"Not Everyone Deserves Your Story": A Declaration for Emotional Sovereignty by Emmanuelle June - Atwood Magazine

      In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, Atwood Magazine has called upon artists to contribute essays that reflect on themes of identity, music, culture, inclusion, and beyond.

      Today, we present an essay by Swedish singer, songwriter, director, and producer Emmanuelle June, titled “‘Not Everyone Deserves Your Story’: A Manifesto for Emotional Sovereignty," as part of Atwood Magazine’s Mental Health Awareness Month series.

      June shares, “This deeply personal meditation examines the conflict between societal expectations to publicly expose our inner lives and the sacred strength found in keeping certain truths private. The author advocates for honoring individual paths to healing, reminding us that self-expression—whether through art, movement, silence, or selective vulnerability—is valid, and that reclaiming our personal mystery is a sign of resilience.”

      Raised primarily in Stockholm, Sweden, Emmanuelle June's experience as an actress has equipped her with a diverse range of talents evident both on stage and screen. After appearing in various off-Broadway productions, she relocated to Los Angeles and became deeply involved in the music scene, collaborating with friends and translating her poetry into song lyrics. June briefly performed with post-punk and psych rock bands before dedicating her efforts to her solo career under the name Emmanuelle June. She has graced notable locations in Los Angeles such as The Hotel Café and Moroccan Lounge with her band Whisper and was an official artist at SXSW in 2022. In 2024, she showcased her work at the avant-garde festival Ankoku in Stockholm, hosted by Teater Giljotin. Additionally, she is a multi-award-winning filmmaker and a published author under various pseudonyms.

      Emmanuelle June © Christopher Kazolides

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      A Manifesto for Emotional Sovereignty

      by Emmanuelle June

      When I was invited to write about mental health, I found myself unsure of how to start or if I even could.

      Opening up about such intimate topics is far outside my comfort zone; I realize this is where I need to begin; this is the core, and the lesson I have learned.

      Why is it so difficult to share our experiences and be vulnerable? I have always envied those who can easily open up and trust others, who can seek and offer comfort, but I find that I cannot.

      I recognize that I possess a savior complex that keeps me from the vulnerability necessary to be “saved” — for me, I believe we can only save ourselves from ourselves.

      Am I, a stoic, emotionally-restrained Swede? Or do I merely express my experiences in my own unique manner, outside the expectations of others?

      There is a pervasive narrative pushing us to “open up” and “share” everything; we are told to disclose our feelings, hopes, traumas—essentially every private and sacred aspect of ourselves. When we choose not to share, we are often labeled as unwilling, difficult, or cold.

      While I believe there are healthy ways to open up to others, doing so requires caution and discernment about who we confide in and understanding why. Oversharing can lead to depletion and a loss of self.

      Not everyone is entitled to know our story, just as not everyone should physically touch us.

      Each individual has their own unique way of being, and of healing.

      In a time marked by self-exploitation—where we often relinquish our power—consider keeping some things close to your heart. Honoring our mystery is a way of reclaiming our strength.

      What serves as your outlet? For me, it's creativity and physical movement. For others, it might involve confiding in a trusted friend or therapist. Some find solace in silence and reflection. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. We are all unique and should recognize and respect our individuality and that of others.

      In this era where conformity is often valued, we must reclaim our uniqueness.

      I'd like to share a poem I wrote some time ago, as I believe it resonates and might inspire. Regardless of its quality, it reflects my expression, my outlet, my “savior”—my notebook.

      “SUBSTANCE”

      Under the influence, we spew clichés as if they are profound poetry, the sense of originality disappears,

      we regurgitate everything we've ever read/heard/seen/experienced.

      Substances lacking in substance breed arrogance; we consider ourselves geniuses…

      We become obsessed with self-love and self-loathing;

      we are struck by others' mediocrity within these circles of self-praise. Same – as if under a spell of admiration; like Titania professing love to an Ass.

      We commend a mountain of nonsense, blinded by a lack of depth. Change the story

      Like thunder

      As the sun sets

      We see birds before they reach land

      Who will we become tomorrow once the sun has rolled around?

      Upon waking

      Gazing