By Monica Vest Wheeler
Recently, I was told I was too emotional, that I needed to chill.
Well, I'll proudly wear the "too emotional" label because it makes me who I am … who I am finally at peace being.
I'd rather err on the side of humanity and authenticity. I'd rather be transparent than cloudy … even when tears blur my vision.
And because I choose to feel and share those emotions, that makes me less than perfect. I accept the role of being only human.
I gave up perfectionism several years ago, and it was one of my best decisions ever. Taking that load off my body, mind and soul opened the door to so many more life experiences that would have left me far poorer in spirit if I had missed them.
Try it if you suffer from the perfection bug. Cheaper than medicine or therapy. Also extends your life. Guaranteed!
Being "too emotional" is not easy. It can be beyond exhausting. It can make you vulnerable. It can be embarrassing. It can make some people uncomfortable.
Apparently that is what happened to the person who labeled me "too emotional."
I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry …
I've spent much of my life apologizing … for what, I'm not exactly sure. A lot of folks have asked, "What are you apologizing for?" And it's a hard habit to explain. I just wanted to make sure I hadn't bothered or inconvenienced or offended anyone … almost everyone I encountered.
Oh, how ridiculous! And it's an even harder habit to break!
The other day, while saying goodbye to a friend here in Peoria, I got teary-eyed again and tried to hide it. Putting her arm around me, she gave me the greatest gift by saying, "I know you're crying, hon. It's okay."
There are moments and connections and words and love that frequently tickle my tear ducts these days. I guess God wired me with extra tears, and I MUST produce! It's amazing I haven't short-circuited yet.
Maybe it just gives me more power and energy to live … and love.
I gave up perfectionism several years ago, and it was one of my best decisions ever. Taking that load off my body, mind and soul opened the door to so many more life experiences that would have left me far poorer in spirit if I had missed them.
Try it if you suffer from the perfection bug. Cheaper than medicine or therapy. Also extends your life. Guaranteed!
Being "too emotional" is not easy. It can be beyond exhausting. It can make you vulnerable. It can be embarrassing. It can make some people uncomfortable.
Apparently that is what happened to the person who labeled me "too emotional."
I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry …
I've spent much of my life apologizing … for what, I'm not exactly sure. A lot of folks have asked, "What are you apologizing for?" And it's a hard habit to explain. I just wanted to make sure I hadn't bothered or inconvenienced or offended anyone … almost everyone I encountered.
Oh, how ridiculous! And it's an even harder habit to break!
The other day, while saying goodbye to a friend here in Peoria, I got teary-eyed again and tried to hide it. Putting her arm around me, she gave me the greatest gift by saying, "I know you're crying, hon. It's okay."
There are moments and connections and words and love that frequently tickle my tear ducts these days. I guess God wired me with extra tears, and I MUST produce! It's amazing I haven't short-circuited yet.
Maybe it just gives me more power and energy to live … and love.
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