The gentle start this month has given me is a blessing.
Last month was very challenging—emotionally, physically, and mentally. It was almost like every time I thought I would breathe easy, something else pulled me deeper into the unknown. Between missing my family in the Dominican Republic, missing my friends, getting used to a new state, learning my new job, and finding out that one of my closest cousins passed away, every emotion felt like a magnitude-nine earthquake. It wrecked me. During those moments of feeling nothing and everything at the same time, all I could do was allow myself to be present instead of trying to occupy my time with chores that were not a priority. The more I fought my emotions, the stronger I felt them. There were days when I couldn’t stop crying at all; the tears fell effortlessly as if they came from past versions of myself that were unable to cry before. I even wondered if I would run out of tears because it felt never-ending. Still, even then, life reminded me that crying is like a hug softening all the heartache inside—it is an act of intimacy and vulnerability with ourselves.
Do not rush the seasons in your life; experience each of them with grace, and allow yourself to stay present through the ups, the downs, and the lessons.
Vulnerability is the liberation of the self.
I have always been someone who is extremely passionate when it comes to showing love to the people in my life and also, showing my emotions. At the same time, feeling deeply could blind us from clarity. I learned this lesson a couple of years ago and had to slowly understand that emotions, when projected onto someone from a place of fear or trauma, have the potential to be deceiving. In those moments, clear and intentional communication is important, as well as feeling safe when discussing sensitive subjects that you have yet to heal from. This is why having a healthy community (family, friends, significant other, etc.) is essential to anyone—as human beings, we are not meant to go through everything alone; we need our tribe.
To The Ones Who Feel Deeply
As individuals who feel deeply, we must allow others to hold us accountable when our emotions drift us away from reality. It is easy to give in to certain thoughts and forget that emotions are temporary (good or bad). And so, we want to remind ourselves that we are human and that what we feel during difficult times does not define us.
Do not feed the thoughts that make you forget that your existence in this world is beautiful.
Poem: “Home” pg. 121 from my book Agridulce.
Writing and Reflective Prompts
When I can’t find the words to express how I feel, what’s another way to calm my heart?
I feel the safest when …
Write a short letter dedicated to the people in your life who make you feel loved and seen.
What is this emotion telling me? What does it need from me?
Why am I trying to hide this emotion? Give a name.
How can I be kinder to myself at this moment? Make a list or write in paragraph form.
Announcement
I will be offering my signature master class “Branding Your Writing Profile” every month via Zoom and you’re the first one to know!!
About this class: Branding Your Creative Profile is a two-hour-and-a-half class that will provide writers with the essential tools to promote their work, create content, and pitch for collaborations. This class is divided into two sessions: Know Your Purpose + Creative Presence and Promoting and Networking. In addition, all participants will receive a writing resource guide and a free 30-minute mentorship section with me.