Emotions are both simple and complex. They’re simple because they just exist. You either feel it or you don’t. They’re complex because it is a challenge to interpret their meaning.
I’ve found the best way to understand emotions is to see them as a response to the unknown. Emotions close the gap between what you know and what you don’t know. It is meant to protect you during times of uncertainty.
If you jump at a rustling in the bush, you know it could be a tiger but you’re not sure. So your emotion of fear exists to get you to run since you do not know if you will be eaten by a tiger.
If you find your emotions overwhelming, try this. Make a 3 column list:
(1) The first column lists everything you know for sure.
(2) The second column lists everything you don’t know, everything that is causing you distress.
(3) The third column lists action steps based on what you know so you can close that gap in a meaningful way.
Closing the uncertainty gap should help.
If you want to learn more, check out my youtube video:
Are Emotions Holding you Back? [H2H #7]
Coronavirus Case Study: Coping with Quarantine [Part III - Emotional]
