Listen to your feelings: A path back to yourself

Life moves fast, doesn’t it? Some days, it feels like everything and everyone needs your attention all at once. In the rush, it’s easy to forget to check in with yourself. At least, that’s how it’s been for me.

I used to think I was good at handling stress—keeping busy, staying productive, always moving forward. But somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn’t really “handling” anything. I was avoiding. Overworking, endlessly scrolling, even cleaning my entire home when I didn’t want to sit with what I was feeling.

The thing is, feelings don’t just disappear because you ignore them. They stick around, quietly waiting to be acknowledged. And when you don’t? They show up in other ways—like exhaustion, stress, depression or even physical illnesses.

For me, the turning point was scent. It sounds simple, but lighting a candle or surrounding myself into a calming scent became my way of pausing. It gave me a moment to stop and ask, “What’s going on inside me right now?” Sometimes the answer was messy, uncomfortable, or hard to define. But I’ve learned that feeling is never the enemy. It’s the first step toward healing.

Maybe scent isn’t your thing, and that’s okay. You might find your space in journaling, walking outside, or sitting quietly with your thoughts. It doesn’t matter how you do it—what matters is giving yourself permission to pause.

One thing I’ve learned is this: when you take the time to feel, you’re not “wasting time.” You’re building something important—a connection with yourself. And over time, that connection becomes your anchor.

So, if you’re feeling a little lost or overwhelmed, here’s my gentle nudge: start small. Light a candle. Write one sentence in a journal. Step outside and let the air hit your face. Whatever it is, let it remind you that your feelings are worth listening to.