I’ve been feeling some pretty big feelings lately. When I share that, it has a tendency to make a lot of people uncomfortable because my circle and the people I serve are used to my default settings, which are:
♦️Happy Jenn,
♦️Find the Silver Lining Jenn,
♦️I Will Hold Space for You as You Process YOUR Pain Jenn,
♦️Empower Others Jenn,
♦️Shiny Make the World a Better Place Jenn,
♦️Find Hearts on the Sidewalk Jenn,
♦️Make Art Jenn,
♦️The Glue That Holds It All Together Jenn.
For me, empowering others has never been about pretending things are fine when they aren’t. It’s not about being false positive at all costs. It’s not about pretending there are no hardships or consequences for actions. It’s about reminding you that you get to be the depth and breadth of your experiences and your emotions…and if you can do that without deliberately hurting yourself or other people or causing collateral damage along the way, you get to feel what you need to feel while you figure it out, without apology.
There’s been a lot coming at me at once. Like, a lot a lot. Like dodgeball a lot. What I am experiencing as a result is totally normal because feeling a broad spectrum of emotions isn’t only for the sensitive people or the softies or the snowflakes. But sometimes, as a society, we are taught that. We are taught by adults who insist on false positivity and/or don’t let us sit with and process uncomfortable emotions (likely due to their discomfort with uncomfortable emotions). We are taught that we are more lovable and that society will like us better if we are happier, have fewer emotional needs, and could just suck it up and deal with it.
I call bullshit.
Being a human is hard. For me, empowering others has never been about erasing the hard stuff; it’s always been about helping people find the tools they need when they need them. It’s about making the bumpy roads less jarring. It’s been about community and safe spaces and support. And, giving people permission in a world where permission is hard to come by because perfectionism and façades are so rampant.
I want to remind you that your big emotions are valid, too. And you get to feel them in whatever way makes the most sense for you (I have been spending lots of time with my trusty journal, and both asking for and taking space when I need it). You don’t get to be cruel while you are finding answers and figuring it all out, you get to choose to share or not share, and you are not responsible for the feelings generated when you state your needs or share your truth. Even warriors and pathfinders have to reflect and reevaluate.
You are not weak because you feel.
Take the time you need.
Use your healthy, effective tools.
You have permission.
I love you. 
(*Photo Credit: my oldest daughter; Petal Placement: my youngest daughter)