I don't mean to get all emotional on you, but trust me when I say that you better start paying attention to your feelings. I'm not talking about the kind of feelings that come from eating way too many burritos (although those are valid too), I'm talking about your true, honest-to-goodness emotions. And do you know why? Because science says so.
You see, our emotions are like little messengers that give us important information about our world. They help us navigate complicated situations, understand what we want and need, and even keep us safe in dangerous situations. But when we ignore our emotions, we're essentially telling those little messengers to pack their bags and hit the road. And that's a one-way ticket to something called emotional constipation.
Now, you might be thinking, "But wait, emotional constipation? I've never heard of that before." Well, my friend, that's because I made it up. But hear me out, because it's a real thing (in my completely non-scientific and totally accurate opinion).
Emotional constipation is what happens when we ignore or suppress our emotions over a long period of time. It's like trying to hold in a sneeze for hours on end - eventually, something's gotta give. And when it does, it's not pretty. Think about those times when you completely lose your cool over something small, like a broken pencil or a spilled coffee. Those are the emotional explosions I was talking about.
Now, I'm not saying that you should run around screaming and crying every time something doesn't go your way (although if that's your jam, then go for it). But I am saying that it's important to be aware of your honest emotions and give them the attention they deserve. Instead of bottling up your anger or sadness or frustration, try to acknowledge those feelings and see what they're trying to tell you.
For example, let's say you're feeling really anxious about an upcoming job interview. Instead of pushing that anxiety aside and pretending it's not there, try to sit with it for a minute. Ask yourself why you're feeling anxious - maybe it's because you really want the job, or maybe you're worried you won't be prepared. Once you understand the root of your anxiety, you can start taking steps to address it (like practicing your interview skills or making sure you have a killer outfit picked out).
So, my friends, the moral of the story is this: don't ignore your emotions. They're there for a reason, and if you don't pay attention to them, you're risking a serious case of emotional constipation. And trust me, nobody likes to be around someone who's emotionally backed up.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to do some emotional stretching exercises (also made up, but hey, it can't hurt).
-Grady Pope
