When you’re a woman with big dreams and big ambition, you wake up each day knowing that you have a choice. You know you can choose how to move through your day, how to interact with others, how to behave.
But where we seem to have no choice is with our feelings, and how we feel can impact everything: our productivity, relationships, confidence and communication.
It can be frustrating confusing to have your feelings at odds with your plans. Adding to the challenge of your own frustration, we live in a world that says some feelings are “bad”.
Bulls#it.
The truth is, we live in a world that’s afraid to feel, and as a result, we live in a world that’s at odds with women, because women are designed to feel a lot. No wonder so many of us have challenges with having deep friendships, meaningful partnerships, and feeling self-love — we live in a world that says we’re built wrong, so we walk through life trying to hide our true feelings.
As women, we have 2 choices: feel or go numb. When you’re numb, your relationships are shallow and your ambitions lack deep meaning. You can cross things off your To Do list, but when you’re not working, you’ll reach to every possible distraction you can (food, television, gossip and alcohol) to keep the feelings at bay. When you’re numb, you’re alive, but not living.
So how do we get things done, without going numb? Feel.
When we’re willing to feel the feelings, they pass, and often more quickly than we think. When we allow the feelings to be fully felt, they move through us, leaving imprints of inspiration for us to bring into our actions.
Because I believe that sisterhood is the best space to support a woman’s freedom, I share this ode to women, from my heart to yours. Next time you’re feeling something big, share it with a girlfriend. It’s time we take a stand for our sisters.
May you feel.
I am a woman.
I love deeply and feel a lot. Sometimes I feel several emotions that seem to be at odds, all at the same time. Sometimes they come in waves, one clearing the path for the next to roll in. I am learning to feel love, for others and for myself, when I am feeling hurt or angry. I am even learning to love the hurt and anger.
I keep learning how to hurt and love, and love hurt, to heal the planet. Yes, I feel to heal the planet…because I want a world where people know that they are loved for being and that they can create anything they want. And to give that, I have to be that. I’m willing to walk through the fire to learn, even though sometimes it appears to be lonelier and more challenging than watching crappy television and staying at a job you hate, saving the enjoyment of life for the weekends. Yes, that life seems more simple, but I can’t go back. Instead, I’m willing to walk through this fire sometimes, to experience being alive all the time, so I can give the gift of life.
I am a woman. Don’t try to understand me too much, because as soon as you think you understand, I’ve already become new again. Instead, feel me. I am an ocean, and I know an ocean is a lot to feel, but when you swim in my waters you will see that life is rich here, and that feelings aren’t so scary after all.
Join the conversation. In the comments below, share with some sisters: how are you allowing yourself to feel today?
I love this ode/poem. What resonated with me most was “I’m willing to walk through this fire sometimes” because for me too, experiencing is the ‘bad’ is always a start to transforming something into the GREAT!
Thx for this Nisha! xo Ritu
Beautiful, Ritu, thank you for sharing.
That willingness is key…
Much Love,
Nisha
Thanks, Nisha! This is beautiful and I really needed to hear it today. I’m sure you touched many women with your words. I shared it with my social media peeps. I know that usually when I’m feeling in need of encouragement lots of other folks are too. Thanks, again!
Thank you, Ruth! I am so glad this
made a difference for you, sister.
xo,
Nisha
I second Ritu: love the ode/poem 🙂
I allow myself to feel a tired today , slow down + remove items on my to do list. I will go bask in the sun instead.
Aaaaaahhhh.
Beautiful, Caroline 🙂
Absolutely beautiful. Brought me to tears, and it felt pretty good to *feel* that. 🙂
xo
Thank you, Sara Love 🙂 xox
Much love.
Loved this.
I need to feel. In need of some radical self-love.
<3 Thank You
You are strong enough and well-resourced enough
to handle it…lean on your sisters, Nadia 🙂
We’ve got you!
Much Love,
Nisha
Excellent post and very timely – thanks for writing it.
Thank you so much, Rachel!
Yes yes yes. I’ve spent most of my life being told that feeling too much was bad. Bullsh#t 😉
Yes! Why would we be given the capacity,
if not to use it? xox
I love how your words so beautifully reflect the heart & soul of us women.
Thank you, Nisha, for continually reminding me of the power of sisterhood… I’m such an introvert and your words are like little love slaps in the face, reminding me I’m not the only one feeling this way and that it’s so important for us to connect with other women and support each other in this journey.
Thank you so much, dear Alex <3
Yes, we are designed to be together!
xo
Nisha
Love your poetess-ness Nisha! Today I am going to allow myself to feel by not putting plaster around my heart when fear starts creeping in. I’m going to be curious about the fear and ask the fear directly what it wants me to know about who I am really created to be. Fear is always an indicator of something. Like you said, so beautifully: “When we allow the feelings to be fully felt, they move through us, leaving imprints of inspiration for us to bring into our actions.”
Grace & Peace to you today!
Morgan, I am swimming in your wisdom.
YES.
Fear is natural; fear is an indicator
and a supporter and a teacher.
Love this. Thank you!
xo
Nisha
Your last 2 emails hit home for me. This last one especially. My vibration took a hit this morning and I let my ego step in briefly. I have so much on my plate right now; going all in and quitting a job to really concentrate on my new business, more classes, and just got engaged! All of it great! But scary because it’s transformation time again. I needed this letter this morning and I am totally sharing your beautiful insight my FB tribe. Thanks and keep the amazing motivation flowing! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing, Carolyn,
and congratulations on all the beautiful
blossomings in your life right now!
Keep sharing with your sisters.
We make the ride sweeter and smoother.
Much Love,
Nisha
Love this Ode to Women!
I live by the sea… this ode resonated with me because I feel most “connected” when standing on the shore with my toes in the frigid ocean. It is when I know I am alive.