Some of my clients had quite a torrid week last week. There seemed to be lots of emotion swirling around.
To be honest, it was exhausting.
Some people embrace emotion. They find it liberating and see expressing it as completely necessary. It’s cleansing, cathartic and can be the gateway to insight. These people are a joy to work with.
Others go straight into defensive mode. They throw barriers up around themselves and retreat into silence. Some even go on the attack.
The truth is, if you tend to see lots of things as a threat, you’re in for a life of misery. And you’ll make those around you miserable too. The answer to feeling shit about something really isn’t to try to make everyone else feel like shit too.
Instead of pushing away anxious feelings or dumping them onto someone else try this.
When you find yourself going on the defensive get curious instead.
Ask yourself:
- Where is the actual threat?
- Why are you reacting that way?
- Where in your body are you feeling it?
- What happens if you just sit with the feeling for a few minutes (clue: it will subside).
- How can you manage the worry in a more helpful way?
You’ll find that opening yourself up to your emotions and dealing with your worries in a positive way will make you happier in the long run. It’s not always easy to do that on your own and that’s where I can help.
To find out more give me a call on +44 (0)7485 248 353 or book yourself in for a quick chat.
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