Hey there. I want to talk to the guys today. If you're reading this and you've ever been told to “suck it up” or “be a man,” I get it. That mindset runs deep. It’s how many of us were raised. But I’m here to tell you that carrying emotional weight in silence doesn’t make you stronger. It makes you exhausted.
For a long time, I didn’t know how to name what I was feeling. I didn’t know how to explain it to others. I wasn’t even sure if what I was feeling was valid. But I’ve learned that being able to connect with yourself, to sit with your thoughts, and to identify your emotions is one of the most powerful things you can do.
And yes, it’s scary. Especially when you’re surrounded by people who may not know how to respond when you try to open up. You might even be met with awkward silence or be dismissed altogether. But that doesn’t mean what you feel isn’t real. It just means not everyone is equipped to receive it. If those people can’t make space for your emotions or they continue to tear you down, it may be time to reevaluate who’s in your circle.
This is why I talk so much about therapy. Not every therapist will be a fit, and some people have had negative experiences. But if you find someone who helps you feel seen, it can change your entire life. Therapy, paired with daily practices like mindfulness, journaling, mirror work, and creativity, helps you connect to who you truly are. This is where the inside/out approach really shows up.
These daily practices don’t solve everything, but they help you build momentum. They get you into the habit of being honest with yourself. And over time, that honesty expands into your relationships, your routines, and your confidence.
If you’ve been carrying emotional pain for years… you don’t have to keep doing it alone. Feeling is not a weakness. It’s human. And giving yourself permission to feel might be the strongest thing you ever do.
If you’re ready to explore more tools for self-connection and growth, sign up for my daily email. Each message is designed to help you build your own inside/out approach and continue the conversation.