Breaking Barriers

“You want to know the truth? I don’t express my emotions because it makes you appear weak!” were the words a loved one barked at me while having lunch a couple weeks ago. Successful, business savvy, beautiful, and driven are the perfect words to describe her as a person. As strong as she appears on the outside, you could clearly see how extremely fragile she is inside. To overcome the obstacles in her life and never appear vulnerable, she built a wall to protect her emotions and feelings.

As entrepreneurs and savvy businesswomen, we’re constantly facing situations that test us and put a little hair on our chest. Having these scenarios play out so many times in life, we can easily start building up a wall, brick by brick without even realizing it. We feel it’s needed because society has labeled us “emotional,” and as everyone knows, there’s no room for emotions in business. To defy the stereotype that women will cry at the drop of a dime, we overcompensate by denying our emotions all together.

When it’s all said and done, it’s about your personal growth as a woman regardles of anyone’s opinions. When managed properly (because we’re certainly not condoning Naomi Campbell-esque anger outbreaks), our emotions are a beautiful and genuine part of our being.

In a world where fake is the new real and unauthenticity surrounds us, honest emotions are refreshing and much needed when used for good. Allow your emotions to inspire you.

Don’t let others stunt your growth as a result of their judgment. It’s time that we become more comfortable with exposing and embracing your truest self.

As Jilly from Philly would say, we’re beautifully human.

Miracles & Blessings,

Ellisa Oyewo