When Saying What You Feel Feels Impossible — Here’s What Helps
- Yvette Smit
- Apr 9, 2025
- 2 min read
Expression isn’t just about saying what’s on your mind — it’s about sharing in such a way that allows others to truly hear and understand you.
Real connection happens when your words accurately align with what others receive, when you feel genuinely seen and heard. For some, expressing themselves flows naturally. For others, it’s tangled with hesitation, fear, or frustration.
Early experiences might have taught us that our feelings weren’t valid — that emotions should be hidden, opinions softened, needs minimised. Society often reinforces these messages, encouraging us to suppress our true selves in favour of fitting in or avoiding conflict.
Over time, this conditioning can create a barrier between what we feel and what we say. Even when we deeply want to speak up, it can feel like the words get stuck. Those unspoken feelings don’t disappear; they linger, often surfacing as frustration, isolation, or emotional distance from those we care about. The risk of being misunderstood, rejected, or judged can feel overwhelming, making silence seem like the safer choice.
Yet, expressing yourself is essential for authentic connection and self-understanding. Finding a safe space — whether with a nurturing partner, a trusted friend, or a compassionate counsellor — offers the room to explore these barriers without pressure or judgment. It’s here that you can begin to unravel what shapes your self-expression, learn to identify and name your emotions, and discover how to communicate your needs and feelings more clearly.
In this space, your voice matters — not just the words you speak but the truths you carry inside. Taking steps toward expression isn’t always easy, but it can bring relief, healing, and deeper connection.
If this message speaks to you, consider reaching out. Sometimes, the first step toward connection is giving yourself permission to be heard.
