📷 photo credit @JenThorpe with @crocuscowgirlcreations

“Balance is not sitting quietly in the middle, but in finding comfort nearer the edges.” 

– TheCowgirlsCode.com

We may think that emotional balance is achieved when we are calm. I disagree with that premise.
To me, balance is achieved when we can ride the emotional waves and get back to center, when we can feel the spectrum: joy and sadness, anger and acceptance, fear and courage. Achieving emotional equilibrium involves acknowledging and understanding our emotions while developing strategies to manage them effectively.
Balance starts with self-awareness. Become an observer and “mine” the feelings for nuggets of understanding. Check in with your body to identify how those feelings affect you. Is your stomach in knots? Is your throat tight?
Take time to identify and embrace your emotions without judgment. Each emotion has a purpose and is a natural part of the human experience. Recognizing and accepting our feelings lays the foundation for emotional balance.
Once you’ve identified your emotions and sat in them for a little while, engage in activities that encourage self-reflection. Journaling or meditation practices create a space for introspection, helping you to understand the root causes of your emotions. By gaining insights into your emotional triggers, you empower yourself to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
Perhaps you are carrying labels from your past that you’ve never critically examined. You may realize you echo the, “Who do you think you are?’ messages from your childhood. If you can acknowledge the skills you’ve developed throughout your life, you may be able to turn down, or even eliminate, those voices that mire you in who you were rather than celebrating who you are becoming.
A support system is crucial and must be chosen wisely. There are some people that have proven themselves to be trusted advisors in business topics, but not so much in the area of relationships, for example. Choose friends or family members who can offer empathy and perspective. Connection with others provides a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and fostering emotional stability.
Sometimes you’ll need a friend who soothes you by saying you you’re amazing, without offering any advice. Other times, to move forward, you may need someone who will give you candor with kindness, and tell you things that will be helpful even if they aren’t easy to hear at first.
Your overall mindset is pivotal. Don’t deny the negative feelings, and take steps to shift your attention. Accept your emotions and recognize that they are fleeting. Then focus on gratitude and practice optimism. Cultivating a positive outlook helps shift your perspective, making it easier to navigate challenges with resilience and grace.
In the quest for emotional balance, remember that it’s an ongoing journey rather than a destination. By nurturing self-awareness, practicing mindfulness, fostering connections, prioritizing well-being, and maintaining a positive mindset, you pave the way for a more harmonious and fulfilling life.

– TheCowgirlsCode.com

Jocelyn Hastie

 

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