#87: You Are in Control of Your Emotional Choices

FROM THIS SHOW…

Have you ever been disrupted from a meditation exercise? Chances are, something grabbed your attention and diverted your feelings. Emotions come in all flavors and sizes, just like the candy aisle at your favorite grocery spot. Some can satisfy your sweet tooth while others are only good for giving away to trick-or-treaters. 

When it comes to emotions, the human experience hands out the good stuff and the bad. We keep going because something in us believes we’ll get more of the good. But when difficulties increase, so does the inability to concentrate. Just like that interrupted meditation. 

And when you have a bipolar disorder it feels like someone has dialed you either all the way up, or muted your feelings completely. The “ordinary” times in between might not last. That’s why on today’s episode of The Bipolar Now Podcast Mike shares how to have emotional goals that fit nicely with your existing life-achievement dreams.

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TAKEAWAYS

• Some recoveries never last that long because of substance use or drinking alcohol. Using these makes it difficult to feel emotions that are authentically you.

• When you build your “Lifer” support team, it’s important to choose people whose emotional stability is something you aspire to. Their feelings will influence you, so choose people who can challenge AND encourage you into vibrant living. Be picky! Don’t settle for Lifers who are just getting by.

• Being content is a powerful emotion. Set this as your target. Live out your day so that in the evening you can feel content about it. Contentment is an emotional state of acceptance and relaxation. And contentment is where you feel satisfied. Not lazy. Not bored. Satisfied!

Lifer Discussion Guide

Use the questions in today’s Lifer Guide to assist you over any hurdles you may have to clear as you address your mental health.

“Lifers” are special people who have unwavering faithfulness. This assures you that they’ll stick by you through all the highs and lows that are normal for a life with mental health challenges. If you haven’t nominated a lifelong family member or friend as part of your non-medical support team, what are you waiting for? :-)

The Questions:

1) Who is the most emotional person in your family? / Do they let it show, or do they keep it private?

2) How would you score your emotional health over the last 3 months? / Are you accepting of the world and relaxed, or are you a nervous train wreck?

3) Is there any way you can change your emotional health score by just a tiny bit? / How can I help you here?

4) How much of a change do you want to see in our world right now? / Do you feel like you can play your part or is it more on the side of hopeless?

5) Mike says Contentment is his #1 emotional goal. / Would you agree? Or would you choose a different emotional state as your overall goal for your mental health?

Join the Tribe!

Once you’ve had a chance to talk or journal about these things you might have a question from this episode. If so, make sure you head on over to The Bipolar Now Podcast Network on Facebook! There’s quite a few people over there who are also taking a new step in their mental health. And we’d love for you to share your story with us when you’re ready. So don’t miss out!