Ageless emotions

Have you noticed that your thinking process changes over time? As you mature you are able to solve more complex problems. Yet the way in which you experience emotions over your lifetime does not appear to vary. Feelings of happiness at age 52 are not unlike those you felt at age two. The same is true of guilt, excitement, or relief. This consistency is what allows you to identify your emotions and deal with them appropriately. You know when you are feeling angry and can take the necessary steps to release your anger in healthy ways. While the emotion you feel may change little in how you experience it as you age, the ways you express it are what differ. For example, you may release your anger through an act of violence or by putting it on paper. Think of which choice serves you better. When so-called negative emotions emerge, reflect on their source and what you can do to address them in productive, self-caring ways. You will find that life can go much smoother for you. When you experience your next emotion, ask yourself if it feels familiar. If it is negative, what can you do to express it in ways that are healthier for you?