Have you ever been told reflection or emotion made you weak? How did you resist—or how do you wish you had? I’d love to hear your thoughts! [7/7]

When boundaries are continually pushed, we shrink. Silencing emotions numbs us to violations—of boundaries, values, and, ultimately, our very selves. By silencing our emotions, we disempower ourselves— compounding how larger systems already work to make us feel small. [6/7]

Emotions aren’t obstructors to action; they’re powerful fuel. Karla McLaren (karlamclaren.bsky.social) calls anger a sentry—it rises when our boundaries are crossed. Boundaries can mean many things: when others violate our space, or when our values feel ignored. [5/7]

Journaling doesn’t have to focus on feelings—but feelings rise anyway. And we’re taught to treat them as inconvenient guests: stay briefly, then go. How often have we heard: “It’s ok to feel angry or sad—but only for a day or week”? [4/7]

Men internalize these messages, too, and folks of all genders perpetuate them. Interestingly, in mixed-gender classes, it’s often men who share that they journal daily. Are they freer to admit this without penalty? And for women, is the real challenge stigma—or time? [3/7]

Their colleagues would have no idea they spent 15 minutes in a day-long program in quiet reflection. But many women have internalized messages across their careers: Don’t be too sentimental. Stop overthinking; act. Reflection? Why bother—just kill the problem as fast as you can. [2/7]

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