b i g f e e l i n g s

a.k.a the newsletter inspired by WILLOW at 1 AM

I have such big feelings.

…and right now, they’re so big that I can’t sleep. I won’t fake the funk - as much as I would love to say that May is feeling fresh and new… we’re only three days in, and it’s giving, “same girl, new mess”!

I’m self-aware enough to know that wallowing in this negative energy at the beginning of the month does not serve me. In fact, it confirms that I have some inner work to do.

This month, I want to spend more time in meditation and journal about some of these big feelings. I never thought that I was the meditation type—with my mind always wandering and my eyes never staying closed. However, through “open awareness” meditation, you’re encouraged to observe your thoughts, emotions, and sensations without actively engaging or trying to control them.

I like to be in a space that encourages the flow of energy. An open space where your thoughts can boomerang without hitting a wall (seriously, it’s a thing - like a feng shui thing - I’ll probably write a note about it later). Being outside before noon, when the air is still fresh, the neighborhood isn’t too busy, and there’s still a level of calm outside, is currently my optimal vibe. But when the weather doesn’t permit, I sit on the bean bag in my basement, light incense, and use my sunlamp to emulate the warmth of the sun while I process.

This is still a fairly new experience for me, so there may be changes to the routine as we grow, but in the meantime, I thought I would share the affirmations and journal prompts that I’m focusing on for this month and would love to know if you adopt any for your own use.

Affirmations:

I release negative thoughts and replace them with empowering beliefs.

I am resilient, and I face each day with a positive mindset.

I inhale my dreams and exhale my fears.

I manifest things as they should be, not as I want them.

I release what doesn’t reciprocate my energy.

I release the need to compare myself to others and focus on my own journey of self-love.

Journal Prompts:

What do I need to let go of (people, things, feelings…) to move forward this month?

Am I happy with life right now? If not, what can I change? If yes - what are the things that make me happy, and how can I keep that energy flowing consistently?

List everything you appreciate about yourself (write until you have nothing left).

Review a goal that feels overwhelming and break it down into digestible chunks!

Write a love letter to yourself. Compliment yourself (physically and mentally) and say what you wish others would notice or say. When you’re done, keep it somewhere where you can read it to yourself whenever you need kind words.

List all the ways you can ensure your cup is filled before giving yourself to others.

As I bring this letter to a close, here’s my gentle reminder that having big feelings isn’t all that bad. Big feelings often mean big, beautiful personalities. Let this be your month to blossom, just like flowers after the rain. Remember, the rain nourishes growth, but it's your responsibility to continue nourishing yourself to flourish and fulfill your purpose.

And if you need a new song that puts a little pep in your step without sounding too angsty, let Willow lead the way to journaling through those big feelings.