The Soft Power Journal

Tag: Emotional Healing

  • You’re Not Too Much—They Were Just Too Small

    You’re Not Too Much—They Were Just Too Small

    There’s a lie that so many of us, especially women, have been fed since the beginning:

    That we have to shrink in order to be loved.

    That our softness is a burden.

    That our strength makes us intimidating.

    That our emotions are too much.

    And what happens when you hear that lie enough times?

    You start trying to edit yourself.

    You overthink every word, every feeling, every truth your body wants to speak.

    You start shrinking in places where you were born to rise.

    But let me tell you something—and I want you to read this slow:

    You were never too much.

    You were never too sensitive.

    You were never too emotional, too bold, too loud, too honest.

    They were just too small to hold the fullness of you.

    You weren’t asking for too much—you were just asking the wrong people.

    The truth is, being deeply connected to yourself and your truth is a gift. Not everyone will know what to do with that. And that’s not your burden to carry. That’s their limitation. Their emotional immaturity. Their discomfort with intimacy. Their unhealed parts reacting to your wholeness. And you do not have to apologize for that.

    In fact, one of the softest, most feminine things you can do is release the need to be understood by everyone.

    Let them misunderstand you. Let them label you. Let them make assumptions.

    You’re not here to be digestible.

    You’re here to be true.

    You don’t have to justify your tears.

    You don’t have to explain why you care so deeply.

    You don’t need to prove your softness isn’t weakness.

    The ones who are meant to see you—will.

    The ones who can hold space for all of you won’t flinch when you bring your full self to the table.

    You don’t need to shrink. You need to stretch.

    You don’t need to quiet down. You need to get louder.

    And not in volume—but in presence. In truth. In power.

    This post isn’t about clapping back.

    It’s about calling yourself forward.

    So let me ask you:

    Where are you still shrinking to fit?

    Who are you editing yourself for?

    What version of you are you finally ready to reclaim?

    This is your permission slip.

    To take up space.

    To show up fully.

    To be both gentle and powerful.

    To be seen, felt, heard—and deeply respected.

    And if someone calls that “too much”?

    Tell them this: “I’m not too much. You’re just not enough for me.”

    Let that be your standard. Let that be your liberation.

    ✨ Let this post be your reminder: softness is not weakness, and your truth deserves room. Continue your journey through power, presence, and radical softness at The Soft Power Journal.

  • Dear Former Me:

    Dear Former Me:

    This isn’t a letter to my past self, but a poem that grew from the same soil. It’s called Behind the Smile…

    Behind the smile is a girl who’s tired of waiting for people to see her fire.

    She laughs loud but it’s a shield,

    a soft heart wrapped in the battlefield.

    Behind the smile is the weight of “I’m fine”.

    A thousand no’s dressed up like a sign.

    It’s cracked ribs from holding it in.

    The art of breaking without making a scene.

    She beams like the sun- on purpose not ease

    ‘cause no one asked how she weathered the freeze.

    She shows up radiant, dressed in gold, but no one asked what that brightness holds

    Behind the smile is grief that lingers.

    Dreams slipping through trembling fingers.

    The girl who claps for everyone’s win, but wonders when hers will begin.

    It’s the mask she wears to keep peace alive,

    the ache she silences just to survive.

    It’s knowing her worth in a world that forgot

    and loving herself whether seen or not.

    So next time you see her and she grins wide,

    don’t just compliment the light in her eyes.

    Ask her how long she’s been standing alone,

    holding her softness like a cornerstone because behind the smile,

    there’s strength you’ll never measure

    a soul stitch together

    by pain

    and still by pleasure.

    Evelyn Michelle

  • Embracing Disappointment: The Power of Letting Go and Trusting the Process

    Embracing Disappointment: The Power of Letting Go and Trusting the Process

    Disappointment is something we all face at some point in our lives. Whether it’s missing an opportunity, facing a setback, or having expectations that don’t align with reality, it’s a feeling that can leave us heartbroken, frustrated, and uncertain about the future. But what if we embraced disappointment as an opportunity for growth, learning, and self-discovery? What if we could see the beauty in letting go and allowing life to unfold as it’s meant to, even when things don’t go as planned? 🌱✨

    The Reality of Disappointment:

    For me, disappointment hit hard not too long ago. I was so excited to visit Texas, a place I had longed to experience, but life had other plans. Missing my flight felt like the universe slapped me with an undeniable message—something was off. On top of that, I lost my wallet, which only added to the weight of my emotions. But, as challenging as it was, it also gave me the chance to face my disappointment head-on and experience what it truly means to lean into life, even when the waves of discomfort and uncertainty came crashing in. 🌊💔

    The Power of Letting Go:

