The Gift of Feelings

My feelings can be difficult to manage when they are very intense.  They intrude on my reason and encourage impulsive behavior that isn’t always in my own or others’ best interests.  When I become frightened and minimize, avoid, discount, or deny them, they find different ways to get my attention.  I find myself suddenly experiencing stomach, headaches, and a compromised immune system.  Feelings are energy after all and that energy has to go somewhere.  Often I sabotage my best intentions and am perceived as coming across to others in ways that surprise me.  Defending against my emotions hasn’t worked very well for me.  Learning ways to recognize and regulate them has been so much more effective.  I have learned that my feelings let me know when my needs aren’t being met. 

Today, I will embrace my emotions and invite them to serve me as they were intended to do.  I will acknowledge the thoughts that produce them and recognize the needs I have.  I will reach out for support if my feelings overwhelm me.  My emotions are a gift that I wish to welcome more fully into my life.