Emotional Outlets

As with anything else when we are making changes in our life, how we deal with our emotions is definitely on the list.  This past week I had the opportunity to really see how the changes I have been making are really sticking and making a difference.  My heart was broken and I had to deal with all those emotions of sadness, anger, confusion, etc.  All those things that are part of what is ultimately a grieving process.  Normally I would have wanted to just sit and eat.  Get comfortable in my chair with my blanket and a bag of chips, cookies, whatever I could find in the house.  But I didn't do that.  While yes I did cry, yell, got mad and cried some more; I also ran.  I got my shoes on, stuck my ear buds in my ears, cranked the worship music and ran.  Now keep in mind I'm more of a walker then a runner.  I still have a lot of weight to get rid of so running is not an easy task at all.  But I did it.  Granted they were short distances with walking in between but I was running nonetheless.  And you know when I got done I really felt so much better.  I even joked with a friend that maybe I should have someone make my mad before I go for a workout more often, as my pace has significantly increased. 

Maybe running isn't your thing, or you physically aren't capable of running.  But you can walk, paint, journal, whatever it is that works for you.  Find your own emotional outlet that doesn't include food.  And these outlets don't have to only be attached to anger, frustration, sadness, the long list of negative emotions that we face every day.  They can also be attached to the positive ones as well.  Those of us who are emotional eaters, eat when we are happy, sad, bored, excited, etc, etc, etc...........

I'm still sad at the loss that I experienced this past week and still confused about the reasons behind it.  But I also know that I have a new way to deal with all that.  And I can work through it all in a more healthy way then I have in the past.  One day at a time, one step at a time, one mile at a time.  So what will your new outlet be?  Find one that works for you that is edify your spirit and make your life better.