Emotions as Messengers, Not Enemies

Many of us have been taught that emotions are something to control, suppress, or even fear. We label certain feelings as “bad” and try to push them away, believing that if we ignore them long enough, they will disappear. But emotions don’t work that way.

Rather than being obstacles or enemies, emotions are messengers—guiding us toward deeper self-understanding, healing, and growth. When we stop resisting and start listening, we unlock the wisdom they carry.

Why Do We Struggle With Emotions?

Emotions can feel intense and overwhelming, especially if we weren’t taught how to navigate them. Some common struggles include:

• Suppressing emotions (believing “I shouldn’t feel this way”)

• Feeling stuck in emotions (ruminating or drowning in them)

• Judging emotions (“I’m weak for feeling this”)

But emotions are neither good nor bad. They are simply signals from our inner world, trying to communicate something important.

What Are Emotions Trying to Tell Us?

Each emotion has a message. Here are a few common ones:

• Anger – A boundary has been crossed. Something needs to change.

• Sadness – A loss has occurred. You need time to grieve and heal.

• Anxiety – You feel unsafe or uncertain. You may need grounding or reassurance.

• Guilt – Your actions don’t align with your values. You may need to make amends.

• Joy – You are aligned with what brings you fulfillment. Follow this path.

When we shift from reacting to emotions to listening to them, we gain clarity about what we need.

How to Befriend Your Emotions

1. Pause and Acknowledge

Instead of pushing emotions away, take a deep breath and notice them. Say to yourself: I see you. I hear you. Simply acknowledging an emotion creates space for it to move through.

2. Get Curious

Ask: What is this emotion trying to tell me? Imagine your emotion as a messenger knocking at the door. Instead of shutting it out, invite it in and listen.

3. Express Without Judgment

Find a way to process the emotion—journaling, movement, breathwork, or talking to a trusted friend. Let it move through you rather than staying trapped inside.

4. Offer Yourself Compassion

You are not wrong for feeling. Emotions are part of being human. Instead of criticizing yourself, offer kindness: It’s okay to feel this way. I am here for myself.

Emotions as Guides

When we stop seeing emotions as enemies and start treating them as messengers, we develop a deeper relationship with ourselves. Every emotion—yes, even the uncomfortable ones—holds wisdom. By listening, we cultivate self-awareness, resilience, and inner peace.

If this resonates with you, tune in to the latest episode of the Healing Energy Collective podcast, where we explore how to shift your relationship with emotions and use them as tools for healing. For more resources, join the Healing Energy Collective membership. And if you’re struggling to accept your breakup, I welcome you to join Healing from Heartbreak: Returning to Wholeness.

What is an emotion you’ve been struggling with lately?