113. The Emotional Wave

In this podcast episode, we discuss emotional waves and how to handle them effectively. Emotional waves are when emotions like anxiety or stress rise within the body in response to new opportunities or challenges. Maybe you have those waves in moments like, opening your mission call, going to college, returning home from your mission, leaving your family for 2 years, or watching your child struggle. Our lower "caveman" brain sees these emotions as pain and tries to avoid them. Common unhelpful reactions to emotional waves include thinking something is wrong with us for feeling that way, stopping the wave before it peaks by changing circumstances, and making hasty decisions before the wave fully passes through us. Let's learn how to let the full wave happen and pass through us. By giving the emotion a name, describing its physical sensations, and "riding the wave" until it dissipates, it won't feel as big. This teaches your brain that emotions are normal and not dangerous. It also leads to better decision-making once centered again. Think of a toddler throwing a fit to avoid a task - if we give in, we teach the little brain that strategy works. When we start seeing emotions as passengers rather than drivers and trusting the wave will subside on its own, we take the power back. Feeling our emotions fully and allowing waves to pass through us naturally builds confidence and competence over our inner experiences.   Website | Instagram | Facebook   Get the Full Show Notes HERE   Free Training for Preparing Missionaries:  Change Your Mission with this One Tool   Free Video Series:  3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home   Free Guide:  5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary   Free Strategy Call:   Click Here