What does it mean to take care of myself emotionally? I recognize when I'm feeling angry, and I accept that feeling without shame or blame.
I recognize when I'm feeling hurt, and I accept those feelings without attempting to punish the source of my pain. I recognize and feel fear when that emotion presents itself.
I allow myself to feel happiness, joy, and love when those emotions are available. Taking care of myself means I've made a decision that it's okay to feel.
Taking care of my emotions means I allow myself to stay with the feeling until it's time to release it and go on to the next one.
I recognize that sometimes my feelings can help point me toward reality, but sometimes my feelings are deceptive. They are important, but I do not have to let them control me. I can feel, and think too.
I talk to people about my feelings when that's appropriate and safe.
I reach out for help or guidance if I get stuck in a particular emotion.
I'm open to the lessons my emotions may be trying to teach me. After I feel, accept, and release the feeling, I ask myself what it is I want or need to do to take care of myself.
Taking care of myself emotionally means I value, treasure, explore, and cherish the emotional part of myself.
Today, I will take care of myself emotionally. I will be open to, and accepting of, the emotional part of myself and other people. I will strive for balance by combining emotions with reason, but I will not allow intellect to push the emotional part of myself away.
From The Language of Letting Go
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
I want to thank you for these words of wisdom, too. This is an extremely difficult lesson for me. I find myself shadow boxing with my emotions. All I manage to accomplish is wearing myself out! I am okay with feeling only two emotions: happiness and anger. The rest of them produce a strong fear deep in my gut. I find myself coming down extremely hard on myself if I sense the slightest sign that I'm going to cry or be afraid, and I wear myself out trying to run from them. These are emotions I trained myself not to have, feel, or even acknowledge. So, in sobriety, it's an unpleasant lesson for me and one that I want to just fly through.
Spry
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My mind is a dangerous neighborhood. I dare not go there alone.
Thanks, Q. I'm learning to respect, understand & detach with my emotions. I love listening to their messages & it's all thanks to this program, fellowship & recovery board. Welcome to MIP, Serena. I'm sure you have plenty of ES&H to inspire us with. Thanks for stopping by & joining us. I hope you'll keep coming back, Danielle x
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
