Personal Opinion Column by Victoria Falcon
So, the other day I was explaining a movie, book, article, or something, I don’t remember the details of it, but what I do remember is me saying “UGH, I CRIED SO HARD.” This was followed by a quick response from a bystander, “but you cry about everything!”
This isn’t my first cake walk, I’ve heard this several times in response to my tears. Not that it particularly bothered me, but I remember brushing it off and saying, “I know!” and laughing it off.
I replayed this is in my head later, and all I could think was what I wish I would’ve said, “So what if I cry about everything? That doesn’t make the subject of my tears any less meaningful because I, Victoria Falcon, emotional being, cried over it.” But of course I didn’t say that because I am Victoria Falcon, emotional being, and would have cried before I could release a full thought.
Anyway, in all honesty, I’m not even mad. Because as I pondered this more, I realized a lot of this has to do with how I feel about myself now. I came to the conclusion that this means that what I cry about might be even more meaningful.
I’ve come to appreciate my emotional element. I used to feel ashamed of it. Vulnerability seemed to be something only for the weak, and I allowed people to label me as just that; weak. Now, I’ve grown, and I see it as a strength that a lot of other people just don’t have, or that they try to hide.
I am sorry that I am aggressively passionate, and that my depth makes some people uncomfortable, but I’ve come to realize that being super in touch with my emotions is a good thing.
Because of this quality I am insightful, find humanity in many areas even where others may not, and I am sensitive (which isn’t a bad thing, guys). Because of my sensitivity I am incredibly aware of myself and the people around me. I am a delicate flower, who is strong as heck. When I cry during a movie, book, article, or show it is because I found the human element.
Overall it may not always be good, and I can recognize that, but I found that emotion and the ability to be honest in something, and that’s a gift some other people lack. To be empathetic and intuitive is special, and I’m writing this for all of my other delicate flower friends because you are so rare, and kind, and the world needs you.
So, yes, I cried during The Lego Movie. And many other movies, music videos, and articles for that matter, and I am proud of that.
To the people like me, continue feeling all the feels because no one else will. You feel all of the world’s pain and I know it is a heavy load, but just know feeling bad about your emotions is unnecessary cargo. Everyone should be more in touch with their emotions because it makes us more sincere. Embodying this characteristic is something I have learned to appreciate as a strength, and even knowing the dark side of my intense emotions makes me stronger.
Because of my growth, I am in more control of my emotions, and that is a powerful feeling. I always encourage people to get to know themselves because I truly believe that is the biggest part of any search for fulfillment.
Things like different personality quizzes may assist you in your self-discovery, and it’s okay to be skeptical about them because they couldn’t possibly know you without being with you in the flesh. Right? Probably, but I’m not telling you to base your entire soul-search off of a quiz. Rather, use these tools to get a feel for different tendencies within yourself, and if you read something that you know is completely “you,” it helps with that journey of self-recognition.
Some quizzes that are pretty thorough and might be helpful in getting to know yourself better are the Enneagram, and Kiersey Temperament tests. They go super in-depth, and may point out qualities in yourself you may have never noticed until that moment. They offer a perspective that you and others may not admit, whether it be positive qualities or personal flaws, and they help you see your need to enhance or tone down these things within yourself.
Some might make you realize you are over-emotional, and others, not emotional enough. Some may even be a painful truth; but nonetheless, they are honest, and may just give you a new view on yourself.
Here are links to these two tests that might serve as a great starting place for knowing and embracing who you are:
Enneagram- https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/rheti-sampler/
Kiersey Temperament- http://www.keirsey.com/sorter/register.aspx