Emotional Train Wreck

I am a beautiful child of God…..

I am a daughter of the King….

I am…

What is that? Another pimple? Oh brother….*sigh*

……And you walk away.

Have you ever been there? Trying to talk yourself into acceptance and all you end up seeing are the flaws? One day you feel confident emotionally and the next it’s a train wreck. One brush off by that beautiful co-worker or raised eyebrow from your best friend or sister and your brain starts working over time.

Let’s just be very honest, as women our emotions can run haywire…A LOT! We all know that when we ask our husband if that dress, skirt or pair of pants make us look fat, we are really saying, “My self-esteem is REALLY low right now so I need a compliment and DON’T SCREW THIS UP!”

According to one body image expert, 85-90 % of women dislike some part of their appearance. That is an incredible number of women! The study also stated that it wasn’t just weight, but everything from their hair, to their toes. You don’t feel so alone now, do you?

You’ve read the verse and it has probably been quoted to you.

“ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14

Familiar, isn’t it? Do you believe it?

When was the last time you thanked God for the way your heart beats in perfect rhythm? How about the way your body lets you know when it’s time to empty out your bladder? I know it sounds trivial but when you feel the urge to urinate that means your kidneys have just filtered toxins from your body. *Of course there are some who feel the urge more often than others. In that case, make sure you are supporting healthy bladder function and keeping your pH balanced. Seek medical help if necessary.

Emotions are a massive part of our lives. Too often we allow them to control us. Have you ever fallen prey to an emotional breakdown? Many times I've shed tears at silly TV commercials or found myself weeping over a fictional story. I cry when I worship God and when someone I love cries. Women who can’t cry worry me. I usually find a small, hurting girl behind the dry eyes. We are emotional beings- I think everyone could agree with that. Life was meant to be felt. The joy, sadness, pain, and love were meant to be felt.

I have a quick 2 step process to help me stay on track emotionally. I call it the feel and release process.

Step 1: allow yourself to feel the emotion. Actually feel it. Be present in the moment. Think about why you are feeling that emotion. You're human and it's normal to have these emotions. Are you feeling sad because there is a pimple on your adult face? Are you frustrated with your hair because it doesn’t mold to your will? Are you anxious because the skirt you could zip up last month doesn't seem to slide so smoothly? Or is there a deeper issue? FEEL your emotion.

Step 2: Release the emotion. Don’t allow yourself to hang on to that negative emotion. If you’re starring in the mirror mentally degrading your skin, feel the emotion and then release it.

Studies have shown that our negativity can create tension, pain, and even disease in our body. LET IT GO! If you need to verbally speak it gone, do so. Many times I have found that when a thought or emotion is spoken, it can be changed, developed or annihilated!

I have often been caught talking to my mirrored image! *smile* Many times my self-conversation goes like this:

“Wow! Look at that! I’m 32 years old and I’m breaking out? *sigh* This is SO frustrating! (I pause to feel the emotion of frustration).

"Okay, I’m frustrated but my frustration will only bring stress. I choose to be thankful that my skin still thinks I’m 15! Frustration is not worth my time!”

I smile at my reflection and move away from the mirror.

What emotion are you clinging to?