From Deflecting to Reflecting: How I’m Learning to Sit With My Emotions (Instead of Running From Them)

Once upon a not-so-long-ago time, I thought being “strong” smiles through pan and dodging deep convos. Spoiler alert: that was just survival, not strength.

Here’s the real deal: you can’t heal what you don’t feel. Learned this the hard way…. cue the tough talks and lonely nights.

From Dodging to Reflecting

I used to fake my way out of discomfort. “It’s not that deep,” or “fuck it” I’d say, avoiding accountability. Now, when something stings, I ask:

• Why am I triggered?
• What’s this emotion teaching me?
• Is this about now or an old wound?

Reflecting ain’t always fun, but it’s honest. And healing starts there.

Navigating Tough Talks

Growing up, I learned to keep the peace, often at the cost of my voice. Conflict meant silence or explosions. Now, I’m finding the sweet spot called communication. It’s messy, but worth it. And given that I am a true Gemini, communication is what I need!

Here’s what helps:

• Pause before reacting.
• Name my feelings.
• Listen to understand, not just defend.
• And reminding myself that’s it’s ok to not have an answer . Listen, think, reflect..

Still a work in progress, but I’m speaking anyway.

Embracing All the Feels

I’ve cried more this year than ever, not out of weakness but release. I’m letting emotions flow tears, anger, sadness, joy. Turns out, feeling it all makes me stronger. I grew up suppressing my feelings which isn’t healthy!!

Lessons Learned

• Boundaries are bridges, not walls.
• Understanding > winning arguments.
• Vulnerability is a strength.

Becoming emotionally fluent is a journey, but it’s radical self-love.

Let’s Chat

Are you in your reflecting era too? Still finding the words. We’re all a work in progress here.