Heavy are the shoulders that carry emotional baggage… well, mind and body too.
You probably know about Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). It’s the fear that life is going by, and you are not enjoying it. Because of this state of mind, you try to insert yourself in everything and everywhere.
There’s another fear that we all have but seldom acknowledge ― the fear of letting go.
Yes, this is a guide that will help you let go of your past mistake and trauma, the ones that you think define you. First, let’s understand emotional baggage.
Understanding Emotional Baggage
As a child, Michelle faced a lot of criticism from her father. The person who was supposed to shower her with love constantly mocked and belittled her. From a young age, Michelle learned to hide her feelings and keep her thoughts locked away. As an adult, when people noticed this trait, Michelle turned it into a joke. It wasn’t until a friend pointed out this habit that Michele was hit with self-recognition. However, she refused to acknowledge the fact and decided not to change. She plodded on in her life with the fortress intact, and this wasn’t making her happy. When she reached a point in life with no friends and anyone to support her, it dawned on her that she was afraid of letting go because this emotional baggage was how she defended herself from hurtful feelings.
So, how does one tap into their confidence-building power to let go of the emotional baggage they have been carrying?
Keep reading to find out.
1.Identify Your Feelings
We understand that this is easier said than done, but these are the baby steps you need to take, and you need to take them soon. Do something that relaxes you and accept all the thoughts that come into your mind. How do you feel physically and mentally? Strung up? Tense? Fearful? Now, accept your thoughts without any judgment and think them floating away.
2.Be Kind to Yourself
We didn’t ask for the emotional baggage we carry. Life just took a turn, and you were the passenger. This is where you need to channel in acceptance. Accept that not every path leads to fulfillment. Some things are just the way they are, and you need to live with them. However, that doesn’t mean that you make them a part of yourself.
3.Take a Break
Life will not abandon you if you take a break. Emotional baggage has the power to destroy everything good in your life because you are never at your best. So, take a break and do something for yourself. Bring happiness to your life first and then think about taking the first step to building a life; this especially applies to relationship building.
4.Forgive
This piece of advice is another one that’s easier said than done. Sometimes, it feels like your anger is the only thing you have left to hold on to in your life. You have probably heard this ― you can’t move on in your life if you don’t forgive and forget. Maybe, it’s high time you smiled and bid adieu to your emotional baggage.
5.Create Affirmations That Foster Change
Motivation is the only thing that can help you move past the hurts. So, start with affirmations like “I can…,” “I will…,” “I want to…,” etc. You will notice a positive change in your life, making you feel much lighter.
And there you have it ― our best tips to deal with emotional baggage. Tap into your stress management powers; you will experience a sense of relief that will loosen up your shoulders and make you a happier person.