Most of us carry around stuff that we no longer need. Typically, people hold on to feelings of fear, guilt, worry, disappointments or regrets. Maybe we hold on to the “would haves”, could haves”, or “should haves”. Perhaps we hold onto the message of “I’m not good enough.”
If you feel that you give your best, work hard and try hard but still can’t let things go, you are carrying an emotional burden. Other signs you are carrying unnecessary weight is living in the past or knowing you deserve better and continue to choose comfort over change. Also, constantly beating yourself up and thinking that somehow you should be more, do more, be better, and don’t measure up are signs you carry an emotional burden.
The greatest breakthrough I have seen in my clients is the moment they realized they simply don’t need to carry all of it. There is incredible freedom in this revelation. Most don’t realize how heavy this emotional weight is to carry. Being weighed down causes a tremendous amount of suffering and it can keep you from enjoying your life.
Therapy gives you a safe place to let out your fears, worries, frustrations, confusion and other feelings. Determining which weight you can let go of frees you up to deal with that which is most important. Changing how you deal with things and making yourself a priority will provide a pathway to hope, healing and understanding.
Carrie
