Acknowledging Our Emotions

Do you ever wonder what your purpose might be?  What career you should seek out, or if you should have sought something different than you did?  

Or perhaps the question that plagues you is where to find your joy? What can you do to surround yourself with positivity?

Both of these are themes that face each of us. We all ponder these questions at some point. Most of us ask them numerous times over the years. It seems to me that they are major driving forces behind our choices as adults.  However, just because they exist in all of us, that doesn’t make the decisions we make in regard to them any easier. 

Sometimes, we find that it is very difficult to come up with an answer to one or both of the questions posed at the beginning of this blog.  This can lead to confusion, frustration, and even a sense of sadness or depression.  So what can one do in this situation?

I find that focusing on a positive thought, feeling, or even memory can pull me out of the negative thoughts that arise.  The positive thought does not have to focus on something large. In fact, even a small, thought or memory can overcome the darkness and negativity.  Something as small as remembering a favorite meal can pull a smile from us.  

Meditation can also help.  I’ve shared numerous blogs that focus on meditation.  Feel free to read those again, and even look back at some of the links I have shared in the past.  They may help you find some peace.

Once you’ve identified a method for finding positivity that works for you, the next step is to be intentional about focusing on it daily.  You might find that there are many things that bring you to a place of joy and positivity.  Once you’ve identified them, you then have an arsenal from which to draw on the rough days.

I believe that it’s also important to note that you wont be cheerful every day.  There will be rough days, even after you develop these skills.  That’s normal.  Be prepared for that.  Understand that none of us are happy all the time.  If someone tells you otherwise, they are prevaricating.  It’s alright to acknowledge your feelings, even when they are negative.  It’s alright to accept that you’re having a rough day.  If you don’t, you will not be able to improve upon it.  Just embrace the feelings you’re experiencing and move forward from there.  I believe in your ability to do so.  I hope that you reach a point where you believe in that as well.

Too often, I think that we fear the idea of embracing our negative emotions.  I think that is silly.  They are a part of who we are, and they affect our days.  By accepting them, we are giving ourselves a chance to change them.  Look ahead and envision the positive situation in which you wish to live.  Then, use meditation or the other skills you’ve developed to find that positivity that allows you to move forward.  It may be difficult, but I know you can do it.