Myth Busting: Is It Normal To Feel (X)?

Let’s bust the myth that what we feel is not “normal”. Every person has a unique way of interpreting the world and experiencing feelings.

There is no normal way.

Just a quick reminder that however you feel is ok. When we try to compare our feelings to what is “normal”, we invalidate our experiences, confuse our minds into believing that our natural compass is not to be trusted.

This can lead us to rely on others and take us down paths that we didn't choose for ourselves. Let’s begin by acknowledging where we are at and validating that however we feel is ok and right for us. 

It is only natural to try to “fit in”. However, what mold are we trying to fit ourselves into? How do we know what is normal and what is not? Are we looking towards our family or friends to show us what is normal? Are we looking to social media to give us this example to follow? 

When we begin to break down our sources, we can see that what we perceive to be “normal” is really our own interpretation of how others feel.

We know that social media most of the time is not a good representation of authenticity. We know that even our closest friends and family may not share their deepest emotions and feelings with us as they unfold.

So as we attempt to qualify our emotions and see just how they stack up to the “norm”, let’s take a moment and question the sources we are positioning our own authentic natural experiences up against. 

The thought of trusting yourself, your gut, your internal compass, takes a lot of courage and confidence. If you are not feeling particularly brave or confident, it does not mean that this process takes overcoming these large hurdles before you are able to listen and move forward. 

If you begin by just tuning in, you can hear your internal voice. It may be covered under many layers and may take some time to find. Stay with it and let your voice emerge. 

If you are having trouble figuring out how you feel or how you think, you can aim to find your voice by doing something calming and focused. This could be meditating for some, cooking for others, taking a walk in nature or sitting and reading a book. Use what works for you. 

If you are able to hear your inner voice, your feelings, your thoughts. Be gentle with yourself. You may not like what you hear. You may disagree or feel that you wish you didn’t feel this way. Resist the resistance, the critique and desire to compare. 

Simply acknowledge where you are, how you feel and what you think. Begin by telling yourself it is ok.

I am ok.

My thoughts, my feelings, my heart and head, we’re all ok.