Today’s blog is coming to you from Carol Harper, a TOPS Service Program Administrator.
By definition, the word EMOTION means, “A natural instinctive state of mind, deriving from one’s circumstances, mood, or relationships with others.” It’s no wonder that emotions are so complicated – not only is there an overwhelming number, but the reactions are also JUST AS complicated.
Let’s talk about the most common emotions that we may encounter on a daily basis: Happiness, sadness, disgust, surprise, fear and anger. Each one is unique, creating different feelings on the inside, yet the visible reaction on the outside could possibly look the same. Let’s take sadness, for example. When something makes us sad, a likely reaction to the emotion is crying. And when we are extremely happy, one reaction can be crying. And fear – many times, we enter the fight-or-flight syndrome. Then how is it we can have different emotions, but the reactions are identical? This means it can be difficult to know how people are feeling, simply judging by the reactions.
If that is the case, it’s not the emotion that needs attention, since it is generated automatically – but rather the reaction that needs our undivided attention. With no specific guidelines to follow or rules to abide by – how do you react to emotions?
The answer for some, leads me to another question: How did mindless eating become a reaction? We’ve even given it a name – emotional eating. Did it ever solve any situation, or did it create a new challenge?
So, at the end of the day, it is emotions that drive our actions and reactions, that become our behavior – and behaviors become habits. We need to rethink what we’re doing and put in place a better solution. What else can we do?
Be attentive to emotions, recognize them when they happen, and if you cannot control it, then manage them, one day at a time. Emotions play an important role in our life. It can define who we are – I am an intelligent person!
Carol Harper
Service Program Administrator
By Diana Barrett July 15, 2022
Great insight…….I love our TOPS declaration from beginning to end. I can, I will and I did control my emotions “just for today”. I have a choice and I choose not to stuff them which in the past would trigger me to stuff myself. Now I recognize them for what the are and I have found it helpful to acknowledge they are a reaction to a situation and then pause for wisdom and respond appropriately (I am an intelligent, lovable and worthwhile person and so are you) Thank you!!!!
By Maimie July 6, 2022
Great presentation! Thanks for sharing… a new perspective on an old subject.
By Marty Schram July 5, 2022
Although many emotions are painful it is important to NOT supress them. We need to “feel ” emotions and learn how to react to them
By Sandy Frieday, Coordinator July 5, 2022
Great message, Carol, and very timely for a situation in my area right now. Thank you!
By EVE July 4, 2022
This rings especially true for me since my Dad passed away and I am cutting my family out of my life completely and recreating family from old friends and new friends. Old friends can sometimes be supporters & sometimes Sabatoge your journey as they like you just as you are…in THEIR comfort zone I find myself seeking food for comfort when either old friends or new friends let me down, disappoint me, or fail to understand that depression is not a choice…it is a hormonal imbalance. My Dr tells me eat less, drink more water, & exercise and I do but emotions get involved on a daily basis…and the journey becomes an uphill battle to control my eating. TOPS helps me stay true to my desire in the long run, however emotions drag me down when others are not supportive of my goals and have lost sight of their own….Anger/ Frustration/Confusion/ Happy/ Sad/ Bored/ Lonely/ Grief/ etc etc etc are all very real emotions that make you ask yourself ” Why do I bother if no one cares???” My answer is always….Because I am someone that cares….both for myself & others & I try to let them know it as often as I can without being obnoxious HA HA
By Donna B July 6, 2022
I love your message. It rings true for so many of us.
By Lou Bomhof July 4, 2022
These words certainly ring true, many carry their thoughts and emotions too close to their heart and we often misunderstand their reaction or non-reaction. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts Carol.