How to move through big emotions…

• Pause and acknowledge the emotion — give it space and time
• Sense the emotion in your body — where do I feel it (e.g. tightness in the chest, muscle tension, stomach cramps, jaws clenched, pounding heart…)
• Name the emotion (e.g. I feel sad/happiness/fear…)
• Remember — you are safe & all emotions pass
• Attribute the cause — what caused it to appear? What happened right before it appeared?
• Decode its message — why is it visiting me? What message does it have & what need is wanting to be met?
• Act — decide how to cope and act
• Let it go — when you feel ready, let the emotion go in a safe way that works for you

— @mymentalhealthspace

My favourite therapist says it is absolutely critical to feel what we’re feeling. And to go back in time and address unexpressed/blocked, and likely problematic, emotions from our childhood. He also believes in writing about, and answering poignant questions about these formative experiences, so that our emotions can bubble up to be healed. I’ve found written work to be cathartic, and quite a relief frankly. Just sayin’ :) Hugs and good luck. XO

Blessings,

Chatgirl