Joining God in Taking Care of You

Self-care is wholistic, spiritual, mental, physical and emotional. Today I want to talk about emotional self-care.

I have been using a tool I learned from my counselor a number of years ago. This is a way to keep in touch with your emotions, connect with our Creator, and enjoy life more. I appreciate this tool often!

Many of us did not grow up learning to be aware of our emotions enough, to even name them at times. How can we know what we need to live a vibrant life if we are not aware of what we are feeling?

Feelings are like road signs telling us where we are emotionally. I would encourage you to google the Hoffman Institute Feelings List, specifically checking out the negative emotions. When we can name the negative emotion we are feeling, we have the opportunity to reach for the opposite and do a 180 degree turn emotionally. I still at times google the antonyms for a negative emotion I am struggling with.

Consider your negative emotion as a request needing to be fulfilled with the antonym or opposite positive emotion. I believe God gave negative emotions to draw us to him for a fuller, more abundant life. Try seeking your Creator in this process.

Joining God in Taking Care of You Questions

What are you feeling?

 •I am feeling _____________

because I __________________________________.

•I need __________________________________.

(Look for the antonym or opposite of what you are feeling, directing you to the truth. The antonym of your emotion is your unmet need.)

•Take your need to Jesus, our Shepherd. 

(He is there for you. Expect Him to show up!)

•Thank Him!