The funny thing about feelings
Feelings don't unfold the way we expect them to.
We expect a promotion to make us happy... but end up actually feeling overwhelmed.
We expect a loss to make us sad... but end up actually feeling relieved.
We expect a conversation to make us mad... but end up actually feeling calm.
Or perhaps we expect to feel just one pure emotion, like happiness, and end up feeling a simultaneous mix of many others, like fear, excitement, worry, envy, anger and sorrow.
Whatever you're feeling, don't judge yourself for it. Your emotions are unfolding privately within you and they do not require an explanation, a justification, or an apology.
When we shame ourselves for feeling whatever we're naturally feeling, it just leads to additional pain.
Say to yourself, "Whatever I am feeling, it is okay. I may not have anticipated these feelings, but it doesn't mean that they're wrong or bad. It's just my current authentic experience."
