been there.
And though it might seem overwhelming at times, each emotion has played its role in helping you navigate through life. The important part is embracing them all, even the tough ones.
Imagine your thoughts like steam in a kettle. If you keep everything bottled up, the pressure will soon build up, and if not released, it can cause an explosion—a meltdown.
Unlike a kettle that whistles under pressure, our minds don’t have an automatic warning signal.
Toni Y. Rudisill, in her journal Expressions of Me for Girls, offers a safe space for self-reflection and emotional awareness. It’s designed to help us explore our emotions, understand them, and express them in a way that feels good and empowering.
Embracing Core Emotions
Happiness
We all strive for happiness, yet it is the most difficult to attain. This emotion is dependent on certain factors that are not under our control. For some, this peasant feeling comes from attaining something like an achievement, a present, or approval from a loved one.
Today’s pop culture and social media have also greatly influenced how we feel about happiness. Most of us believe having a high-paying job, a shiny career path, and success can bring happiness.
In reality, the source of happiness is grounded in ourselves. It is also strongly connected with our physical and mental health.
Sadness
Many of us are conditioned to keep this feeling to ourselves; sadness or despair is closely related to our internal environment. Sometimes, our body’s chemical imbalances can make us feel down. Other times, it is the outer factors like people’s behavior, the weather, or a loss. If left untreated, feelings of sadness can turn into severe depression.
If you feel lethargic, withdraw from your favorite hobbies, and have the urge to keep quiet or cry, you need to find what triggered this response. Did it come from a disappointing behavior or experience, or does it have to do with your internal environment?
It’s okay to feel sad sometimes but don’t let this emotion consume your mind. Talk it out.
Fear
Fear can initiate your flight or fight response; it is the feeling that activates your survival instincts. Fear comes from danger. In this state, you breathe rapidly, and your heart rate accelerates, priming your body for an unexpected situation. Fear can also help you think more clearly in some situations.
Past trauma, objects, or familiar situations can also trigger the feeling of fear.
Anger
When you’re angry, your heart races, your muscles tense up, and sometimes you say or do things you later regret. It’s a natural response when we feel wronged, betrayed, or frustrated. However, holding onto anger can cloud your judgment and lead to bigger issues down the road.
Instead of letting it boil over, try to understand what’s causing your anger. Is it someone else’s actions or your own expectations? Finding healthy ways to release your anger, like journaling, talking it out, or exercising, can help you keep it under control and avoid a meltdown.
Disgust
There must have been moments in your life where something just didn’t sit right with you, whether it was the sight of something unpleasant or someone’s hurtful behavior. Disgust is an instinctive emotion that helps us avoid things we perceive as harmful, dirty, or morally wrong.
Wrinkling your nose or feeling a wave of nausea can be your body’s way of saying, “Stay away!” But disgust isn’t just physical; it can also be emotional or moral. You might feel disgusted by someone’s cruel actions or unfair treatment of others. It’s okay to feel disgusted; it’s your mind’s way of protecting you from things that conflict with your values or safety.
Excitement/Surprise
Excitement and surprise often go hand in hand. Whether it’s the rush of anticipation before a big event or the shock of an unexpected gift, these emotions can leave you feeling energized and alive. Excitement can motivate you to push forward and achieve great things, while surprise can shake you out of your routine and make you see things in a new light.
However, both emotions can also be overwhelming if not managed properly. It’s important to stay grounded, even in moments of excitement or surprise, so you can fully enjoy the experience without letting it take control of your actions or thoughts.
Why You Need Toni Y. Rudisill’s Journal
Growing up is hard, and having a journal like Expressions of Me for Girls can be a lifesaver. It reminds you that it’s okay to feel however you’re feeling and that you have the power to understand and manage those feelings.
The author, Toni Y. Rudisill, is a licensed counselor. She’s seen firsthand how overwhelming emotions can be and wanted to create a resource that would help girls understand and manage their feelings. Expressions of Me for Girls combines her experiences and insights to give you a safe, supportive space to work through your emotions.
So, if you’re ready to take the first step in your emotional journey, Expressions of Me for Girls is here for you. Buy your copy here.
