“Emotions are like children. You can’t let them drive, but you can’t put them in the trunk, either.”
What a powerful analogy! I’ve since been reflecting and feel that I have let my emotions drive more than I would have liked since the start of the Write 31 Days challenge. As a result, the ride has been a little bumpy and exhausting.
In general, I’m a pretty passionate gal - I tend to love and hurt deeply - therefore, I have to keep my emotions in check so that they do not rule my attitude, relationships and days.
The past couple of months have brought a series of external stressors for our family, mostly from a health aspect. Therefore this time in our lives has been emotionally charged overall. Deciding to start writing has brought additional emotions and insecurities to the surface I was not even aware were there!
There are many different ways to cope when we discover an emotional off balance. Today, as I was beginning to feel overwhelmed and burnt out, I followed a simple formula that my husband swears by: pray, take a nap and take a shower. Honestly, as basic as it sounds, this has proven to be effective for both of us many times! The intention of these self-care actions, along with talking to the one who, for me, is the ultimate Hope-Giver, helps me refocus on what really matters. After I took these steps this afternoon I felt refreshed and ready to get back on course.
Although hope is not technically considered an emotion, as discussed in Psychology Today, it has been referred to as an emotional state and can have a positive correlation with emotions. And today, my intentional time of rest and refreshment left me feeling more balanced and hopeful.
As Hope Artists, we strive to make wholeness in our personal, relational, mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health a priority. Sometimes it takes a little more work, but other times, dedicating a few hours to self-care in the afternoon can make an empowering, positive difference. This is just one practical step I can take to cope with stress at times my emotions get into the drivers seat.
What techniques are in your toolbox at times you feel your emotions taking over?
-- Stephanie
I am excited to link up with my new friends Meredith for #Woman2Woman Wednesday and Nikki for What You Wish Wednesday. Thanks for the opportunity, ladies!
Photo Credit: Cozy Beddings by lemontale via Compfight