    We often fight against disappointment. We resist it, try to change it, or beat ourselves up about it. But as I allowed myself to sit with my feelings and truly experience the disappointment, I realized that it’s in these moments of surrender where the magic happens. ✨ I had to let go of the idea of control. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, but that doesn’t mean it’s not unfolding in the way it’s supposed to. 🌟

    Sometimes, we believe we’re heading in one direction, but the universe—or God—has a way of guiding us to something even better. I realized that my trip to Texas wasn’t meant to happen at that moment, but something else was waiting for me. I wasn’t thrilled to be in a city that wasn’t part of my plan, but I decided to allow myself to be present, to let go of my expectations, and to see what could unfold. That’s when the beauty of the situation revealed itself. 🌻

    A New Connection:

    In the midst of my disappointment, I met someone kind, thoughtful, and full of positive energy. 🌈 Our paths crossed in the most unexpected way, and what I had thought was a setback turned into an opportunity for a meaningful connection. Life had a different plan for me, and I chose to embrace it with open arms. 🤗

    This experience also led me to something I don’t often make room for: letting my hair down and laughing from the bottom of my stomach. It was a reminder to live freely, to allow myself to be unburdened by perfection or society’s expectations, and to release the control I often hold onto so tightly. I realized I was also letting go of myself—the expectations I place on me, the pressure I feel to be in control, and the fear of not meeting some invisible standard. ✨💫

    The Power of Soft Power in Disappointment:

    It’s easy to forget that disappointment doesn’t mean failure; it simply means that things didn’t turn out the way we expected. But here’s the thing—we’re not responsible for the outcome of every situation. We are responsible for how we choose to handle what comes our way. Soft power, which is grounded in vulnerability, empathy, and grace, teaches us that we can handle disappointment with elegance and inner strength. 💪 When we embrace soft power, we find the strength to acknowledge our feelings, let go of unnecessary burdens, and still find joy in the process. 🌟

    Sometimes, it’s in the darkest moments where we find our greatest growth—and letting go of the need for everything to go perfectly allows us to embrace the beauty in the unexpected. Just as I learned to appreciate the unexpected twists and turns of my journey, you too can learn how to handle disappointment with grace and reclaim your peace in the process. 💕

    Steps to Embrace Soft Power When Facing Disappointment:

    Here’s what I’ve learned about navigating disappointment and using it to empower myself:

    1. Acknowledge the Disappointment: The first step in healing is acknowledging how you feel. Don’t suppress or ignore your emotions. Sit with them and allow yourself to feel the hurt or frustration. 💖

    2. Let Go of Control: Understand that you cannot control everything. Sometimes, life will guide you in a direction you didn’t expect, and that’s okay. Let go of the need to control the outcome and embrace what comes your way. 🌱

    3. Reframe the Situation: Shift your perspective. Ask yourself what lessons you can learn from the disappointment. How is it guiding you to something greater? ✨

    4. Give Yourself Permission to Feel: Embrace the emotions that come up, but also allow yourself the freedom to release them when the time is right. You are not bound to your disappointment. 🌸

    5. Trust the Process: Trust that everything is happening for a reason, even if you can’t see it right now. Life has a way of working itself out, and sometimes the delay is part of the bigger picture. 🌟

    6. Make Space for Joy: Allow yourself to enjoy the present moment. Even in the face of disappointment, find something to smile about. Laughter, even in tough times, is a powerful tool for healing. 🌼

    I encourage you to reflect on the disappointments in your life—what have you been holding onto? How have they shaped your journey? I’d love for you to share your own stories of how you navigated disappointment and found a way to embrace the lessons it offered. Remember, you’re not alone in this process, and your story may help someone else going through something similar. 🧡

    Disappointments are a part of life, but they do not define us. We are not responsible for others’ reactions, nor should we carry the weight of their projections. What matters is how we respond—how we choose to manage our emotions, how we choose to react, and how we reclaim our power in the face of adversity. You are worthy of peace, joy, and fulfillment, regardless of the setbacks that may come your way.

    I see you. I hear you. I value you. You are not alone in this journey. Together, let’s embrace disappointment as an opportunity for growth, connection, and healing. Remember, you are always in control of how you rise from the challenges life presents. ✨🌱

  • Unleashing the Creative Goddess Within: How to Awaken Your Inner Artist

    Unleashing the Creative Goddess Within: How to Awaken Your Inner Artist

    Hey everyone, I hope your Valentine’s Day and weekend were filled with love, joy, and meaningful moments! Whether you celebrated with someone special or took time to honor yourself, I hope it was everything you needed. Now, as we dive into this week’s post, let’s talk about something that’s truly close to my heart: embracing your inner artist and awakening the creative goddess within.

    What is Creativity?

    Creativity is often boxed into terms like “art” or “talent,” but the truth is that creativity is a sacred, inherent part of who we are. It’s not confined to one medium or type of expression—it’s a deep force that runs through all of us. At times, many of us feel disconnected from this creative side, convinced it’s something for others, not us. However, the truth is that everyone has the ability to be creative. Whether it’s through writing, art, or even the way we approach life itself, creativity is always present.

