Letting out air

We all do it.

In different ways.

To let out steam during difficult emotions, some of us use colourful language. Or we raise our voices, flail our hands, and exaggerate our body movements.

Or we shut down. We need a minute to process what’s happening. And maybe after to let out air we clean, sort, scrub, triple check the to do list or schedule.

And in those moments if we’re lucky, a kind partner, friend, family member, or co-worker will ask us if we’re ok. Because they picked up on our cues. Maybe they’ll offer their help, listen, or just sit with us.

But sometimes when kids let out steam, we tell them to:

·      Use their words

·      Breathe

·      Relax

·      Stop

But when we reflect on our moments of frustration and pain, these same words would potentially set us off or paralyze us more. As we know emotions come and go. They’re impermanent.

And sometimes we’re most likely going to try to “stop” their frustrations.

That’s ok. We can only aim for progress. There’s no such thing as perfection. The key is to catch ourselves, offer a redo, or try to prevent it in the next moment.

Consider there’s lots of power when we take a few seconds before we respond. Or when we see it through our lens, or we choose to focus on feelings vs facts.

With all my love,

Alex