Today about STOMACH or the real story about how our emotions and feelings are connected with a body.

This is not my story, it was told by colleague.
One lady wrote asking about stomach pain. She had never had stomach issues before—no cramping, no food poisoning, no other acute symptoms—just pain, discomfort, and a feeling as if her stomach was full.

Full of emotions, no doubt. To question: What did you eat today? The answer was: The usual, nothing unusual or hard to digest.

After a few more questions, like how she ate (whether she enjoyed the meal because she was hungry or just ate to “get it done”), it became clear that she hadn’t eaten—she had stuffed herself without even chewing properly.

You might think it’s no wonder her stomach reacted.

Question:
-Why did you eat like that? What were you thinking about all day?
Answer: -A family gathering is coming up soon, and for the past few days, I’ve been unable to mentally prepare myself. Just thinking about having to sit at the table with two-faced people and eat my aunt’s greasy food that I can’t stand makes me feel sick… (this is almost an exact quote).

And there it was—BINGO! Suddenly, it all became clear to her. She messaged saying she felt an immense sense of relief in her stomach and even clarity in her mind.
Few more things was discussed also.

In this case, I wanted to show how simple yet deeply interconnected a person’s emotional state can be with their physical symptoms.

This woman was already “attending” the family gathering in her mind, already “digesting” the food she found unappealing (while her stomach struggled with the actual food she ate), and was overwhelmed by negative emotions, unable to find a valid excuse to skip the event.

Illness or pain, however, is always a socially acceptable excuse—no one judges you for it. Instead, people nod sympathetically, wish you well, and you even get extra attention…

So, I encourage you to express your emotions as you feel them, rather than hiding behind them.

Simply acknowledge to yourself: This is how it is. This is how I feel. Don’t force yourself to go somewhere, interact with someone, or look for an escape in the form of illness.

And if you do end up going somewhere you rather accept others as they are, so they won’t affect you.

You know, example your auntie lovingly adds extra fat to dishes for her dear guests (after all, that’s her kitchen, her understanding of cooking and quality). If you don’t want to eat it, nothing stops you from bringing your own food to the celebration, sharing it with others, and giving your aunt less work to do.

If she insists on piling her layered, greasy dishes onto your plate, let her (often, the joy is in serving others). You don’t have to eat everything, and in the lively atmosphere, the plate’s contents can always mysteriously “disappear.”

Don’t like the company but still want to greet your aunt?
Change the timing of your visit—drop by briefly before the celebration or on another agreed-upon day. Offer your apologies without explanations (it’s your life, and things happen in it)… and do so without guilt (because guilt, “eats your stomach”).

You can’t choose your relatives, parents, in-laws ect. but you can choose your timing, attitude, and emotions.

R.E.M.E.M.B.E.R: There’s always a solution. Even saying no or setting boundaries is a valid option.

Wishing you the ability to recognise your feelings and emotions, to learn more about your body, and to remember that you always have choices. ❤️