Human beings are complex multi-faceted individuals.
If you’ve ever parented a teenager, you know what I’m talking about. Mood
swings, up and downs plus issues with self-image and worth. Many of us still
have these same concerns instead of being happy well adjusted adults. A
personal journal can be helpful for working through emotional problems that you
may still be carrying around from earlier times. Some self-help books call it healing
the wounded inner child. Whether you are hiding from a troubled past
or wallowing in it and not moving forward, self evaluation can help bring
changes to your emotional health.
As
I’ve watched two grandchildren interact recently, it was obvious how the
younger brother was teasing his teenage sister. She took the bait every time instead
of ignoring his taunts. He continued, until a parent intervened. I wanted to
teach this granddaughter how to step aside and
observe what is going on rather than taking his emotional
hooks every time. Getting upset and mad is what was wanted by the younger
sibling. Maybe it’s just instinct to want to defend ourselves when under
attack. A wiser tactic is to withdraw from the bully or teaser, leaving them
without a victim. Even adults can have bullies in their lives.
You
can be our own worst adversary as you heap negative comments on yourself
silently within your mind.
Well, you’re certainly a failure at that. You’re
just old and no one needs you, etc. Journaling these negative thoughts can help you realize
what is going on inside your own head. Then countering these criticisms with
positive comments like: Well I’m not a failure if I’m still trying or I am making
progress, etc. There
is too much depression and suicide in our modern society that could be stopped
if we paid more attention to our emotional well being. Not just suppressing
negative thoughts, but expressing them safely in a personal journal and/or in
counseling, then working through them.
Focusing
on filling your mind and journal with gratitude can go a long way toward
changing your attitude toward life and yourself. Discover what fills your well
or makes you happy, then do it! Whether it’s enjoying nature, listening to
peaceful music, whistling, singing out loud, working in the garden or giving
service, do what brings you happiness. I like to write poetry. I always seems
to lift any negative thoughts by writing. NEXT TIME: Co-Dependency