Friend...

Sometimes, we face tough decisions, and our instinct is to push our feelings aside. We tell ourselves we’ll deal with them later—when we have more time, when things aren’t as stressful, when we feel ready.

But here’s the thing: if you don’t process your emotions, they don’t just disappear. They wait.

And then, at the most random moment, they come crashing in.

I used to tell my clients that avoiding emotions is like making them wait in line. They don’t leave. They just stand there, waiting their turn. And when that line gets too long? They all rush forward at once.

Ever had a moment where something small sets you off—like your card getting declined at the grocery store, when you just deposited your check?!?!? And suddenly, you feel an overwhelming surge of frustration? It’s not really about the card. It’s about everything else you’ve been holding in, finally demanding attention.

So how do you avoid this emotional pile-up? You process what you’re feeling before it builds up. There’s no one-size-fits-all way to do this—it’s about finding what works for you. Maybe it’s boxing, cycling, or a long walk. Maybe it’s journaling or sitting in silence. The key is making space for those emotions instead of shoving them to the back of the line.

Here’s how you can start practicing today:

1. Consider Journaling. Practice writing down your emotions - Say the things you don't want anyone to hear!
2. Engage in activities that help you process. Move your body, write things out, or simply sit with your thoughts.
3. Give yourself permission to feel. Let emotions come up instead of stuffing them down. The sooner you acknowledge them, the less power they have over you later.

Strategic thinking works best when we’ve made space for our emotions first. The goal isn’t to suppress what we feel—it’s to understand it, process it, and then decide how we want to respond.

So this week, take a moment. Check in with yourself. Make space for what’s there.

P.S. I’d love to hear—what’s one way you make time to process your emotions? Hit reply and let me know.

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