How to Maintain Your Emotional Wellbeing
You are responsible for your own emotional wellbeing. I know it’s easier to point fingers and blame others for how you’re feeling but here’s the truth, no one and no-thing can make you happy, content or feel at peace. I personally believe that true peace and joy is only found in Christ because only He can truly satisfy. However, if you’re not a Christian or adhere to any specific believes, it is still important to take responsibility for the roll you play in maintaining your emotional wellbeing.
There are times when your emotions are valid, and your anger is justified because someone hurt you. You did not cause your emotional pain and you feel like the person responsible does not deserve to be forgiven. You want to hold on to the pain because letting it go feels like accepting their crappy behavior. But here’s the hard truth, holding on to pain only hurts you and stunts your personal growth.
“Your wounds are probably not your fault, but your healing is your responsibility ”
You cannot control another person’s behavior and you cannot control what life throws at you. People will disappoint you, lie to you, exclude you, or do things to upset you but you control how you react to that. Regardless of what that person does, it is still your responsibility to process it, heal from it, and move on. If you are out of alignment or emotionally unstable, you cannot be your best self.
If you are hurting, it is up to you to discover why and address it. Do not ignore the emotional signs because they are exposing deeper unresolved issues. And guess what? You can suppress those feelings or distract yourself, but those issues will always re-surface. Worst case scenario, your unresolved issues will lead you to do things that are harmful to yourself or others.
Here are my tips on how to maintain your emotional wellbeing:
Check yourself
“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life. ”
The first step to maintaining your emotional wellbeing is self-awareness. Pay attention to your emotional patterns so that you know what triggers you and why. When you feel triggered, do you internalize those negative feelings, or are you reactive and impulsive? How has your current behavior worked for you and what would you like to change? Be honest with yourself, so that you can get to the root of the issue.
Build Emotional Boundaries
Build healthy emotional boundaries so that you don’t allow any and everything effect you emotionally. Remember, you have control so do not get too emotionally invested in things and people that are not worth your energy.
“He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.”
Heal from Past Pain
We have all gone through hurtful situations. We cannot control what people do to us or how they treat us, but we can control how we react to it. Stop missing out on your healing because you are waiting for an apology. This is the critical aspect of taking responsibility for your emotions. Be intentional about healing from you past hurt or pain. If you are struggling to go through a self-healing profess then here are other options:
· Confide in a trusted friend
· Seek professional help
· Read self-help books or listen to podcasts
· Pray and leave it up to God
God can heal your broken heart, so bring your issues to him and lay them at his feet. You will get through this rough time, in fact, you are already healed so receive your healing and get on with your life.
