BE KIND TO YOURSELF AS YOU NAVIGATE YOUR FEELINGS TODAY
Navigating our emotions can feel like sailing through a stormy sea at times. Emotional waves can be overwhelming, and it's easy to get lost in them. Another thing that occurs in this space is that you begin to realize that as you navigate that body of water, you will arrive at various locations. Different emotions may become more visible in different places.
We may experience a variety of emotions at the same time. We find ourselves navigating a complex web of emotions at each point of the 'sea,' much like exploring different parts of the ocean, from the gentle coastlines to the profound depths, where multiple feelings ebb and flow within. Here are some phrases that may be used to describe these moments:
"I hope this works out:" It's like seeing a shape on the water and wondering if it's land, feeling the thrill of what's to come but not quite sure yet. In real life, this might be a moment where you're waiting for news or a result, feeling a mix of anxiety and anxiety about the outcome.
"Something doesn't feel right:" It's like noticing the sky darkening and feeling a drop in your stomach, knowing a storm is on its way. In real life, this could be when you have a feeling that something is off before you have more information, and you are learning to pace yourself by balancing caution and preparation.
"This isn't what I expected:" Approaching what you thought was an island, only to discover it's just a small rock and not the location you hoped for. In real life, this can represent times when the reality of a situation does not match your expectations, leaving you to recalibrate.
"This might take more time:" Realizing the distance to your destination is greater than you anticipated, similar to how the sea appears calm but the current is against you. In practice, this may look like realizing that a goal or project will require more effort and patience than was initially anticipated.
"What's the right approach now?" This might look like choosing what to do when the wind changes, such as determining the best way to sail in a new direction. In real life, this could be the decision-making that follows an unexpected challenge that requires you to think strategically.
"Where do I go from here?" Waiting on deck after reaching the disappointing rock, you consider your next destination; it's a moment marked by the weight of disappointment but also the buoyancy of hope for new discoveries. In real life, this is similar to when you face a challenge and are at a crossroads, deciding whether to stick with your original plan or pursue a new path.
We find ourselves navigating a complex web of emotions at each point of the "sea," much like the changing tides and currents, where multiple feelings ebb and flow within us. Because the sea has an infinite depth, it's natural for it to feel vast and unpredictable. In that space, perhaps the present moment is this boat we're in, becoming aware of all the different emotions. There are storms, challenges, and times when land is far away on these open seas. At the same time, there are times when the sea is calm, opportunities present themselves, and we learn to carry on, having grown in awareness and our ability to pace ourselves. So, when various thoughts or phrases arise, make room for them, knowing that they are a part of the emotional landscape you are navigating and that you are free to do so.
More in this week's series called "Moments of Discovery in the Garden of Life", only with a subscription in the Storyteller App.
More tomorrow…
Sincerely,
Morgan Harper Nichols
@thestorytellerco
@morganharpernichols
