Episode 26: How to Feel Your Emotions Without Letting Them Control You

In this episode of Courage is Built Here, Justine opens Pathway One, Feel It All, with a powerful and honest conversation about what it means to experience your emotions without letting them control your life. She invites Dr. Darryl Diggs to share a story that captures the depth of emotional work and the courage it takes to face failure, shame, and self-doubt.

Darryl walks through his journey of signing up for a triathlon without fully understanding what it required, facing panic and failure, and carrying the weight of those experiences for a long time. He shares how he initially avoided processing those emotions, only to later realize that healing required him to return to those moments, reflect, and do the deeper work.

Together, Justine and Darryl explore how values like achievement and perseverance helped him reframe his experience and take a different approach. They talk about humility, seeking help, building community, and allowing emotions to move through the body instead of being suppressed.

They also discuss the role of purpose, the challenges within education systems, and the importance of remembering our shared humanity. Throughout the episode, they return to the idea that life does not always make sense, but through courage, connection, and intentional effort, we can continue moving forward.

Key Takeaways

•  Pathway One, Feel It All, begins with clarity of values and emotional awareness.
• Feelings are data and information, not necessarily truth.
• Avoiding or suppressing emotions can lead to being controlled by them.
• Shame, failure, and regret require processing, not avoidance.
• Circling back to painful moments can help heal and transform shame.
• Values like achievement and perseverance can guide how you respond to challenges.
• Humility and asking for help are essential parts of growth.
• Community and support systems are critical when doing emotional and personal work.
• Courage is built through persistence, showing up, and aligning actions with purpose.
• Life may not always make sense, but healing and forward movement are still possible.

About the guest

Dr. Darryl S. Diggs, Jr. is an educational leader focused on equity, inclusion, and community impact. With a background in school leadership and organizational development, he works to build inclusive environments and support meaningful outcomes for educators and communities. His work centers on leadership development, advocacy, and helping others align their purpose with action.

Connect with Mary Pat

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-darryl-s-diggs-jr-b780967
• Website: https://achievementfourall.com/
• Book: The Fire Within: When Purpose Meets Bureaucracy