(from DailyOM)
Our feelings can sometimes present a very challenging aspect of our lives. We experience intense emotions without understanding precisely why and consequently find it difficult to identify the solutions that will soothe our distressed minds and hearts. Yet it is only when we are capable of naming our feelings that we can tame them by finding an appropriate resolution. We retake control of our personal power by becoming courageous enough to articulate, out loud and concisely, the essence of our emotions. Our assuming ownership of the challenges before us in this way empowers us to shift from one emotional state to another—we can let go of pain and upset because we have defined it, examined the effect it had on our lives, and then exerted our authority over it by making it our own. By naming our feelings, we claim the right to divest ourselves of them at will.
As you prepare to acknowledge your feelings aloud, gently remind yourself that being specific is an important part of exercising control. Whatever the nature of your feelings, carefully define the reaction taking place within you. If you are afraid of a situation or intimidated by an individual, try not to mince words while giving voice to your anxiety. The precision with which you express yourself is indicative of your overall willingness to stare your feelings in the face without flinching. Naming and claiming cannot always work in the vacuum of the soul. There may be times in which you will find the release you desire only by admitting your feelings before others. When this is the case, your ability to outline your feelings explicitly can help you ask for the support, aid, or guidance you need without becoming mired in the feelings that led you to make such an admission in the first place.
When you have moved past the apprehension associated with expressing your distressing feelings out loud, you may be surprised to discover that you feel liberated and lightened. This is because the act of making a clear connection between your circumstances and your feelings unravels the mystery that previously kept you from being in complete control of your emotional state. To give voice to your feelings, you must necessarily let them go. In the process, you naturally relax and rediscover your emotional equilibrium.
We lead our lives, and when they end, sometimes we leave a little of ourselves behind. Sometimes we leave money, a painting, sometimes we leave a kind word. And sometimes, we leave an empty space.
~ George Lass, "Dead Like Me"
an empty space
We lead our lives, and when they end, sometimes we leave a little of ourselves behind. Sometimes we leave money, a painting, sometimes we leave a kind word. And sometimes, we leave an empty space.
~ George Lass, "Dead Like Me"
~ George Lass, "Dead Like Me"
Reflection
Look at me, you may think you see who I really am
But you'll never know me
Every day, is as if I play a part
Now I see, if I wear a mask I can fool the world
But I can not fool my heart
Who is that girl I see staring straight back at me?
When will my reflection show who I am inside?
I am now in a world where I have to hide my heart
And what I believe in
But somehow, I will show the world what's inside my heart
And be loved for who I am
Who is that girl I see staring straight back at me?
Why is my reflection someone I don't know?
Must I pretend that I'm someone else for all time?
When will my reflection show who I am inside?
There's a heart that must be free to fly
That burns with a need to know the reason why
Why must we all conceal what we think, how we feel
Must there be a secret me I'm forced to hide?
I won't pretend that I'm someone else, for all time
When will my reflection show who I am inside?
When will my reflection show who I am inside?
~ Christina Aguilera, "Mulan"
But you'll never know me
Every day, is as if I play a part
Now I see, if I wear a mask I can fool the world
But I can not fool my heart
Who is that girl I see staring straight back at me?
When will my reflection show who I am inside?
I am now in a world where I have to hide my heart
And what I believe in
But somehow, I will show the world what's inside my heart
And be loved for who I am
Who is that girl I see staring straight back at me?
Why is my reflection someone I don't know?
Must I pretend that I'm someone else for all time?
When will my reflection show who I am inside?
There's a heart that must be free to fly
That burns with a need to know the reason why
Why must we all conceal what we think, how we feel
Must there be a secret me I'm forced to hide?
I won't pretend that I'm someone else, for all time
When will my reflection show who I am inside?
When will my reflection show who I am inside?
~ Christina Aguilera, "Mulan"