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HOW TO PROCESS EMOTION IN A HEALTHY WAY

The best way to describe toxic complex emotion is through the analogy of nausea caused by food poisoning. When a person is feeling nauseous, the worst thing that can do is duct tape their mouth closed. Getting the toxins out is healthy. Express, don't suppress. At the same time, there is a big difference between vomiting in a bucket and vomiting on someone. One is constructive, and one is destructive.

When you name an emotion, you tame it. Allow yourself to face, feel, and express them; this is key to releasing them. This does not mean wallowing in them, but it does mean getting in touch with your feelings and allowing yourself to express them in a safe environment. Using ‘I’ statements, such as “I feel” instead of “you did,” helps maintain a non-threatening environment for conversation. It has been proven that even expressing negative emotions will cause the toxic chemicals to dissipate. Talking through issues with a trusted friend, journaling, or telling God what you feel are all helpful ways of releasing negative emotions. Remember, God cares about you and everything you feel. He wants us to cast our burdens onto him.

Emotions are like warning signs in a car. When the light comes on, it is for a reason. Considering and understanding why you feel the way you do is helpful. Press pause and reflect on what triggered that emotion.

Emotions are generally the first things to appear [they are the first fruits of our thinking] and the last things to change. Our emotions are the fruit of our thoughts. Therefore, thinking about what you are thinking about is helpful to aid you in understanding your emotions. Proverbs 23:7 speaks about the possibility that a person can think with his heart. In fact, the heart actually has around 40,000 neurons in it, which means we literally can think with our heart. What we feel does have an impact on how we choose to behave. Therefore, managing our emotions is crucial for healthy living.

REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS

• What fears are triggered when the idea of sharing your emotions with others is suggested?
• When it comes to sharing emotion, do you tend to vomit on others or potentially allow yourself to be vomited on?

PRAY

Lord, thank you for creating me with all my emotions, and I ask that you help me find safe spaces to manage and express my emotions in healthy ways.