Colleague’s Corner: The Emotional Commander

Tonka sits ontop of about 100 disgaurded hospital gowns and blankets that are being donated to the humane society Tuesday. Humane society employee Darlene Brown stands in backround with other cat, Jaxx. (Luisa Porter/ Dispatch Staff)

When you think you have no control over your life, think again. There is
one thing about your existence that only you control, and that one thing is
your emotions. Emotions are good, for God allowed us to be emotional
beings. For every positive emotion there is a negative one. Hope is the opposite
of fear. Joy is the opposite of sorrow. Happiness, the opposite of sadness.
The list goes on and on. You can’t have one without the other. Emotions help
us to communicate with others. Pride, enthusiasm and confidence can move
us toward our goals, while embarrassment, fear and guilt can move us away
from our fullest potential.

Many times our emotions can get the best of us. When feelings turn to
drama, we are no longer the commander of our emotions. Don’t let the sentiments
of others prescribe your own. As we move through life, take the time to
be aware of your feelings. Remember, you are 100% in charge of your
emotional state.

You may be thinking that circumstances and people make you feel a certain
way. But that’s not the case. Emotions are a choice. When we suffer tremendous
loss, face devastating illness or are uncertain of tomorrow, grief and
fear are natural feelings. However, commanding your emotions allows you to
overcome and turn those feelings into constructive tools. Don’t let your
emotions command you. Don’t let your feelings run away from you. Own your
reactions, own your feelings and know that you are in control.

Proverbs 16:32 (ESV) Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

By Kim Ridley, registered nurse and nurse recruiter for Baptist.