When did being “moody” become an insult? ALL human beings have moods, feelings and emotions. We are just built that way. We have happy moments and days, but we also feel sad, angry, anxious, overjoyed, annoyed, excited… humans are equipped with a myriad of emotions. It’s how we deal with them internally and how we express them externally that makes all the difference.
Those feelings that are more comfortable, such as happiness and excitement, are easier to make sense of and to express. It’s those other ones that can be a bit uncomfortable.
It can be tempting to push the uncomfortable feelings aside or try to ignore them, but that’s not really a very healthy approach. Instead, we’re better off “feeling the feels” as they come along.
Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Turn toward your emotions with acceptance. Become aware of the emotion and identify where you sense it in your body. In your chest? In your gut? Where do you physically feel this emotion?
- Identify and label the emotion. To stay mindful, say to yourself, “This is anger” or “This is sadness” or whatever it is.
- Accept your emotions. It’s okay to feel whatever you are feeling, even if it seems illogical. Accept and acknowledge without judgement that the feeling is there.
- Realize the impermanence of your emotions. Even if you feel overwhelmed in the moment, remember that it will pass.
- Inquire and investigate. Ask yourself what triggered you and why you feel this way right now.
- Let go of the need to control your emotions. What you CAN control is how you express them externally. This can be done productively only after going through this process.
This seems like a lot, but it’s worth it. Instead of trying to get over something, or around it, work through it. In the long run, you’ll be glad you did.
“The best way out is always through.”
–Robert Frost
