We are all cooped up right now. We try to relieve our worries and stress in different ways. And we have heard enough about how when others unload on us, it says more about them, than it does, us. We are told, don’t let it affect you.☝🏽 Don’t get sucked in. And that the family we live in now, as adults, is somewhat in our control, while other households are not. But as we try and help those around us, showing kindness, it cannot be at the cost of our own peace of mind. Well, this week I took the bait, allowing another’s mismanagement of their feelings to infringe upon my own. 🙋🏻♀️ In defending myself, and allowing a response to toxicity, I lost my own zen. 😞 So what do we do when the bad feelings around us seep in? Empaths feel. Deeply. What do we do when the behaviour of others upsets our balance? I’ve been accused of crying a lot, and easily. Yes, I do. 🤷🏻♀️ Even when teaching kindergarten, I tell my students that when we cry, we let the bad feelings out. 😢 When we don’t they stay in us, building up and making our stomach hurt. So, we cry, or eat, or sleep, or run, or drink, or smoke, or toke, or shop, or clean. Pick your poison. Well this week, after a lovely Christmas -- which is at times tinged with grief over past losses -- I had some work to do. I had to manage my own drained heart, which was responding to negativity in such a palpable manner. 💔
I have been learning that when we are upset, and we practice gratitude, it works to lessen the emotional load we are carrying. 🙏🏽 I listened as my husband talked all of this through with me. I watched as my daughter, who just fell and broke her foot, showed her resilience. 💪🏽 And I beamed, as my son, who is usually quiet on family affairs, spoke up about how we can live better in our own home. And while it’s freezing here, each day I forced myself outside, taking the dog for long walks. 🐕🦺 For all of this, I am truly grateful. Because all of this is what helped. At this age, I am still learning about managing feelings and emotions, even when we feel like we can’t. As one year ends, and another begins, we are all compiling lists of goals. 📝 For me, one of them is NOT taking the bait. While this week I failed, I can do better. And focus on reminding myself that everyone has crosses to bear and everyone has struggles. Mine are dull in comparison. I can work on maintaining balance, showing love, and being a leader for my children. ♥️
As your year ends too, I wish you all the same steadiness, compassion, and hope. 💫
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