Emotions

You cannot let your feelings tell you how you are doing.

I know this statement seems a bit odd when you read it. It's a thought that I've been sitting with this week. At times, we are so quick to label our emotions of the day-- tired, stressed, confused, angry, regretful, bitter, overwhelmed-- and in a weird way, we cling to this label. This is my emotion; thus, this is how I am and will be.This may sound harsh, but I disagree with you if you think that is an extreme statement. I openly admit (and I know others would too) to letting my emotions dictate my mood, responses, and actions.

That is so wrong. So so wrong. The truth is (fair warning- I'm about to get spiritual here), we need not to focus on what we feel, but what we know. We need to hold to the anchors that God graciously gives us every day and choose to be continually mindful of them. Instead of "I am beyond empty," we need to start thinking "I am beyond full." Rather than "I am beyond fearful," we should think "I am beyond hopeful." It's almost as if we need to start thinking in a reverse way--in a way that God desires us to. Rather than immediately turning to the emotion, we need to turn to the promise that is present.

Yeah, this seems a bit drastic and difficult, but I really think that if we could learn to control our emotions, we would have a stronger perspective on ourselves. Perhaps like you, I too get annoyed with the optimists in the world. The truth is, life is more enjoyable if you look up rather than down. Simply put. Trials and triumphs are going to come, so how will you handle it? Choose to sit with your yuck, or turn it into something greater?

Just something to think about today.

love you e,
love, t.