Managing Emotions Pt 5: Develop Non-Judgmental Self-Awareness

What I like to call “Non-Judgmental Self-Awareness” (an aspect of mindfulness) is a pillar in managing emotions. It is developing the ability to just “sit” with your feelings. If you become aware of having a case of the “shoulds” or “shouldnt’s,” gently remind yourself that you are “shoulding” all over yourself and that leaves us […]

Managing Emotions: “Emotions are my enemy!” Pt 4

This is not a judgment, just a question. Did your family teach you emotional literacy and managing emotions? Did they teach you how to manage emotions in a healthy way? Did they teach you to validate, observe, connect and express emotions? If so, I am so incredibly glad! Families and schools often teach physical hygiene, […]

Managing Emotions: “Emotions are my enemy!” Pt 3

From personal experience, I can share that emotions felt to me like what Winston Churchill said about a world power: “It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma: but perhaps there is a key.” Emotions felt like trying to dealing with an unpredictable, powerful experience that often didn’t make sense to me. […]

Managing Emotions: “Emotions are my enemy!” Pt 2

Was there pressure in your life to “put on a face and be happy” much of the time? You may now feel guilty when you experience unhappy emotions because of possibly experiencing punishment/shame for feeling/expressing “negative” emotions. There are plenty of other examples you have probably experienced for yourself. All these interactions, messages, and dysfunctional […]

Managing Emotions: “Emotions are my enemy!” Pt 1

Learning to manage emotions is one of the most important abilities that we can develop. To start the path of developing this ability, we have to start uncovering where the current points of view about our emotions come from.  Are you afraid to experience uncomfortable emotions or  even allow yourself to fully feel pleasant emotions […]