Confessions.
Growing up, I often saw confession that was not matched by an effort for redirection. There is something about physically saying words out loud that can heal, mend, and help make sense of a situation.
Lots of times when someone is overcome by emotion, the best thing they can do is verbalize what they feel. When you say things out loud, they become more concrete. But when thoughts are kept in they are like random words and emotion flying around our brains at the speed of light, bouncing off the frontal lobe, back down to memory lane, and out our eyes in the form of tears.
Now lets change gears for a second. Think about a time in your life when you have had really exciting news. How much more gratifying was it to share that positive emotional experience with others? The pleasure doubled when you shared the news with them!
Now lets flip back to the negative emotions.
I bet you did not know that the burden of negative emotions can cut the load IN HALF!? It is no secret that talking to someone about burdens makes you feel better. Naming or labeling emotions reduces their intensity and helps make them easier to deal with.
So the next time you feel overwhelmed, talk about it!!
AN UNTOLD STORY NEVER FULLY HEALS.
-Katie (Mama Bear)
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