    The Power of Creative Expression:

    Creativity is more than just making something beautiful—it’s a powerful way to express our emotions, our deepest thoughts, and our innermost desires. When we express ourselves creatively—whether through painting, writing, or even dancing—we allow our hearts to speak. Creativity helps us heal, grow, and explore parts of ourselves we might otherwise ignore.

    How Creativity and Our Inner Energy Flow Together:

    Creativity isn’t just a product of talent—it’s connected to our energy. When we allow ourselves to feel joy and freedom in our creative expression, we unlock a deeper flow of energy. This isn’t just about creating something physical, but about reconnecting with our true selves.

    Let’s talk briefly about energy. The sacral chakra, or Svadhisthana, governs creativity, emotions, and sensuality. It resides just below the belly button and plays a huge role in unlocking creative flow. When it’s balanced, we feel open to expressing ourselves, freely creating, and embracing our desires. But when it’s blocked, we can feel stuck, disconnected, or hesitant to explore our creativity. In the next few sections, I’ll share ways you can tap into this flow and get in touch with your inner artist.

    How to Reconnect with Your Inner Artist and Balance Your Sacral Chakra:

    1. Start Small, But Start:

    If you’re feeling disconnected from your creativity, the first step is to simply begin. Whether it’s painting, writing, or dancing, allow yourself to express whatever comes naturally. Start small—perhaps with a few minutes of free journaling or sketching. As you allow your creative energy to flow, you’ll start to feel the sacral chakra’s energy awakening within you.

    2. Create Without Judgement:

    The sacral energy thrives when we let go of perfection. Let go of the need for perfection, and simply create. Let go of self-doubt and the fear of being judged. Creativity is not about impressing anyone. It’s about allowing your soul to express itself freely and authentically.

    3. Make Time for Joy and Pleasure:

    Creativity is closely tied to joy, pleasure, and play. Take time to enjoy the things that make you happy, and don’t rush the process. Whether it’s dancing in your living room, cooking a meal, or singing along to your favorite song, engage in activities that nourish your soul and remind you of the beauty of being alive.

    4. Incorporate Creativity into Everyday Life:

    Creativity isn’t just about making art. It’s in everything we do. From how we dress to how we arrange our homes, creativity is woven into every aspect of life. Try changing up your routine or adding a creative touch to your environment. How can you express creativity through your daily actions?

    How to Balance Your Sacral Chakra to Unlock Creativity:

    1. Gentle Movement:

    Try doing some gentle, hip-opening yoga or dance to get your body moving. These movements help release any stagnant energy in the sacral chakra and allow creativity to flow freely.

    2. Self-Expression Through Art:

    Experiment with different forms of creative expression. Start a journal, paint, write poetry, or simply doodle. The act of expressing yourself creatively will activate the energy of the sacral chakra and help unblock any barriers to creativity.

    3. Embrace Sensuality:

    Creativity isn’t just intellectual—it’s also sensual. Spend time engaging with your senses: savor a delicious meal, take a warm bath, enjoy the beauty of nature. Nourishing your senses connects you with your creativity in a profound way.

    My Journey with Creative Blocks: A Story of Vulnerability

    For so long, I struggled with creative blocks, constantly battling feelings of fear, shame, and guilt. Every time I tried something new, whether it was writing, painting, or even dancing, I feared rejection. What if people didn’t like it? What if I wasn’t good enough? These feelings were overwhelming, and they held me back for years.

    But here’s what I’ve learned: being vulnerable with your creativity is one of the most powerful things you can do. The fear of rejection is natural, but it doesn’t define our worth. Creativity is not about perfection—it’s about self-expression and embracing the joy of creating for yourself first, not for anyone else’s approval.

    I had to remind myself that failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of the process. I had to let go of the need for everything to be perfect and simply allow myself to create, no matter how messy or unrefined the process seemed. Over time, I realized that my worth wasn’t tied to the judgment of others—it was tied to my willingness to be unapologetically myself.

    Releasing those blocks has been a huge part of my growth. Today, when I create, I no longer let fear dictate my actions. I create from a place of love, not expectation. And I hope you can do the same.

    Engage and Explore Your Creativity: An Invitation to Action

    Now that we’ve explored how to embrace creativity and balance our sacral chakra, let’s take it a step further. Here are a few activities to awaken your creative energy and embrace the beauty of self-expression:

    1. The Creative Journaling Challenge:

    Grab a journal and write without judgment. Start with a simple prompt:

    • “When was the last time I felt truly creative?”

    • “How can I express myself more freely?”

    Write for at least 10 minutes, allowing your thoughts to flow onto the page. Don’t censor yourself—just let it out.

