How To Use Negative Emotion Constructively For Your Best Life!
Negative emotion is our friend. It tells us when we need to take constructive action in our lives. It is very useful when understood properly and responded to according to our values and goals. As a society, we seem to be really good at blaming others for our negative emotions or escaping them with various habits that create more negative emotions. But, the power is within us- we can create happiness for ourselves under all circumstances by taking constructive action.
Negative emotion signals there is a threat or danger to our lives. It’s due to something we AREN’T creating for ourselves: strong physical/ financial health (tied to self-preservation instinct), a strong tribe (tied to intimacy instinct), or a strong community (tied to social instinct). Our instincts (emotions) guide us towards creating these things for ourselves. When we take constructive action, we feel happy. If we’re unhappy (anxious, sad, angry, overwhelmed, worried, etc.), constructive action is the appropriate response!
So, what does constructive action look like? When it comes to our physical health, it means eating nourishing food that contains the proper micro & macronutrients (veggies, protein, and fat). It means exercising daily in a variety of ways (stretching, cardio, strength). It means getting proper sleep and hydration. It means STOPPING the consumption of food/beverages that harm our bodies. Alcohol, sugar, refined flour, and processed food harm our bodies. With regards to financial health, it means spending within our income limitations and saving according to our future needs.
When it comes to our tribe (friends and family), it means creating warmth and affection. It means spending time, asking questions, having fun, hugging, supporting, encouraging our tribe. It means GETTING OFF our devices and stopping the insanity of packed schedules to MAKE TIME for love and PLAN fun with our LOVED ONES. It means supporting each other versus escaping each other.
In our community, it means contributing in some way. It means trading goods and services that improve the quality of life. It does NOT mean doing things for others that they can be doing for themselves. It does NOT mean DEMANDING from others to compensate for areas we’re not acting responsibly. It means taking care of our own health and own tribe and then OFFERING something that is USEFUL to others. It doesn’t mean watching the news and then voicing our opinions on social media or “liking” others’ opinions. It DOESN’T mean whining/ complaining about what people aren’t providing for us.
We can stop eating, drinking, Facebooking to “feel better” and start doing things that create ACTUAL safety/ security/well-being for ourselves, our tribes, and the community.
I hope this helps you see things from a new perspective and inspires you to take CONSTRUCTIVE action for your BEST results! Spread the news- let’s STOP the insane behavior that is creating a cycle of insecurity and helplessness. We deserve fantastic lives, and we’re the only ones who can create that for ourselves.