Emotions are something that we all have at varying levels. They come in ebbs and flows, and some of us (aka me) have stronger emotions than others.

If you’re like me, you feel things deeply and you wear said feelings on your sleeve, on display for all to see. People call you 'overemotional' like it’s a bad thing.

Well fear not, for I’m here to tell you some of the positives of having too much emotion and why it's a good thing.

For starters, you’re one of those people who are compassionate towards others. It’s not that often that you come across a person who puts your needs before themselves, and you’re just that type of person. When someone is feeling down you can bring your emotions to their level and be the shoulder to cry on. You can be the person who shares their feelings, understands what they’re going through, and provides them with some insight and advice on what to do and where to turn next. On the flip side when someone is on cloud nine, you can be there to celebrate with them, screaming and squealing included. You share a moment with them that connects on a deep, emotional level and it strengthens your friendship so much more because of it.

Another reason. You can be the change you want to see in the world. If images of children who are starving and left with no home, no life for them to live, keep you up at night because it makes you sick to your stomach, do something about it. Go out to your local orphanage, play with those kids and be the reason that they smile. Let it fill you with joy and gratitude of appreciating the life that you’ve so graciously been given. Take this gift of yours, your emotions, and share them with the world. Spread love, joy, and happiness. God knows that we need it.

And the last reason, the most important one. Going through life you experience lots of things. You hit the highs and your scrape the lows, so feeling and showing emotions throughout the journey is only natural. And if you have an abundance of them, so be it! Cry your heart out during sad movies, during break-ups, when your pet goldfish dies. Crying is good for you. When you’re so happy that you just can’t contain it, go ahead, squeal, jump around, be happy. You and a friend are watching try not to laugh compilations on YouTube? Okay, you can try your hardest not to laugh, but if you break that’s okay! I think it’s incredible that we have the ability to laugh. That there is so much happiness inside of our bodies that we just can’t contain it.

So let them call you ‘overemotional’ and 'soft', and let them make fun when you flip through your emotions like a Harry Potter novel (had to throw that one in there). Be exactly who God made you out to be! Someone around you might be just like you, full of emotion but feeling as if they have to hide what’s inside, and you can be the first one to break the ice. So this week, I encourage you to just be yourself, emotions and all.