Emotions Must Be Expressed.

Express yourself.

Self-expression can be achieved in many ways. Ten easy ways to express emotions are:

1.       Talking and sharing

2.       Writing and reflecting

3.       Kvetching and complaining

4.       Singing and songwriting

5.       Listening to music

6.       Cooking and entertaining

7.       Drawing or painting

8.       Driving and admiring the landscape

9.       Dancing

10.     Shopping

People who stifle their feelings and emotions get stuffed up. People who get stuffed up, get stuck. If unable to connect with feelings, we can become disconnected from ourselves and others and suffer emotional disorders. When faced with traumatic circumstances, we can shut down completely or find ourselves unable to solve problems. Traumatic events like hurricane Katrina, 9/ll, or witnessing death and destruction can lead to PTSD and depression if we are unable to express feelings and emotions.

However we choose to express emotions, it’s important to remember that emotions must be expressed. Whether expressed willingly or involuntarily, emotions will rise to the surface causing us to “act out” or “act in.”  When we “act out,” unexpressed emotions can cause us to take dangerous risks. When emotions are kept in, we can develop physical illnesses. With so many ways to express emotions, we can stay connected to ourselves and others.