Growing up, I was never really good at expressing my emotions. I would often bottle them up and keep them to myself. It wasn't that I didn't feel emotions - I just found it hard to put them into words. As a result, I often felt misunderstood or as if people didn't really know the "real" me.

This struggle with expressing emotions continued into my teenage years and even into adulthood. I would try to push myself to open up and share my thoughts and feelings, but it always felt uncomfortable and forced, like I was saying things I didn't really mean.

It wasn't until I started therapy that I began to understand more about why I struggled with expressing emotions. Through therapy, I learned about the importance of vulnerability and how it can actually make relationships stronger. I also began to understand more about my own fears and insecurities that were holding me back from opening up.

But even with this newfound knowledge, it still wasn't easy for me to express my emotions. I would often find myself stumbling over words, feeling embarrassed or ashamed for sharing my true feelings. There were times when I would break down crying, feeling overwhelmed with emotion, but not knowing how to articulate what exactly it was that I was feeling.

So how did I overcome this struggle? Firstly, I had to learn to be patient with myself. Change doesn't happen overnight, and it's important to give ourselves the time and space to work through our emotions.

I also found that writing was a helpful tool for expressing my emotions. Writing in a journal allowed me to release my thoughts and feelings without the pressure of having to share them with anyone else.

Another helpful strategy was to practice expressing my emotions in safe and supportive environments. This could be with a therapist, a close friend or family member - someone who I trusted and who would listen without judgment.

Finally, I had to learn to embrace vulnerability. This meant accepting that it was okay to not have all the answers and to be okay with feeling uncomfortable or unsure. It also meant taking risks and putting myself out there, even when it felt scary.

In conclusion, expressing emotions is not easy, especially if it's not something that comes naturally to you. However, with practice and patience, it is possible to become better at it. It’s important to remember that emotions are a fundamental part of our human experience and being able to express them is key to building strong, meaningful relationships. So don't be afraid to take that first step towards expressing your emotions - you may be surprised at how liberating and rewarding it can be.