Self-Love & Healing

Have you ever felt so pained about something that you didn’t know how to explain it? Like being triggered by hearing a child crying or a sudden feeling of anger by someone’s comments? The message is hidden in your emotions.   Where do these emotions come from? Have you taken time to reflect on your childhood and how you were raised? Did your feelings matter? Were they validated? If you were constantly told not to cry when you were hurting. These reflections will help you understand where you learnt how to manage your emotions and your response to them.   But here’s the truth: there is a message hidden in your emotions, and ignoring them doesn’t make them disappear.   Emotions Are Inner Messengers Our emotions aren’t some random feelings that just pop up. They don’t show up to ruin our day—or to bring us joy. They’re signals that your attention is needed. Have you ever been so upset about someone’s actions that you were moved with rage? That feeling? I have been there.   Every emotion carries a message. Fear keeps us from danger. Guilt pushes us to apologise. Sadness tells us that something or someone is of value to us. Paying attention to our emotions serves as a guide towards our healing.   Why Do We Ignore Our Emotions? As adults, we are shaped by those who raised us and the environment in which we were raised. Our background plays a major role in how we deal with emotions. If you grew up in a home where emotions were dismissed, you learn to conceal yours. Sometimes, we feel silence is the best way to survive our emotions. But what worked as a child can become harmful as an adult.   Stop Silencing Your Emotions Pretending to be okay when you’re not is suppressing your emotions.   It’s time to connect to our inner selves and listen to our emotions. Our society is filled with people carrying years of unprocessed emotions, many of whom end up hurting others.  Growing up, we didn’t know any better. We thought hitting or yelling was okay, but now we know, it’s not. This journey of understanding my emotions has been an amazing experience for me. I am growing in self-awareness and in how I show up.   Gentle Reminders It’s not okay to hurt others because you are hurting. Running from your emotions won’t make them go away, but learning to walk through them. True courage lies in embracing, not hiding, your feelings. The message hidden in your emotion is an invitation to grow, heal, and become. Allow yourself to feel. Pause and ask: What is this emotion telling me? We don’t need to have it all figured out. Healing begins with awareness.   Growth and healing are waiting on the other side.

I used to think I had my emotions under control until an unexpected outburst some time ago set me straight. I didn’t realise how much I had bottled up; a small trigger sent me off from who I thought I was.   That day made me realise I didn’t know myself as I thought, and if I didn’t start working on my emotions, I would bleed on those who didn’t cut me. I had to start paying more attention to my triggers, patterns, and my environment.   Have you found yourself angry and can’t pinpoint the reason? We sometimes brush off these emotions, thinking they will just disappear, but they don’t. They simply linger in the background, silently shaping our moods and choices.   Emotional awareness isn’t just a phrase; it is a “game-changer”. Being intentional about practising it will change everything for you.   What Is Emotional Awareness? Emotional awareness means recognising what you are feeling and why. It’s the ability to identify and express your emotions and understand how your actions are influenced. Emotional awareness also allows you to understand what others are feeling and to empathise with them.   Why Emotional Awareness? Before my emotional awareness journey, I didn’t pay much attention to my feelings. I used to think they would fade away, and I would be fine. Little did I know, I was a hot volcano waiting to erupt. Emotions like anger, fear, joy, and sadness are part of what makes us human.   “Emotional awareness is not about controlling your feelings—it’s about understanding them so they don’t control you.” Our emotions drive our behaviour, and without awareness of what we are feeling, it becomes impossible to fully understand who we are.   With emotional awareness, I have learnt to pause and reflect: What emotion am I feeling? Where is it coming from? What do I need? These regular check-ins help me manage my feelings and overwhelm. I feel more connected to myself and those around me.   Not Every Emotion Needs a Reaction One of the biggest gifts emotional awareness gives is choice. The choice to walk away from a heated moment. The choice to respond with calm instead of anger. The knowledge to understand and empathise with others You’re not “Too Emotional”, but human Many of us grew up hearing phrases like: “Is that why you are crying?” “Do you want me to give you a reason to cry?” “You are too sensitive.” “Stop taking it too seriously.” Phrases like these teach us to hide our emotions or be ashamed of expressing them.   Gentle Reminder: You are human, and it’s okay to have emotions. You are not too much or too emotional.   Building Emotional Awareness—One Small Step at a Time Here are a few simple ways to start building your emotional awareness: 1. Name what you feel Journaling will help you identify those emotions. Simply writing, I don’t feel good about this, is a good place to start.   2. Take a Deep Breath before you React This step has helped me in many situations, especially with my children. I pause to ask myself, “Why am I triggered?”   3. Your Emotions are Valid Never let anyone make you feel your feelings aren’t valid. You have every right to your feelings; how you manage them makes the difference.   4. Don’t Hide How You Feel Speaking about your emotions lightens the burden. This practise has helped me understand myself better.   Why Emotional Awareness Changes Everything When you are emotionally aware: You stop running from your feelings. You start recognising who you are: You communicate clearly and more effectively; You build stronger, healthier relationships You make more thoughtful decisions Emotions Aren’t the Problem—Ignoring Them Is Emotional awareness is like cleaning a mirror—you start to see yourself more clearly once you wipe away the fog. It’s time to stop ignoring those emotions and start naming them. Being emotionally aware is like learning the language of your inner world. Suddenly, you understand what your heart has been trying to say all along.”   I hope this post will trigger a positive change in your emotional awareness journey and help you understand that it is not about fixing yourself. Rather, it’s about meeting yourself with honesty, courage, and compassion. That is where change begins.   You are not alone on this journey. We are all learning together.

