I would like to share an insight with regards to knowing your emotions. It applies to most people you meet.
“When it comes to emotions, most people only see parts of their own emotional system. They have never mapped out their own emotional system. Meaning, they do not understand how all the parts fit together.”
What are the critical emotional parts that make up you?
- The role you play
- Your identity (how you see yourself)
- The shame language you repeat
- The fear that drives you
- Understanding how your body signals emotional danger
This may be an oversimplification, but what I am proposing is the idea that your emotional map is like a puzzle and your job is to put the pieces together in order.
Why is this critical emotional work? It is because if you can see there are parts and those parts all fit together, then you can see your emotional map. Once you see your emotional map you will have an “Ah ha” moment, followed by a huge sigh of relief.
When you learn your emotional system and see how it all fits together you will also know the weak areas that keep you emotionally stuck. Knowing your weaknesses is both encouraging and discouraging at the same time. Clarity about knowing your emotions is a wonderful thing, but it forces you to address the next question. Now that I know what is messed up, “Do I stay this way forever, or is it time to make emotional changes?
That’s enough for one blog. Pray for wisdom. Decide if you want to go on the mission to map out your emotional life. Then, ask God to show you new things.
If you want to read more about this, check out the workbook, Putting Your Emotional House in Order.