Regulating Your Emotions
By Kim Davenport
I made a heartbreaking yet illuminating discovery the other morning. My dogs emotionally dysregulate me.
Heartbreaking, isn't it? I love my dogs; I adore them, until I don't. Because there are those times when Bernard's barking or Bula's sudden manic energy can send me over the top.
When that happens, that is what we refer to as becoming emotionally dysregulated. And for some of us, it may be a moment of irritation but for others, it may take effort to get back on track. In these moments, offering ourselves a bit of grace can make all the difference.
Every day, we are all faced with ongoing irritations and frustrations in life that hit us on the daily or from left field on occasion. And for many of us, that triggers an instant reaction, which includes what could be deemed as negative emotions i.e. anger, irritation, rage, anxiety, dread, fear; the list goes on.
But not to fret, because all it means is that we are human. And being human means allowing ourselves space for our emotions, even when they get the best of us. We are not perfect. And we feel! Feelings do not define us. And the primary blessings of feelings are that they are transitory. They do not last nor do not define you.
And here is the best part! You are ultimately in control. You have the ability to regulate your emotions. And that ability grows stronger when we approach ourselves with patience rather than criticism.
I totally get that at times, feelings are big and overwhelming, but fear not, they will not kill you and when you learn to regulate them, they will indeed make you stronger.
In my practice, I help individuals learn to navigate and manage those emotions that they have been avoiding all their lives. If this article resonates with you, send an email to cherishkim@armonia-counseling.com for a complimentary consultation.
Learning to regulate your emotions isn’t about perfection. It’s about practicing grace with yourself along the way.
But in the meantime, here's a hint: breathe. You always have access to your breath. Just take a moment to breathe, clear your head and remind yourself that you are in control; your emotions do not define you.
