Emotional Thinking

Many go through life making every attempt to understand as well as lead their lives through their emotions. However, when looking at emotions, both negative and positive emotions need to be considered, which for many represents a whole new perspective. Emotions, as defined in the Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines emotions as " the effective aspect of consciousness : FEELING b : a state feeling c : a psychic and physical reaction (as anger or fear) subjectively experienced as strong feeling physiologally involving changes that prepare the body for immediate vigorous action". One of the many lessons I have learned in my life, and continue to learn, is that my thoughts create my emotions, and my emotions create my behaviors, and then it circles back around. Once this cycle begins, it seems almost impossible to stop. If my thoughts are positive in nature, the results can help me live my life best. However, if they are negative thoughts, what follows are negative feelings, followed by negative behaviors. Through this pattern I have come to realize that I must look at my negativity as an opportunity to grow and develop. The more awareness that we create around what actually energizes our emotions and ultimately our behaviors, the more control we have over how we respond to various situations and stressors. Learning that the more conscious we are, the better decisions and choices we will make, which will lead to a happier, more balanced, and more meaningful life. Making these connections is imperative in disrupting and stopping the negative patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, Inc., 1988