    2. Create a Vision Board for Your Creative Self:

    Create a vision board that represents your creative aspirations. Use images, words, and colors that inspire you, and place them on your board. This is a visual reminder of your creative potential.

    3. Dance and Move Your Body:

    Put on your favorite music and let your body move freely. Don’t worry about how you look—just feel the music and express yourself. This will help release any creative blocks and encourage your sacral chakra to open.

    4. Try Something New:

    Take a step outside your comfort zone and try a new creative activity. Whether it’s painting, photography, or even taking a dance class, allow yourself to explore. Creativity thrives when you embrace new experiences.

    5. The Color Challenge:

    Wear or surround yourself with orange—the color associated with the sacral chakra. Whether it’s in your clothes, your home décor, or through your art, let this color inspire creativity and joy.

    Final Thoughts:

    The sacral chakra is a powerful force that governs our creativity, emotions, and ability to experience pleasure. By reconnecting with this energy, we can unlock new levels of creativity, self-expression, and personal growth.

    Remember: Creativity isn’t about perfection. It’s about expressing yourself authentically and allowing your soul to shine. Embrace your creativity, honor your inner artist, and let the sacral chakra guide you toward infinite possibilities.

  • The Art of Balancing Strength and Softness

    The Art of Balancing Strength and Softness

    For so long, I believed that strength meant being unshakable—pushing through pain, holding my ground, and never letting anyone see me falter. Softness, on the other hand, felt like vulnerability, something to be hidden away to avoid being hurt. But over time, life has shown me that true power lies in the balance between the two. Strength and softness aren’t opposites; they are complementary forces that, when embraced together, create a life of harmony and resilience.

    A Personal Reflection: When Strength Became My Shield

    There was a time in my life when I thought my strength was my greatest asset. But what I didn’t realize was that I was using it as a shield—a way to protect myself from the vulnerability I feared so deeply.

    I remember moments when my fear of being unsupported, unheard, or misunderstood pushed me to lash out—not just with my words, but sometimes physically. At the time, I believed I was standing my ground, proving I couldn’t be walked over. But in reality, I was allowing my pain to control me. My words, meant to make me feel powerful, instead caused distance. My actions, meant to protect me, only deepened the wounds I was trying to avoid.

    Looking back, I realize that my reactions didn’t come from strength; they came from fear. I was terrified of being vulnerable, of letting anyone see my struggles. So, I overcompensated. I built walls. I used anger and aggression as my armor, convincing myself that no one could hurt me if I was always on the offense. But instead of protecting me, those moments only isolated me further.

    The truth is, true strength isn’t in how forcefully we defend ourselves—it’s in our ability to be honest about what we need, what we feel, and what we fear.

    Redefining Strength and Softness

    It took time, reflection, and painful lessons for me to see that strength and softness were not opposites. They were two sides of the same coin.

    • Strength is in standing tall, but it’s also in knowing when to be still.
    • Softness is in being open, but it’s also in having the wisdom to walk away from what doesn’t serve you.

    As I began to heal, I started to redefine what these two forces meant in my life. Strength wasn’t about building walls—it was about having the courage to let people in. Softness wasn’t weakness—it was a quiet power that allowed me to listen, to understand, and to grow.

    Lessons from Motherhood: Embracing Both Energies

    My journey into motherhood deepened my understanding of this balance. My daughter helped me embrace my feminine energy—the power of nurturing, intuition, and grace. Through her, I learned that being soft doesn’t mean being passive—it means leading with love.

    When I had my son, he challenged me to rethink masculinity—not just in the world but in myself. He showed me that strength can be protective and stable without being aggressive. Through him, I learned that my masculine energy wasn’t about dominance—it was about courage, discipline, and providing a foundation of security.

    Together, my children taught me that to truly shine in their lives—and in my own—I needed both energies. I needed the fire and the water, the steel and the silk, the assertiveness and the surrender.

    How to Embrace Duality in Your Life

    Balancing strength and softness doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a daily practice. Here are three ways I’ve learned to cultivate harmony:

    1. Pause Before Reacting – When faced with a challenge, take a breath. Ask yourself if the situation calls for firm strength, gentle softness, or a mix of both.

    2. Honor Your Emotions – It’s okay to cry, to feel deeply, to let your softness show. That’s where healing begins.

    3. Set Boundaries with Kindness – Being strong doesn’t mean being harsh. You can protect your peace while still moving with grace and compassion.

    Embracing the Balance

    True power isn’t about choosing between strength and softness—it’s about knowing when to lean into each one. Those moment of misused strength taught me the importance of vulnerability and balance.

    When you embrace both, you create a life that is full, rich, and authentic.

    So, I invite you to reflect:

    ✨Where in your life can you soften, and where can you stand stronger? ✨

    Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re balancing your own duality.

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