Dear fellow compartmentalizers,
I know "compartmentalizer" isn't a real word but it stems from a very real issue. An issue that most of us feel is normal and healthy when in reality is probably recognized as unnatural and unhealthy. To compartmentalize is to divide things into sections and categories, and most of the time those "things" we like to section away are our emotions. Instead of properly addressing our emotions and reacting accordingly we shove these things into a little black box and place it into a dark section in our minds while we go on with our days.
So, why do we compartmentalize?
That's a hard question to answer. The answers varies from me to you, and from her to him, because we've all been through our own issues. We've all been through some dark days with conflicting emotions that we refuse to acknowledge because of the discomfort they bring us. Sometimes those emotions feel like they're drowning us so as a last ditch effort we pull out our most valuable weapon (MVW) to our defense. Compartmentalization allows us to breathe — allows you to breathe.
Yes, I know it makes it easier. Yes, it might seem rational. But, eventually the things we hide from catch up with us. And, trust me, it doesn't get easy anymore when it's late at night when our little perfectly wrapped black box inches toward the light and unwraps itself.
I get it. I understand how difficult is. I'm just like you. I compartmentalize — others might say I do it better than anyone — but I bet it's tiring.
I bet you're tired of hiding behind those sections.
It's scary, I know. Feeling things right away is scary, suffocating, and overwhelming, but all of that makes us human. You are not a robot. We are not robots.
We should not shy away from feeling pain, love, fear, and every emotion in between.
Someone recited a quote to me years ago that still resonates with me and I feel like you should know it too.
"We are all like the bright moon, we still have our darker side."
You still shine despite your darker side. You still illuminate the dark nights with your radiance.
Embrace your darker side.
I will if you do.
Sincerely,
A fellow compartmenatlizor with hopes of loving the darker side.
