Kids, 

Let me start off by saying that feelings can be complicated, but we alone have the power to uncomplicated them. There are times where you feel like you want to cry but you don’t want to feel like a wuss and you think that a tough person wouldn’t cry. That’s flat out wrong. The toughest person is the person who decides to cry, know why? Those tears will fall at some point and what you’ll feel will be a knot tied around your chest, making it harder to breathe. So I say, cry. Cry as hard as you can when it’s there. 

There’s going to be times when you feel like you can’t smile too hard because it seems like it’d be too cheesy or it’s played out. Or maybe you think you have something in your teeth. In fact, those are the times when you should smile the widest. Show off that grill and let everyone see it. There’s nothing worse than hiding the happiness within your smile for anybody and looking back on it. Trust me, your smile would make the saddest human being react. Oh, and they’re contagious too, never let that opportunity to make someone smile go away. 

That brings me to the key point, which is all about vulnerability. Because at the end of the days it’s not about just allowing yourself to feel these feelings, it’s also about making sure you are vulnerable enough to share them. Sharing them in a notebook is a start, but I promise you kids, there will never be a better feeling and more relieving feeling to share them with someone who’s willing to listen and not judge you. On the contrary, the right person will encourage you to keep going and you’ll never want to stop. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Nobody can hurt you for sharing what you’re feeling and if you feel hurt after letting it out, share it all over again or find someone else to share with. 

So with anything and everything you do, please feel. Put yourself out there and allow yourself to be 100% in your feelings at all times. 

PS: the only exceptions are in fantasy football and in bets.