Emotions: they are our constant companions, ever-present and often unpredictable.
They can be as gentle as a whisper or as tumultuous as a storm. This led me to think of them as waves, forever changing in intensity and direction.
Emotions, like unpredictable waves, can engulf us.
Sometimes, they elevate us to exhilarating joy and exuberance – like scoring the winning point, receiving a raise, or achieving a long-pursued goal.
However, not all waves are gentle. Some threaten to pull us into a churning abyss of grief, sadness, or anger. Events such as a death, a breakup, or a sudden layoff can set off these torrents.
Yet, like the fiercest waves, crashing loudly and then inevitably retreating with a gentle whisper onto the shore, our most intense emotions are transient.
They ebb and flow, rise and fall, reflecting the ocean’s rhythm.
As we traverse emotional highs and lows, we not only revel in moments of joy but also face the depths of challenges and, in doing so, discover our innate resilience.
With patience and introspection, even the most overwhelming emotions can give way to tranquil moments of clarity.
We are often aware of our own emotional turmoil yet we sometimes fail to remember that those around us are also navigating their emotional seas, often beneath the surface and hidden from view.
And when we do become aware of them, sometimes we can start to believe that their turmoil is some fault of our own. Maybe we even question our own worth… believing if we were able to provide more sunshine then their storms would retreat, subside, or dissolve.
When someone you care about is caught in rough seas., it’s vital to recognize their emotions are not always about you or your relationship.
Instead of getting caught in their undertow, aim to be their lighthouse, guiding with understanding and compassion. Their emotional storms are their own, as we each have a unique journey.
Someone else’s joy, frustration, and grief don’t have to become your own, but you can sit in it with them and offer shelter.
No one has demonstrated this better for me than my best friend. She was there during a profound loss in my life. She picked me up from my apartment, forcing me to shower and dress, even when the weight of grief felt unbearable. Over dinner, as she recounted stories from her day, I sat across from her, unable to control the tide of my tears, my sorrow overwhelming. She remained anyway, showing me I wasn’t alone in my storm, and this was all I needed. Someone just to sit with me.
She kept her boundaries, not letting my grief become her own.
Remember in this shared voyage of life: emotions are powerful but fleeting, like waves.
Our horizon remains through all the highs and lows, promising the hope of brighter days ahead.
Let the waves carry you where the light can not.
Alain Gerbeault
Always,
Your Trusted Friend ♥
Becoming A Lighthouse for Others:
- Anchor Them: Just as an anchor keeps a ship steady, sometimes a person needs someone to keep them grounded. Simply listen; often, that’s enough.
- Illuminate Their Path: Offer perspective when they’re ready. Like the beam from a lighthouse, sometimes a different viewpoint can help navigate difficult emotions.
- Maintain Your Distance: Just as a lighthouse stands apart from the vessel it guides, ensure you don’t get too enmeshed in someone else’s emotional turmoil. You can support them without losing yourself in the process.
- Signal for Help: Recognize when someone’s emotions might be beyond your ability to help and encourage them to seek professional assistance or counseling.
- Steady Presence: Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply be there consistently. A lighthouse doesn’t waver; your steady presence can sometimes be the guiding light someone needs.
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