In the previous episode, I talked about what emotional armor is and the reasons many of us carry this guard to protect ourselves from hurt, pain, or disappointment.

But as we already learned, emotional armor is a product of our fear - fear to get hurt or fear to feel pain.

We develop this coping mechanism since we haven't healed certain parts of ourselves, haven't overcome our traumas, or haven't felt through emotions we need to heal.

Since the last week, we talked about the definition and reasons for our emotional guard. In today's episode, I will teach you five steps on how to let this emotional armor go, put it down, and protect yourself by developing emotional and mental resilience rather than guarding yourself.

Step #1 is to acknowledge you are guarded. I know this sounds simplistic to many of us but sometimes admitting that we have this guard that doesn't allow us to receive and enjoy everything we want is the most confronting part of the transformation.

Step #2 is to reflect on how was this armor protecting you. Realizing that your guard is nothing but the illusion of safety creates profound insights and understanding that armoring up won't protect you in the first place.

Step #3 is to develop a new coping mechanism by allowing yourself to feel your emotions.

Step #4 is to confront your fear of pain or hurt. Get into a habit of asking yourself, "What is the worst that can happen if I open up?"

Step #5 is to confront your pain and understand that unless you decide to heal and feel the pain that has been stored inside of you for months or even years, you won't allow yourself to feel good emotions either.

Think of the armor as a door. Once you close it, once you put it up, nothing can go out in terms of healing, but nothing can go in in terms of love, joy, and happiness.