Emotional Winter: Surviving
When Emotional Winter arrives, its winds howl fast and hard.
Seasons in life always change. Some bring joy, while others—such as a long and heavy Emotional Winter—can feel impossible to endure. In these times, emotions do not drift like clouds. They freeze in place and hold us captive in the storm.
I recently felt this icy season sweep through my life. A blizzard of emotion hit suddenly, and my instinct was to retreat. Yet I know from experience that if I avoid my feelings, the season lingers. To move forward, I must take responsibility for my well-being.
Recognizing the Triggers
Before the storm broke, I was already unsettled. Fear gripped my stomach, and I realized I had ignored deeper issues.
The triggers became clear:
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A love interest rejection
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Crossed personal boundaries
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A close friend’s disappointment
At first, I imagined each problem as a balloon floating above me. Yet every balloon was hooked inside me. Until I faced them, I could not move forward.
Naming and Facing the Issues
The way out began with naming the struggles and addressing them directly:
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Love interest rejection – The sting reached back to my youth, not the person. By separating the two, I saw the wound as mine to heal.
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Crossed boundaries – I had said “yes” too often when I should have said “no.” From this, I learned to reinforce my limits.
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Friendship disappointment – A direct and honest conversation could restore trust.
When we do not name our struggles, our bodies compress them into one heavy response: “I am anxious. I am overwhelmed. This is too much.”
Releasing the Balloons
As I worked through the list, I released some balloons and lightened others. The process showed me how quickly frustration can turn inward.
When overwhelmed, our words shift from “I have been hurt” to “Why is this happening to me?” That small change fuels self-blame: “Why am I not worthy of love, respect, or being heard?”
Finding Your Way Out of Emotional Winter
If you feel the icy winds of Emotional Winter, pause and ask yourself:
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Which hidden balloons are still hooked into me?
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Can I order, name, and face them honestly?
By doing this, you release their air—and free yourself.
The way out of Emotional Winter is simple: name what hurts, face it directly, and let it go. That is how the ice begins to thaw.
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