When we face a new challenge, unhealthy emotion can distort our view of reality. Often, we are not self-conscious of our emotions twisting our perception. Unlike healthy emotion guided by reason, unhealthy emotion is an inebriation. Realizing that we have lost control is usually a sign that we are back in control. Nobody wants to eliminate emotion; we just want to keep it check. What is the rational response to emotion?
Here is what I recommend:
- Identify and accept the emotion.
- Explore a more rational way of feeling.
- Brainstorm how to respond and then act.
- Forgive yourself and others. You’re only human!
- Take pride in the decisions you make.
Step 1: Identify and Accept the Emotion
Consider this a self check-up. Don’t judge yourself! Whatever you’re feeling just identify it. It’s ok! Take a deep breath and assess what the emotion is doing to you. Realize you are not your emotion. You can choose what you do with the emotion.
Step 2: Explore a more rational way of feeling
Life is not fair and often does not live up to our expectations. Ironically, sometimes not getting what you want is a gift. Our shortcomings provide a chance to change, improve, and build self-confidence. Having a challenging life builds resilience, persistence, and resourcefulness.
Getting lost in false hope, a memory, or an impossible dream is counterproductive. It does not help you move forward to a positive goal that you can achieve. Acting under the emotion will usually give a subpar result that makes the situation worse.
Take a moment to ask yourself, what should you rationally feel. You probably won’t feel that way. At first, it may seem silly. But, just acknowledging it has value. Each time you don’t feel that way, kindly remind yourself of how you should feel. Realize your brain is acting under the influence of the unhealthy emotion. How would you advise a friend, if your friend were in your situation? Repeating to yourself how you should feel eventually helps to conform the feeling.
Step 3: Brainstorm how to respond and act
Consider options that you would usually take, new options, and keep an open mind to any suggestions from others. Then, look at the likely outcome for each of these paths. Ask yourself, are you the type of person who would take that particular action? Is that your desired result? Take the best action!
Step 4: Forgive Yourself and Others. You’re Only Human!
We all constantly make mistakes and have emotional baggage. Learn from your poor choices and do what you can to make amends. Don’t let your anger consume you and change who you are. Remember to be kind to yourself and be generous with pardoning others. As I discussed before, everyone faces their own challenges. This is not to excuse bad behavior. But, there is an element of pity for a person who acts immorally or makes a poor choice. Besides, only a noble character who is secure with their position can grant clemency. Forgiveness lets you move on and focus on the future.
Step 5: Take Pride in the Decisions That You Have Made
Lastly, be proud of yourself. You made a rational response to emotion. You faced a difficult situation and acted in the best possible manner.
