FEELINGS ARE LIKE FARTS… The story.

Have you ever noticed? Feelings are a lot like farts!

Everybody has them!

They can be big or small, and happen anywhere, any time.

There are funny ones and funky ones, and they’re nothing to be ashamed of. They can even make you laugh with friends! 

Some are fast and fiery, [KABOOM!] 

Others are loud and long like a sad trombone…. [wah wah wah…],

Of course, they can also be silent……… But even then, they are never actually deadly!

Have you ever had one surprise everyone, even you? Feelings and farts can both have a way of popping out when you least expect it?

Other times, they might squeeeeeze their way out…. with just a tiny whimper… 

They can really startle people when you don’t mean to!

There are some people never shut up about them.  

Other people who politely pretend they don't notice….

Some people back away slowly…

And sometimes… they can clear a room!

You might really wish your feelings or farts were private, but they don’t always come out that way. 

In fact, they can come out in the worst public places! [Ill: airplanes, elevators, or in the middle of yoga class?]

Have you ever had one so powerful that it woke you up (or kept you up) in the middle of the night…?

It happens to all of us! But you can’t hide them under the covers for long! 

Sometimes one sneaks up on you, but other times, [whoooosh,] you can feel it coming! (blasting into the air)

So if you pay careful attention to your body, does it give you a clue about the kind that’s coming next? 

 Think back- it’s usually from something earlier in the day.

You could take deep breaths to get things settled again. 

Or, if it’s really bubbling up, you can plan a stealthy healthy release…

You could let it squeak out little by little by little… (on the schoolbus)

Or just let it aaaaalllllll out in a safe place.  

And even if those feelings or farts come out a little awkward, you will probably still feel relieved.

You can’t run away from your feelings. And farts also always have a way of just following you around.

 But even if they linger, they never last forever!

Which is good because you can’t hold either of them for long!

You could try clenching your muscles, you could try thinking about something else, but….

every one of us has had a time when those big ones…

… just end up really…. 

…exploding!

And that can be pretty embarrassing.

But around friends and family, feelings and farts are usually no big deal. 

And trying to blame them on other people is totally not cool. (blaming the dog?)

So if you smelt them or just felt them--it’s time you dealt with them.

And remember- if they hurt too much or are really uncomfortable, talk about them with someone you trust…

Feelings and farts! There are funny ones, funky ones and fluttery ones… 

There will be times when you just have to sit with them — till they fade away. Even if they really stink! 

So… remember for next time, it isn't the first and it won't be the last. Just like your farts your feelings will pass....