The key to successfully dealing with complex emotions

If we can master our emotions, we'll be less inclined to eat junk. And that is why I spend so much time writing and talking and thinking about happiness.

If we can work on ways to become happier and figure out ways to make ourselves happier, we'll be setting ourselves up for success.

Here's the challenge we face though:

All we ever heard as a kid was "stop crying," or "relax," or "calm down," or "everything will be alright!" But no one ever told us how to deal with complex emotions.

When our mind floods with emotions we might feel panicky or upset or anxious or angry. How about feelings like rage, loneliness, abandonment, shame? These feelings can be horrifying.

The challenge with feelings and thoughts is that we can't control them. There are a lot of new-agey books that are sorta goofy, in my opinion. Many suggest that we just 'let go of our ego' and all sorts of things.

The reality is I can't control my thoughts. They just pop into my head. As do my feelings.

BUTTTTT.......

If we were all going to a gorgeous island that was beaming with sun, we'd go prepared with sunscreen, right? (One day I hope this is the case, as one of my dreams is to have an annual MBT retreat.)

Well, what if we prepared ourselves for when we're sad or anxious or unhappy?

Besides, it's not our thoughts that make us sad, anxious or unhappy. It's our reactions to the thoughts.

What if we had a stash of things to do or look at or read or people to call when certain reactions arise? The idea here is to figure out ways to positively deal with our emotions.

The goal is to actually face them head on because we have a bunch of ways we can soothe ourselves that don't require food. Unfortunately, we can't just eat our emotions. Because they always come back up. And that's what emotional eating is simply doing: delaying the inevitable.

It's also important to remember that like clouds, feelings and emotions do pass! We must remember this.

So let's create your stash of things to do or look at or read or people to call, shall we?

Your template: Whenever I'm feeling down...

I will (in no particular order):

1. Go for a run or jog or a walk

2. Call a friend

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

-Adam

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If MBT was able to help Irene lose 35 pounds why can't MBT help you? (Insert your excuse here.) What are you waiting for? Join today or ask ask me any questions you might have. I'm here to help! (Actually, I live to help!)