What a puzzling thing feelings are. The basic idea of
feelings can be so difficult to define and so uniquely hard to explain. Somehow
our thoughts and past experiences curiously mix together to remarkably formulate
into these feelings we feel but often cannot even understand. At times we can’t
get enough of some kinds of feelings and at other times we want to run and hide
rather than feel our emotions. Feelings are that strange and powerful. Feelings
can motivate a person toward great achievements yet in other cases feelings can
be the driving factor behind great pain.
Therefore, it is clearly worthwhile to develop our ability
to manage our feelings, rather than allowing our feelings to manage us. Consider the following:
Exercise – True or false: Which of the following are true or
not true for you today?
I use my feelings as an excuse for
doing things that I know I shouldn’t do
In many situations, I can’t even
define my feelings
Anger is the easiest feeling for
me to relate too and talk about
Sometimes I feel emotionally numb
At times I let my feelings get the
best of me
I often find ways to run away from
or block out emotions
Sometimes I accuse others for
“making me feel” a certain way
I am better at ignoring or hiding
my feelings than talking about them
I often don’t know why I feel the
way I do
I am uncomfortable talking
about my feelings even with people close to me
If you are reviewing these questions with someone else or
with a group, review and discuss your answers. Feelings can be a lot like the weather. Most
of the time we can look outside and up at the sky and get an idea of what kind
of day its going to be feelings-wise. Still, every once in a while a storm can
come out of norwhere so it is imprortant to be prepared. No one has their
feelings 100% in check so it is beneficial for all of us from time to time to
assess where we are in the lifelong process of dealing with feelings
For more group activities and information on managing
feelings click: DEALING WITH FEELINGS
"Some people feel the rain; others just get wet" - Bob Marley
