For many of us, emotional repression or dissociation was a survival skill we developed as children. In an environment where it wasn’t safe to feel or express emotions, shutting down became our best defense. It worked—then. But here’s the thing: survival and thriving are not the same. Emotional repression might have kept us safe as kids, but as adults, it holds us back from being fully alive.

When we disconnect from our emotions, we disconnect from life itself. We miss out on the rich, authentic connections that come from being present—not just physically, but emotionally, too. Repressed emotions keep us stuck in a kind of “freeze state,” unable to fully experience the beauty of life.

The journey to being fully alive requires courage. It’s about thawing the freeze, reclaiming the emotions we buried long ago, and learning to feel without fear.

Here’s how you can start that journey:

1. Journal
   Writing is a powerful tool for self-discovery. It allows you to explore your feelings in a safe space. Start by asking yourself questions like, What am I feeling right now? or What emotions did I push down today?
2. Art Therapy
   You don’t need to be an artist to benefit from this. Doodle, paint, or collage your feelings. Sometimes, color and texture express what words cannot.
3. Meditation and Deep Breathing
   Create moments of stillness to reconnect with your body. Deep, intentional breaths can ground you in the present and help you notice emotions that may have gone unacknowledged.
4. Movement and Trauma Release Exercises (TRE)
   Our bodies hold onto emotions. Gentle, intentional movement like trauma-informed yoga or TRE can help release stored tension and bring a sense of freedom.
5. Inner Child Work
   Revisit the child within you who felt unsafe to feel. Offer that inner child compassion and validation. You might be surprised at how much healing occurs when you acknowledge his/her pain.
6. Reach Out for Support
   Healing doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Seek out a therapist, coach, or trusted guide who can validate your experiences and help you transform the core beliefs you formed in childhood. Often, those beliefs no longer serve you, and rewriting them can be a game-changer.

Final Thoughts

Being fully alive takes work to unlearn old patterns. But the reward? A life rich in connection, joy, and presence. You don’t have to do it all at once; start with small steps.