You Might Be Holding More Than You Know—Here’s How to Release It
The Check-In
Whew. Lately, I’ve caught myself clenching my jaw so tight, it’s like my body is bracing for something. I’ll be mid-conversation or just driving and realize my shoulders are up near my ears, my teeth grinding, my muscles knotted up like I’ve been in a fight all day. But the truth is—I haven’t been fighting. I’ve just been holding.
Holding space.
Holding expectations.
Holding emotions I didn’t even realize I hadn’t released.
And my body? She’s waving red flags like, “Sis… breathe.”
The Bloom
There’s a lot happening in my world right now. Some of it is deeply exciting—doors opening, dreams becoming a little more real. And some of it is hard—heavy decisions, emotional labor, healing work that doesn’t let up just because you’re tired.
All of it is asking something of me.
And without realizing it, I’ve been storing all those asks in my body. Like it’s my job to carry it all without pause. But here’s the reminder I needed (and maybe you do too):
Just because you can carry it doesn’t mean you should carry it all at once.
The Shift
I’ve started to notice the cues—when I wake up tight or go to bed with my jaw sore from tension. That’s my signal to slow down. To stretch. To check in with myself beyond my to-do list.
So I’m giving myself permission to release.
To unclench.
To move my body with softness.
To take deep breaths like they matter—because they do.
Release isn’t a reward for finishing the work.
It is the work.
Your Turn to Grow
Take a second right now—yes, right now—and unclench. Your jaw. Your fists. That list in your head.
Now breathe.
Deeply.
In through your nose.
Out through your mouth.
Ask yourself:
What am I holding that needs releasing?
Then move—whether that’s stretching, walking, journaling, or just resting. You deserve to feel light again.
The Safe Space
This is your reminder that you don’t have to hold everything. Your body is speaking—be kind enough to listen.
I’ll be sharing more gentle nudges over on IG @thebloomthrivespace, and I’d love to hear what your body has been trying to tell you lately.
We don’t grow by clenching—we grow when we soften.
Still growing,
