elegant aspirations

Mental health issues are increasingly at the forefront of conversations today. Athletes are openly discussing their struggles with stress and anxiety, many people are leaving jobs in record numbers, often citing burnout and depression, and incidents of disruptive behavior have emerged everywhere—from airlines to grocery stores.

Today, we are encouraged to share our feelings in ways that were previously unthinkable. Having grown up in England, where expressing emotions was frowned upon, it’s a welcome relief to see such openness. It feels reassuring to know that we are not alone in our struggles and that there is no longer a stigma attached to revealing our feelings or seeking help.

Given the challenges we’re facing, I find myself navigating emotional turmoil with greater intensity than ever. This can be positive when we thoughtfully explore these issues and make an effort to understand why we feel the way we do. By channeling our emotions in healthy and productive ways, such as using the fear of vulnerability to cultivate empathy for others, we can create meaningful connections. Unfortunately, I am also witnessing a troubling rise in inappropriate self-expression, which is disruptive and even destructive.

So, where does healthy self-expression end, and entitled self-indulgence at the expense of others begin? I believe much of this “oversharing” stems from the misconception that by “letting it all out,” we will magically feel better, attain closure, and move on. In my experience, the reverse is often true. When we thoughtlessly unload our pain onto others without introspection, we simply create more turmoil. None of us enjoy being subjected to someone else's emotional dumping. If we want to disrupt and undermine our relationships or miss out on opportunities, that’s one effective way to achieve it. Projecting our feelings onto others often arises from a desire for self-protection; by making another person the “cause” of our pain, we conveniently avoid taking responsibility and exploring our underlying emotions. This can lead to an even deeper crisis of confidence and overwhelm, as we essentially hand over responsibility for our lives to others.

So, how can we best manage emotional overwhelm in these complicated times while protecting and caring for ourselves and those around us?

First, view this as an empowering opportunity for self-examination. No two individuals are alike; we all have unique perspectives, varying experiences, and different emotional triggers. Ask yourself honestly, "What am I bringing with me into this situation?" Until we better understand ourselves, we won’t be equipped to navigate challenges effectively, and we stand little chance of improving our circumstances.

Next, take a step back and dedicate time to critical analysis to differentiate between facts and feelings. How we feel about something is not necessarily the truth of the situation. Consider how often fear and worry have proven unfounded; what seemed threatening at first often turned out to be harmless. Just because we feel a certain way doesn’t automatically validate that feeling.

None of us are immune to emotional scars, and even with the best intentions, we can inadvertently inflict emotional wounds on others. Amidst everything we are coping with today, let’s prioritize examining and understanding ourselves and those around us. The good news is that in an unpredictable world, we retain control over our reactions to it. By caring for ourselves and treating those around us with compassion, we contribute to creating the kinder, gentler world we all seek.