Day 25 of 100 Days of Hope
The Gift of Feeling Again
So often, we numb ourselves into not feeling anything at all. Why? Because emotions can feel scary. They are unpredictable, unruly, and often uncomfortable. For many of us, avoiding our emotions feels safer than facing them.
But what if feeling your emotions could actually bring you more hope, joy, and connection?
Why We Numb
Brené Brown, researcher and author, explains it beautifully in The Gifts of Imperfection:
“We cannot selectively numb emotions. When we numb the painful emotions, we also numb the positive emotions.”
In other words, when we try to escape sadness, grief, or anger, we also cut ourselves off from joy, love, and belonging. Instead of living fully, we exist in a fog—safe perhaps, but disconnected and unfulfilled.
That was my story for years. I thought if I stayed busy enough, I could outrun my feelings. I convinced myself I was stronger for not letting emotions “get to me.” But in reality, the more I avoided, the emptier and more hopeless I became.
The Turning Point
Everything began to shift when I gave myself permission to feel. To feel all of it. To ask myself:
What am I really experiencing right now?
What is this feeling here to tell me?
What would happen if I shared this with someone I trust?
At first, it felt risky and uncomfortable. But what I found was a miracle. When I allowed myself to feel, I began to trust myself. My emotions stopped being threats and became guides. They reconnected me to my intuition, helping me discern what truly brought me peace and joy.
The Power of Vulnerability
In Daring Greatly, Brené Brown shares another powerful truth:
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity.”
When I learned to be vulnerable—crying when I needed to, sharing openly with those I love, and no longer hiding from my feelings—I discovered a new kind of freedom. Vulnerability connected me more deeply to God, to others, and to myself.
This morning, as I sat in the temple, I felt close to my ancestors whose work I’ve done. I could feel their love. I could feel covenant power working in my life. And I realized how allowing myself to feel has opened me up to those sacred connections.
Emotions as Blessings
Here’s the truth: emotions are not obstacles. They are blessings. They are signposts pointing us toward what matters most. They guide us back to joy, love, and connection—if we are willing to let them flow through us.
So today I invite you to pause and ask yourself:
What emotions am I resisting right now?
What might change if I simply allowed myself to feel them?
How could my emotions guide me toward greater joy and hope?
May you give yourself permission to feel again. In doing so, you may discover the very hope and joy you’ve been longing for.
Here is a short video for you.
Many blessings,
Julie Burningham
The Hope Coach