Are you running away from your emotions?
Emotions are an essential part of every human being, where we express joy and sorrow in response to events in life. However, understanding and controlling these complex emotions is not always easy. Sometimes, conflicting feelings can leave us feeling lost and prone to making avoidable mistakes.
When faced with negative emotions, we can choose to escape, ignore, or pause to reflect and confront them directly. Each choice has its own meaning and reflects how we handle inner pain and conflict. Regardless of the choice, they all bring different outcomes: sometimes they bring peace, but they can also leave deep scars.
Does running away only bring suffering?
Running away from current emotion can do no good, it only covers up our weakness. That negative emotions can make us hesitant when it comes to making decisions. Instead of confronting them, we often choose silence and avoidance as a temporary measure to soothe our soul. This creates an illusion of control over emotions, while in reality, they are just pushed inward. We may immerse ourselves in work, believing that time will erase old emotions.
It only provides temporary peace and can gradually become a dangerous delay. We not only avoid emotions but also our true selves, missing the opportunity to deeply understand what is happening inside our soul. Unresolved emotions continue to simmer, accumulating over time like an unhealed wound. We start to lose the ability to listen to ourselves and understand what we truly need and desire. The more we avoid, the more isolated and lonely we become in our own lives.
Moreover, the inability to communicate clearly about our feelings and needs affects our relationships. Misunderstandings and conflicts gradually emerge, and suppressed negative emotions can deepen. At this point, feelings of anxiety, depression, or emotional disorders are no longer abstract concepts but become a distressing reality
We all know that time is not a cure-all, as we eventually find that these emotions remain, waiting for us to face and resolve them.
Running away doesn’t exactly paint a sad picture of our lives…?
“Escaping” emotions can provide a moment of peace, allowing us to pause the chaotic flow of thoughts and feelings. In these moments, we may find brief tranquility that helps us reflect on what has happened and regain control over hasty words or actions that might cause harm. But despite our efforts, suppressing emotions is never easy; negative emotions can grow stronger, weighing down our spirit until it becomes overwhelmed, and our energy slowly depletes. Temporary distance from emotions can act like a gentle breeze, helping us redirect our energy towards positive activities, thereby finding some peace amidst life’s storms.
Can we learn to balance our own emotional states?
Identify emotions: Understand your emotions in each situation. Sometimes, facing them may not be the best approach, and escaping may not always be safe.
Process emotions gradually: If emotions are too intense, break them down into smaller steps to address them. Emotions need time to be processed.
Use conscious “escape”: If you choose to “temporarily escape,” ensure it is only for a short period and that you will return to address the issue when you are calm. Escaping should not be a long-term solution.
Learn to view the issue comprehensively and not ignore your emotions. Ask yourself: “How do I feel?” and “What happens if I avoid this?” Use a journal to record your feelings and find a trusted friend to share them with. Don’t hesitate to seek help from loved ones.
Set limits on emotional procrastination.Face emotions when you are ready and reward yourself for your courage. I have also faced difficult times, learned to share, understand my feelings better, and make decisions. Art therapy is a safe method that helps explore personal psychology through creative activities like painting and crafting.
Every emotion in life has a color that makes your life more interesting, look at everything optimistically. And I hope emotions always color your life, or always face them when you are ready, I am still here with you to share those moments.
