Emerging From the Shell of Stoicism

I’ve struggled for years to open up about my emotions, both the good and the not-so-good. Stoicism was the model for me growing up. Emotions bad. Hard shell good.

But what happens when that hard shell cracks?

Mine is completely broken right now. All of the loss I’ve experienced — and am soon to experience — smashed it to pieces.

And… I’m kind of glad.

I don’t want the loss, not one bit. But it can’t really be negated. Loss is a part of life.

So why not talk about how it makes me feel?

Why not open up about all emotions?

Why privilege logic over emotion? Can’t they co-exist?

The answer is that, yes, they can — and do.

Burying ourselves inside of our shells might get us through some pretty tough moments, but staying inside will only isolate us from everything life has to offer. I’m choosing to not be isolated anymore.

If anyone doesn’t wish to discuss my emotions with me, that’s okay. If they don’t want to discuss theirs, that’s okay, too. But I’m here, ready to talk and listen.

“Don’t lock yourself away from those who care about you because you think you’ll hurt them or they’ll hurt you. What point is there in being human if you don’t let yourself feel anything?”
― Sabaa Tahir, A Torch Against the Night