Job loss, divorce, physical injury, death of a loved one, bankruptcy, etc... When a life changing event happens, it is not unusual for some people to numb themselves with shopping, alcohol, drugs, busyness, sex, video games, over-eating or various other distractions.
The truth is that all
numbing ourselves does is delay the inevitable. The emotions will surface whether you want them to or not and usually at the most inconvenient times imaginable.
One of the downsides of numbing our pain is that when we successfully numb our pain, we can't receive anything at all. In other words, we also block out all the wonderful things that are happening around us. We miss out on life and the present moment.
When we do things
to numb ourselves, we are in effect, saying that our emotions are unimportant. How do you react when you are treated as if you don't matter? If you are like most people, you are likely to feel hurt, anger or resentment. Your feelings are the same way and they will fight to be heard.
The next time you are going through a painful experience, instead of numbing, try writing down your painful feelings or discussing them with someone you feel safe talking to. When
you write them down or say them out loud, you give voice to your feelings. As a result, your feelings will tend to settle down. You will feel better and be able to make decisions with more clarity and peace of mind.
If you are going through or on the other side of a life-changing event, or need support as you reinvent yourself, I provide a safe place where you can talk freely and explore your options.
I love helping people as they
reinvent their lives and create a future they want to be living. If that is of interest to you, contact me to schedule a no-obligation phone conversation. My contact information is located in the footer of this newsletter.
With loving support,
Linda
