"Emotional Habits" - Summary

Let's talk about how to build emotional resilience. Resilient individuals don't hide from their feelings, they face them head-on. Instead of pushing their emotions away, they embrace them. They also don't point fingers at others for how they feel, they own up to their emotions. Moreover, they try to find the silver lining in every cloud, looking for the good intentions hidden behind the bad feelings.

Imagine someone says something that hurts your feelings. Your first reaction might be to mask your hurt with anger. But, covering up your true feelings isn't the best approach. It's draining and stops you from learning from the experience. It's healthier to admit that you're hurt. It's important to remember that it's okay to feel your feelings. In fact, studies have shown that trying to suppress your thoughts can actually backfire.

When you take ownership of your feelings, you gain control over them. You get to decide how you feel, instead of feeling like a victim. Negative emotions often hide positive intentions. For instance, anger might be a sign that you need to set boundaries, while fear might be a signal that you need to ensure your safety. Resilient individuals dig deep to uncover the empowering messages that their emotions are trying to communicate.

Let's consider the story of Viktor Frankl, a survivor of a Nazi concentration camp. Even in the midst of unimaginable horror, he chose to find empowering meanings in his situation, like the triumph of the human spirit. After he was freed, he used his experiences to help others find meaning in their own pain.