I've always been accused of being too sensitive, too feeling. I've continually heard, "just get over it; “don’t be so sensitive;” or that I should “"toughen up” and grow a thicker skin. Although I have heard this advice so much over my life, I have never seen it make anyone happy and I've watched countless people being taken down by their need to show how strong and together they are. Perhaps, you too have been advised to become tougher or perhaps you take great pride in walling off your emotions and then telling everyone in your life that they "should" get tougher-they should stay in their minds like you do and avoid emotions at all cost-because that makes you feel strong. Today, no matter how much you pride yourself in your thinking and your avoidance of emotion, no matter how much you've judged other people for their feelings, it is time for you to actually feel your feelings and know that in reality that is what makes you strong. Today, do not try to have a thicker skin because in doing you end up just bottling your feelings up inside, pushing away how you feel in hopes it looks like you are being strong. In some way it is like trying to avoid your own shadow. You believe it’s gone because it’s behind you, but it’s totally visible to anyone else who cares to look.

Today, do not try to be any stronger than you are; recognize and acknowledge your feelings and know that your sensitivity in reality gives you strength, power and true wisdom. And, ignoring them keeps you stuck and unable to move forward. Today, recognize that you are strong enough to handle your challenges, wise enough to find solutions to your problems and capable enough to do whatever needs to get done. And recognize that by acknowledging your feelings you will gain the strength to stop surviving and begin thriving.

Just for today, I listen to my feelings and I am gentle with myself. I know that all my feelings are my friends. I am safe when I express my emotions. I can remain serene in all situations. I am safe and secure in my world. Life supports me in every possible way and everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.