Good Morning my friends. I am glad you decided to stop by and visit with me. Today I feel led to share a tool (from my living life on life’s term’s toolbox) with you. Each time that I use this tool I am able to connect my head to my heart. Because I have a tendency to live in my head, I am susceptible to believing I can think my way through anything. The brain is a wonderful tool, however I have come to accept that I can not always live in my head. My life and my experiences are more than just data to be analyzed. Consequently, if I rely solely on my ability to analyze, my brain can lead me to negative conclusions.
More so, I have found that my head / brain can easily rationalize and discount what I am feeling. As I have grown in this awareness, a truth has become apparent. Although my head wants to dominate my way of living, I no longer need to be limited by my ability to reason. Some things in life can not be reasoned through or away. When I am irritable, restless, or discontent my brain realizes its limits. My heart wants to help my brain, but my brain is resistant.
I have found a solution that helps my heart make the spiritual connection to my brain. When I am restless, irritable or discontent I take pen to paper and begin to write. Writing in a journal connects my heart to my head. My heart begins to communicate to my head, and my head to my heart.
As I write I am able to determine what is creating my restlessness, irritability or discontentment. Invariably my mood and my outlook on life begin to change and I am empowered.
Today’s Encouragement
Although this exercise may seem pointless to you at this present time, I would encourage you to find a quiet place and begin to write. If you have never done anything like this exercise, that is fine. Take your time. You may also ask yourself, “What am I going to write about?” My suggestion would be to write about your day, or what you experienced at a get together with some friends, or even what you felt when watching one of your favorite television shows. As you become comfortable with this exercise, you may want to write about people, events or situations that annoy you.
You may also ask yourself, “Well how long should I write?” Time is not so important as is getting in touch with your self. As you take time to journal each day, you will begin to experience more awareness. Your awareness will bring clarity. Clarity will help you understand why you react, what you feel, and what you have a difficult time accepting. Writing may also provide insights into what you may have forgotten. You will begin to develop a new relationship with yourself. You will be empowered. Your creative uniqueness will blossom. You will experience a new freedom.
A personal account that was written several years ago
Recently I found myself reacting to my own insecurities. As a result, I decided to write down some of my thoughts, but more importantly, what I was feeling. I decided to write, because writing has proved to be an effective tool in the past. As I processed what I was feeling the reason for my insecurity became apparent.
My sense of shame (believing that I was defective) led me to feeling isolated and afraid. Through this identification process, I gained specific clarity. Consequently I began to feel secure, adequate and empowered. I felt empowered because I was able to differentiate between being insecure and being a bad person for feeling inadequate socially. Therefore, I was able to accept that being insecure did not make me a bad person, who needed to feel shame. As I was honest with myself I was brought to a place of security.
Through being committed to the process of identifying whatever triggers my emotional unrest, I find freedom. I discover what helps or hinders my growth as a person. My growth as a man is enhanced as I continue to be honest with myself. Consequently, I am empowered to live life on life’s terms.
All material presented on Second Chance to Live is copyright and cannot be copied, reproduced, or distributed in any way without the express, written consent of Craig J. Phillips, MRC, BA
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