The Quiet Storm: Why Women Suppress Big Emotions (and What to Do About It)

We've all been there. That lump in your throat, the burning behind your eyes, the pure RAGE and sudden urge to scream into a pillow - but there is no pillow... Only kids looking up at you or people staring at the crazy woman!

As women, we're often conditioned from a young age to be the "calm" ones, the people pleasers, the ones who "keep it together." We learn to tuck away those "big" emotions – anger, grief, fear, even intense joy – because they're deemed "unladylike," "dramatic," or simply inconvenient.

But what happens when we constantly suppress these feelings? They don't just disappear. Instead, they fester. They can manifest as anxiety, depression, physical ailments, or even explosive outbursts. We become disconnected from our true selves, losing touch with the vibrant, complex tapestry of our inner world. We might even start to forget what we’re truly feeling in the first place.

The truth is, emotions are energy in motion. They need to flow. Suppressing them is like trying to hold back a tidal wave – eventually, it's going to break through. The key isn't to eliminate these feelings (that's impossible!), but to learn how to navigate them in a healthy way.

So, where do we start? Here are a few tips for moving through your emotions:

• Name it to tame it: The first step is acknowledging what you're feeling. Instead of saying "I'm fine" when you're anything but, try to pinpoint the specific emotion. Is it frustration? Resentment? Disappointment? Giving your feeling a name helps you understand it better. Writing it down in a journal can also help.

• Feel the feels: This might seem obvious, but it's crucial. Allow yourself to actually feel the emotion without judgment. Don't try to push it away or analyse it just yet. Simply sit with it, notice the physical sensations in your body, and let it be.

• Move your body: Physical movement can be a powerful way to release pent-up emotions. Dance, go for a run, do some yoga, or simply shake it out. Movement helps to shift the energy and create space for emotions to flow.

• Express yourself: Find healthy outlets for expressing your emotions. This could be through journaling, talking to a trusted friend, creating art, or even just screaming into a pillow or into the wind in a forest whilst walking the dog.

• Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself during this process. Emotions can be messy and uncomfortable, but they're a natural part of being human. Don't beat yourself up for feeling what you feel.

  
  

Ready to dive deeper into your emotional landscape and discover the power within?

I invite you to join me for The Roar Within, an in person half-day retreat on March 9th. This is a safe and supportive space for women to explore their emotions through movement, shaking, chanting, breathing exercises, and a deeply restorative sound bath. We'll be connecting with our bodies, releasing what no longer serves us, and igniting the fire within.

The Roar Within is more than just a retreat; it's an opportunity to reclaim your authentic self and learn practical tools for navigating your emotional world with grace and power. Are you ready to unleash your inner roar?

Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1219095490429?aff=oddtdtcreator