Direct some focus on the not-so-hidden clues that life is giving you

(Less than 2 minutes)

A recent chat with a friend went like this…

My friend:  “It was all just too much.  I had a meltdown.”

Me: “Good!”  

My friend: “Good??  That’s not good!!”

Me:  “Yes, it is.  That’s when we’re close to finally being ready to actually make a change.”

I’ve undoubtedly annoyed people with what some see as “life coach-y” perspectives.  And, even though I was definitely not coaching in that conversation I meant what I said about negative emotions inspiring change.    

Experiencing negative emotion is far more beneficial than we give it credit for.  Before we get to those benefits, let’s define negative emotions.    

Negative emotions are just cues, albeit uncomfortable ones.  They let us know that something is off, out of alignment in some way.

Typically, we make eliminating the negative emotion priority number one!  We distract ourselves in some way – food, drink, work, even exercise.  I’ve often found myself cleaning my house when I don’t want to feel something uncomfortable.  

Now, onto the benefits part…  

The alternative of avoidance, allowing the negative emotion, is not something we are very practiced at.  The negative emotion already feels bad all by itself but then on top of it, we don’t know what to do with the ick.  We dislike not knowing what to do.  So, of course, we instinctively want to make it go away as quickly as possible.    

Allowing negative emotion can be challenging but oh so freeing.  There are lots of other benefits too.  Here’s a great list from Tracy Kennedy:

Remember, negative emotions are just cues.  Perhaps these cues are also invitations for you to get curious, learn more about yourself, take actions, and get amazing results you otherwise would not have.  I can definitely help, just click here to chat!