In life I try not to be ruled by my emotions. I’d say I’m pretty good in this department. Often the observer of my feelings rather than being dominated by them. Let me take you with me for my thoughts around the following quote for LiFE Lesson #5
“But feelings can’t be ignored, no matter how unjust or ungrateful they seem.”
~Anne Frank~
But what I have learnt over the last few years is that feelings are there to be felt. Historically, when I have shut them away, I have felt like I have no right to feel the way I do, but this has inevitably led to detaching from myself, from me. The dip in my mental health that follows is not for the faint-hearted.
Since growing into myself, making friends and learning that vulnerability is a strength rather than a weakness… I have become quite indulgent with every sensation that courses through me.
Well, that’s not a bad place to be.
I read about toxic positivity recently. This led to me seeking clarification from SWL. “I always try and find the positive, the silver lining, the lesson. I didn’t think that was a negative, but am I, in fact, showing toxic positivity?”
I’m told that the difference between that and my sunshine is that one dismisses the negative entirely. I acknowledge the pain, the dark and the discomfort. Then I find a way to make it less overwhelming.
So, while I agree with Anne Frank in that feelings can’t be ignored, even the “unjust and ungrateful” ones, I would take it a step further. I believe that feelings should be acknowledged, embraced and then used as a springboard to the next stage.
LiFE Lesson #5 latest addition to my collection of posts around body positivity through lingerie and quotes. You can find them all here.
From the story of how the barefoot sub became the woman she is today, to toy reviews, with a hefty dose of contemplation, a sprinkling of erotica and a LOT of nudity in between, you can be sure to find something to tickle your fancy at A Leap Of Faith.
Great post, Barefoot! I really identified with the part about not letting ourselves be ruled by our emotions. Emotions, while powerful, are fleeting and fickle.
Acknowledge, feel, discuss, grow. That’s how I *try* to do it. I’m not always successful, but it’s the effort that matters.
Lovely bra, though what’s underneath is nicer…
Emotions are powerful modifiers to our behaviour! It’s important to control how we act despite how we’re feeling. It’s a battle I often, but not always win!
I enjoy the battle, though on occasion it seems almost futile. But practise makes it easier, and thats what I do.
Hmmm failed to get my comment through so trying again. Emotions are very powerful and cause us to behave in ways that aren’t always in our interests. I try to not let them rule me, but I’m not always successful.