2023 Word of the Year: FEAR: Feelings Expressed Allow Relief

 

Boats along Hudson River Greenway. New York City. September 2022. Credit: Mzuriana.

 

FEAR: Feelings Expressed Allow Relief. 

There are so many angles from which to look at what's meant by "expressing feelings." To myself? To the person or group who provoked said feelings? Or to a third party about the provocateur(s)? And are we talking about negative feelings (fear?)? Or are we throwing in the positive feelings, as well?

I read something recently - the source since forgotten - that resonated: When it comes to expressing one's Big Negative or Fear-Filled Feelings (aka resentments) to someone in our family-and-friend circles, it is best to wait until our wound has healed into a scar. If the psychic injury still bleeds or if the infectious agent is still virulent, we are likely to incur fresh harm. Or perhaps to inflict same to the other person. 

These days, I seek equilibrium, serenity, peace, stability - stability as in the stability of a sturdy little boat in churning waters. The water is choppy, but the sturdy little boat is sound and seaworthy. It can right itself in a storm.

If I let it do what it's built to do. If I remain calm. 

So express my feelings? Sure, that's a good thing. But first I want to pause, to gather peace to me. To express those feelings when I've collected my calm in my sturdy little boat.