Face Emotional Challenges
Facing difficult emotions is healthier than avoiding them.
Everybody experiences burdensome emotions at some level. This is your chance to learn more in a way that may help you move on.
(Important: If troubling emotions feel extreme to you, seek professional support. If your employer offers an EAP, it’s a good place to start. Your local mental health association may also be able to help. Or talking to a loved one, clergy member, or primary care provider may get you back on track.)
Write about your emotional challenge, whether it’s going on now or is familiar from past experience; it could be…
- Envy
- Resentment
- Powerlessness
- Low self-esteem
- Fear
- Pessimism
- Loneliness
- Sadness
- Longing
- Stress
- Jealousy
- Anger
- Regret
… or some other feeling. You may even choose to reflect on an emotion you’re unable to name.
What’s important is to freely describe:
- What it feels like
- How it affects your thinking, interactions with others, decisions, confidence, work, energy, or your body
- Any other observations or thoughts — whatever comes to mind.
Think of your writing as taking care of your emotion by allowing it to express itself. Note any insights you gain in the process. Is the emotion bigger or smaller than you thought it was? More or less difficult to resolve? (Feeling worse as a result of this exercise may be a sign to consider professional support.)
Sometimes we have a natural tendency to avoid tough or complex emotions. Acknowledging, understanding, and expressing them are initial steps toward bidding them farewell.
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