Some emotions just linger, don’t they? They weave themselves into the background of our days, quiet but constant, shaping how we interpret everything around us. And as we step into 2026, the energy creates the perfect moment to finally turn toward those emotions instead of looking away. These are the ones that keep popping up in conversations, in decisions, in the way we react without meaning to. The ones that interrupt our lives even when we think we’ve outgrown them. And we can’t figure out where they came from.

When Insecurity Moves In

Insecurity is a big one. It can feel like it’s moved in permanently. Once it’s there, it makes us second-guess our choices, compare ourselves to everyone else, or shrink a little even when we don’t want to. Sometimes it even slips out as judgment or criticism. Not because we’re unkind, but because we’re uncomfortable in our own skin in that moment.

And when we’re not anchored in who we are, it’s easy to drift into group dynamics that run on subtle exclusion or little digs, just to feel like we belong for a minute. It’s not who we want to be. But insecurity nudges us into patterns we don’t always recognize right away. Patterns where belonging gets tangled up with right and wrong.

What’s interesting is that there’s usually more happening underneath than we realize. We tend to think emotions start in the mind, but in East Asian Medicine, emotions are tied to how energy moves through the body. When something inside us is out of balance, the flow shifts, and that shift becomes the emotional tone we feel.

When everything is moving smoothly, we feel grounded and more like ourselves. But think back over the last couple of days. Were there moments that left you feeling a little off? A little unsure? Did you walk away from something, wondering why you reacted the way you did, or even blaming yourself afterward?

Insecurity is especially layered. It usually takes more than one imbalance to create that deep, unsettled feeling. One combination that can create that kind of insecurity is Spleen Qi Deficiency, Liver Wind, and Latent Heat. And honestly? It’s a common pattern. So if you’ve been feeling confused, reactive, or unsure of yourself and you can’t quite shake it, this might be part of the picture.

So how does this happen?

Spleen Deficiency

The Spleen is responsible for turning food into energy and for providing us with mental grounding. When you think about the quality of our food supply, it’s not surprising that Spleen deficiency shows up so often. Our food industry is constantly fighting even the slightest scrutiny, especially around ultra-processed foods. It’s frustrating, but it also explains why so many of us feel depleted.

I keep a Pinterest page with recipes that help rebuild the Spleen. The quality of what you put in really does matter.

Liver Wind

The Liver, on the other hand, is tied to direction, creativity, and dreams. When its energy can move freely, we feel inspired. But family expectations, societal pressure, and the constant push to be “practical” can block that flow. The liver is the energy of the dragon that just wants to fly. You spend a tremendous amount of energy trying to keep your dragon tied to the ground.

When the Liver loses its wings, one of the first signs is Liver Wind. That can feel like internal agitation. Or, the sense that something is always about to go wrong, even when everything looks fine on the outside. Think of your dragon chained to the ground.

Latent Heat

These imbalances slow the flow of Qi. And when energy can’t move, heat builds. Think of a teapot on the stove: the heat keeps rising until it whistles. In the body, that can show up as sudden anger, resentment, or emotional overwhelm.

A Different Way to Work with Insecurity

Together, these patterns create a chronic sense of insecurity that’s hard to shake. And it’s rarely just one thing. It’s the food we eat, the expectations we carry, the pressure we absorb, and the energetic imbalances that build over time. It’s a reminder that our well-being is shaped from many directions. Not just one.

Healing this kind of insecurity involves nourishing your body, reconnecting with who you really are, and using herbs or essential oils to help release the heat. It’s a practice of patience and self-respect. And every small step you take shifts the way you feel in your own world.

And maybe that’s the real invitation of this year: to finally release the emotions that keep shaping our behavior without a clear trigger, and to understand what’s happening beneath the surface instead of blaming ourselves for the symptoms. If you’re curious about how Classical Taoist East Asian medicine can support that process, you’re welcome to schedule a free phone conversation and explore what this kind of work could look like for you.