Week 10: Embracing Complex Emotions

Embracing Complex Emotions: My Not-So-Graceful Journey Through Anger, Fear, and Sadness

Emotions are wild. One minute, you’re fine, sipping your morning coffee, and the next, you’re spiraling because someone took the last parking spot at the grocery store. (Yes, I saw you, Karen.) But instead of stuffing these emotions down like an overstuffed suitcase, I’ve been learning to actually process them. Mind-blowing, right?

The Old Me: Emotional Avoidance Expert

I used to think “feeling my feelings” meant eating ice cream straight from the carton while binge-watching reality TV. (Spoiler: It didn’t work.) My go-to strategy for dealing with anger, fear, or sadness was simple—don’t. If I ignored them long enough, surely they’d just disappear! Unfortunately, emotions are like toddlers: the more you ignore them, the louder they get.

The Wake-Up Call: Feelings Don’t Expire Like Milk

At some point in my journey (shoutout to Celebrate Recovery and a whole lot of self-help books), I realized my emotions weren’t the enemy. In fact, they were just trying to help me—though in an aggressive, sometimes inconvenient way. Anger wasn’t just rage; it was a signal that my boundaries were being crossed. Fear wasn’t always irrational; sometimes, it was a reminder to be cautious. And sadness? Well, turns out it wasn’t a weakness—it was just love in a different outfit.

The New Me: Processing Like a Pro (Okay, More Like an Amateur, But Still)

So how do I handle emotions now? Let’s just say I have a few new tricks up my sleeve:

• Anger: Instead of bottling it up like a shaken soda can, I channel it into movement—walks, journaling, or gasp actually addressing the issue. (Who knew communication was a thing?)
• Fear: I ask myself, “Is this a real threat or just my overthinking Olympics?” If it’s real, I make a plan. If it’s just my brain being extra, I breathe and remind myself that not all fear needs a response.
• Sadness: Instead of labeling it as “bad,” I allow myself to feel it. A good cry, a heartfelt chat, or even a sad playlist moment can be healing. And spoiler alert—it always passes.

The Takeaway: Emotions Are Friends (Even the Messy Ones)

At the end of the day, emotions aren’t the villains of our story. They’re just messengers, here to help us understand ourselves better. And while I may not have it all figured out, I’m a lot more open to embracing the ups, downs, and everything in between.

If you’re on a similar journey, know that you’re not alone. Feel your feelings, process them in ways that serve you, and maybe—just maybe—save the ice cream for celebrations instead.

Want to hear more about my emotional rollercoaster? Check out my blog, JourneyOnStrong.com, where I overshare in the name of growth!

Join me on this blogging challenge. Visit the page and download the PDF. I would love to read your story! 

• Week 10 – Blogging Challenge for Codependency Recovery:
  • What Does Freedom from Codependency Look Like?: Describe your ideal, codependency-free life.
• Week 10– Blogging Challenge for Advanced Codependency Recovery:
  • Embracing Complex Emotions: Reflect on how you’ve learned to process anger, fear, or sadness constructively.

#CodependencyChallenge2025