Emotions Know No Age Limit
Who hasn’t struggled with overwhelming emotions? Whether you’re a two-year-old throwing a tantrum or a 40-year-old wrestling with anger, the emotional turmoil is real. The difference? Arguably, not much.
I remember being six and thinking my parents were the most unreasonable people on Earth. Why? They stopped me from walking 3 miles alone to a petrol station to claim a free Smurf toy. As an adult, I see their point. As a kid? I was incensed. I threw what could only be described as the “daddy of all tantrums.”
So, how is this different from an adult getting angry over something out of their control? The truth is, it’s not.
The Roots of Emotional Struggles
We all feel emotions, and these feelings stem from the same place: deep caring. If you’re seething because your neighbour parked in your space, it’s not just about the spot; it’s about disrespect. Dive deep, and you’ll find that you care. That caring is precisely why I was so obsessed with that Smurf toy; not getting it overwhelmed me.
Are We Ever Taught Emotional Resilience?
The question is, do we ever really learn to deal with these emotions, whether as children or as adults? Over the years, I’ve picked up techniques that help me choose my response rather than reverting to old, destructive patterns.
Three Strategies to Cope with Emotional Waves
1. Master the Art of Timeouts
Take regular timeouts to tune into your inner and outer worlds. This small break can offer you the chance to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
2. Give Permission to Your Feelings
Suppressing emotions, a habit often instilled in childhood, only leads to more inner turmoil. Feel these emotions, consider them objectively, and let them flow through you. They often pass more quickly than you’d expect.
3. The Healing Power of the Written Word
Jotting down your feelings requires a cognitive action that can help you manage them. It serves as a release, allowing you to move on with your life.
Positive Emotions: A Double-Edged Sword
Even positive emotions can overwhelm us. Whether it’s excitement, desire, or lust, they can be as disruptive as negative feelings. The trick? Relish them without clinging, accept them without fear.
Embrace the Emotional Spectrum
Our emotional depth is part of our human complexity. So the next time you’re sailing on emotional waves, remember you can either let them drown you or learn to swim with them.
What is an example of an intense emotion?
A prime example of an intense emotion is fear. It can grip anyone, regardless of age, and provoke strong reactions. Just picture a child encountering a thunderstorm for the first time and feeling terrified, or an adult experiencing a sudden financial crisis and feeling overwhelmed with fear. Emotions like fear have the power to consume us and affect our behavior, regardless of our age or level of maturity.
What is a feeling of extreme emotional intensity?
An extreme emotional reaction could be anxiety or a panic attack, both of which feel very real. It can also bring the same symptoms, even physically, as a heart attack: numb hands, shaking, and heart palpitations. Sometimes it is even difficult for paramedics to tell the difference. This would be an extreme emotional reaction, and hopefully we can build tools to intercept our anxiety before this happens.
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