Mindful Monday: Self-Regulation

Far too often, we think being able to self-regulate means staying happy or avoiding getting upset. However, I would argue being able to self-regulate is instead being able to work through our emotions: the good, the bad, and even the ugly. 

Because here's the thing, no matter what strategies we have, no amount of deep breathing techniques or listening to our favorite upbeat music will keep us from becoming upset or frustrated. The goal is NOT to avoid these hard or often uncomfortable feelings, but instead to process them and work through them. It's not realistic to stay happy all the time. And it's not sustainable, much less enjoyable, to stay upset and angry. 

Life is a never ending series of emotions. It's full of peaks and valleys. It is our job to recognize our feelings, acknowledge and validate them, then figure out how we navigate them. That is what self-regulation truly is. 

Wishing you a week where you know each and everyone of your feelings is valid and honored. And here's the best part, you are surrounded by people that care deeply about you. If a feeling is too big to process on your own, reach out for a listening ear.