A thought:
Experiencing mixed feelings doesn't mean you're failing or that something is "wrong" with you. I believe it is a sign of one's emotional maturity, depth, and the capacity to hold and examine a wide range of experiences, simultaneously.
Mixed feelings are also a reminder that it's perfectly acceptable to hold space for ambiguity, for discomfort, for nuance, and for multiple-- possibly conflicting--emotions to be present at the very same time. Being able and willing tolerate uncertainty and ambiguity is the ultimate sign of emotional maturity.
All of our feelings deserve to be validated, no matter how mixed they may seem. It doesn't make feelings facts, but if we do not validate the reality of their presence, they will return, next time, stronger.
For example:
- Being confident and driven doesn't negate feeling lost or exhausted.
- Feeling focused and energetic doesn't mean you can't also feel distracted and uninspired.
Navigating these mixed emotions requires grace, skill, distress-tolerance and above all? Self-compassion.
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