 I was reflecting some days ago on how I started journaling as a teenager. This was long before I knew of journal prompts for emotional healing and clarity. I would write about how I spent my day and the emotions that I felt. I didn’t fully understand what I was doing back then; I just knew I was writing to myself.   Years later, I have picked up journaling again as an adult, this time with a deeper understanding and clarity of why I should journal. I am determined to be more consistent than I have been. The excitement and the relief I feel each time I write can’t be explained. I journal every morning and before bedtime to reflect on how I spent my day.   Journaling is therapeutic for me. It helps me connect with my inner self while putting my thoughts and emotions on paper. It is my way of seeking clarity and untangling those emotions that I don’t fully understand.   Journaling does not require perfection; write from your heart.   I found these 8 journal prompts for emotional healing and clarity helpful on my growth journey, and I would like to share them with you.   1. What am I finding hard to release? Carrying a grudge or guilt can sometimes build up into heavy emotions. This prompt has enabled me to name my feelings.   2. What emotion am I avoiding, and why? I used to be guilty of avoiding emotions and hoping they would disappear on their own. With journaling, I write exactly how I feel. This practice has helped me understand and work through them.   3. What part of my story have I been afraid to tell—even to myself? Healing begins with telling the truth to yourself. Journaling allows you to accept yourself for who you are while working on self-improvement.   4. When was the last time I truly felt at peace? This prompt is super helpful in reconnecting with your inner self.   5. Am I Proud of Myself? Why? We sometimes find ourselves in situations where we are waiting for others to validate us. Healing is understanding your strength and celebrating your silent victories.   6. What boundaries do I need to feel safe? Setting healthy boundaries helps us reclaim our emotional space. You can’t be available to everyone, and it is fine.   7 . What am I grateful for in this season of my life? Gratitude allows us to appreciate the seemingly little things. It doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It simply shifts our focus to what truly matters.   8. What lessons have I learnt from this experience? With journaling, you can keep track of your progress while honouring your growth.   A gentle reminder  These journal prompts for emotional healing and clarity are tools for reflection and transformation. So get that notebook and start your journaling experience. You deserve a space where you can be honest with yourself.   Start today, one prompt and one page at a time. Jour

Dear Me, Happy Birthday. Today, I pause to honour the woman I’m becoming and the journey that is shaping me.   This past year has been filled with unexpected lessons, quiet victories, deep reflections, and meaningful growth. Turning a year older feels different—it feels like arriving at a more grounded, grateful version of myself.   A year ago, I was full of questions. I had just stepped into unfamiliar territory—starting a blog, searching for deeper meaning, and learning to balance my dreams with the everyday demands of family life. It wasn’t always easy.   There were days I felt overwhelmed, uncertain, and far from the vision I had for myself. Doubt crept in. But looking back now, I recognize how those quiet struggles were shaping me into someone stronger, more self-aware, and more at peace with my true self.   One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is that growth rarely looks like we expect. It’s unpredictable. It often feels like you’re taking two steps back for every one step forward. But even in the chaos, there is beauty. Every stumble, pause, and small win played a part in becoming who I am today.   I’ve realised that personal growth isn’t just about hitting big milestones or chasing success. It’s about the subtle shifts—the moments I choose to show up for myself. It’s found in vulnerability, learning to extend grace to myself, and trusting that I am enough, right here and now.   This year, I’ve learnt to honour the small victories: Finding the courage to share my voice Nurturing honest, heartfelt connections Being kind to myself on the hard days These moments matter. They are the foundation of lasting growth. Real transformation happens not in giant leaps but in the quiet, consistent choices we make each day. If you ever feel like you’re falling behind or questioning your path, please remember this: you’re not alone. Growth isn’t linear. The journey twists and turns. It can feel slow, confusing, and even frustrating. But that doesn’t mean it’s not happening. Even the smallest, most uncertain steps are moving you forward. Your journey is unfolding in its own time, and that’s more than enough.   So today, I say thank you to myself: Thank you for showing up, even when it was hard. Thank you for embracing the mess and learning through the struggle. Thank you for being patient with who I’m becoming. And most of all, thank you for choosing to love yourself through it all.   As I step into this new year, I feel hopeful. Hopeful for the growth still ahead, the lessons waiting to unfold, and the opportunity to keep evolving into the woman I’m meant to be.   In this new year, I will continue to welcome my growth journey with open arms. I’ll remind myself that every day is a gift, and I don’t need to have it all figured out to keep moving forward.   If you’re reading this and walking through your journey, let me gently remind you: It’s okay to be in the messy middle, not to hold it all together. Growth can be slow and unglamorous, but that doesn’t mean it’s not real. Keep showing up. You’re becoming someone beautiful—even if you can’t fully see it yet.   With love, Cheta   I’d love to hear your story in the comments. What lessons are unfolding in your life right now? What small shifts are guiding your growth?   Let’s keep evolving—together. One honest, heartfelt moment at a time.

