Taking Care of Ourselves Emotionally

What does it mean to take care of ourselves emotionally. I recognize when I'm feeling angry, and I accept that feeling without shame or blame.

I recognize when I'm feeling hurt, and I accept those feelings without attempting to punish the source of my pain. I recognize and feel fear when that emotion presents itself.

I allow myself to feel happiness, joy, and love, when those emotions are available. Taking care of myself means I've made a decision that it's okay to feel.

Taking care of my emotions means I allow myself to stay with the feeling until it's time to release it and go on to the next one. I recognize that sometimes my feelings can help point me toward reality, but sometimes my feelings are deceptive. They are important, but I do not have to let them control me. I can feel, and think too!

I talk to people (who are safe) about my feelings when that's appropriate and safe. I reach out for help or guidance if I get stuck in a particular emotion. I'm open to the lessons my emotions may be trying to teach me. After I feel, accept, and release the feelings, I ask myself what it is I want or need to do to take care of myself. Taking care of myself emotionally means I value, treasure, explore, and cherish the emotional part of myself.

Today, I will take care of myself emotionally. I will be open to, and accepting of, the emotional part of myself and other people. I will strive for balance by combining emotions with reason, but I will not allow intellect to push the emotional part of myself away.

Language of Letting Go - by Melody Beattie

It Takes Discipline and Self-Control

Maintenance requires commitment, pursuit, vigilance, and what is good. There is no such thing as passive maintenance. We must push ourselves to grow and to cultivate a desire for what is healthy for us. Somewhere along the line, that may have been lost, but it can be regained.

Loving what is good both spiritually and emotionally (and psychologically) requires an understanding and knowledge of just what is good. Do you know what is good for you spiritually, emotionally (psychologically)? Are you pursuing these things? To answer these questions may require time to reflect, consider, and list them for yourself. It takes discipline and self-control to cultivate a love for what is good (and healthy for us and our lives).

Think of people who set out to become experts in fine art. They study other people's writing about fine art, they study the art itself, and they expose themselves to many artists and their works of art. They are relentless in their pursuit. Does that characterize your love for what is good, both spiritually, (psychologically) and emotionally?

"Be...hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, and self-controlled."
Titus 1:7-8

Setting New Boundaries - Daily Devotions for Those in Recovery - Serenity Meditation Series - December 23rd Reading