Have you taken time to reflect on the biggest shifts in your life?   As I look back on mine, I’ve come to understand that true change-the kind that softens and reshapes you—often stems from empathy and compassion for growth, not from books or achievements.   It comes from raw, honest moments when I truly felt seen. Like when a loved one sat beside me in silence while I cried. When my child reached out for my hand, even after I raised my voice. Or when I finally permitted myself to feel my pain instead of pushing it away.   These weren’t big moments, but they were powerful. They didn’t force me to change—they invited me to grow, gently and deeply.   Redefining Growth from the Inside Out We often think of growth as pushing harder, doing more, and constantly achieving. But over the years, I’ve realised that real, lasting growth looks different. It’s quieter and tender. It’s the kind of growth rooted in empathy and compassion. It’s choosing to: Sit with your emotions instead of dismissing them. Listen without interrupting. Hold space for others—and yourself—without judgement. Empathy and compassion for growth mean choosing presence over perfection. It’s in these softer moments that true transformation begins.   Why Empathy and Compassion Can Be So Hard Let’s be honest—being empathetic and compassionate isn’t always easy. Especially if you didn’t grow up experiencing them.   It’s hard to extend grace when: You’re stretched thin You’ve never been shown that kind of kindness You’ve been taught that strength means suppressing emotion Many of us were taught to be tough, to keep going. Not to show weakness. But empathy and compassion for growth challenge that narrative. They invite us to be vulnerable, to unlearn the harshness we inherited and make space for healing.   How I’m Intentionally Practising Empathy and Compassion I haven’t mastered this—and I don’t think anyone truly does. But here are a few small ways I’m trying to embody empathy and compassion in my everyday life: 🌱 Start with yourself When I feel overwhelmed, I pause and ask, “What do I need right now?” Then I speak to myself the way I would speak to someone I love.   🌱 Listen fully One of the most empathetic things you can do is simply listen—not to reply, but to understand.   🌱 Let go of fixing I’ve learnt that empathy isn’t about offering solutions. It’s about showing up, even when you don’t have the answers.   🌱 Be curious, not critical When someone disappoints me, I ask, “Why am I feeling this way?” That reflection helps me respond with gentleness.   🌱 Nurture your inner world I protect my peace. I am learning to be kind to myself to have something kind to offer others.   These may seem small, but with time, they change how I show up for myself and those around me.   The Comfort of Shared Humanity Some of the deepest healing doesn’t come from doing—it comes from being seen. Fully. Gently. Without judgement.   When someone says, “I understand,” without trying to fix or correct, it changes us from within. It eases the ache. It helps you breathe again. That’s the power of empathy and compassion for growth. They connect us. They heal us. They remind us that we are not alone.   Imagine how different our homes, friendships, and workplaces could feel if we led with empathy. If we parented from a place of compassion. If we extended to ourselves the same gentleness we long for.   Growing with Gentle Courage Choosing to grow through empathy and compassion is one of the most courageous things we can do. It’s not loud, but it’s powerful. It’s not fast, but it’s lasting. It’s in the soft word. The silent presence. The kind gesture when anger would be easier.   Let’s keep choosing that kind of growth, not to prove anything, but to connect. Because the world doesn’t need more perfection. It needs more people who are present, kind, and willing to feel.