I hope this helps you cope with your meta-emotions.
Exert an effort toward self-compassion. Keep telling yourself that feeling something doesn't make you weak. Try to be gentle with yourself and see the bright side of things.
In our last newsletter, I talked about why it can be hard to feel bad about feeling bad. That was an example of a meta-emotion. In the short essay I'm writing today, I'll talk about what they are and how to deal with them.
What are meta-emotions?
The meaning hinges on the prefix "meta." We experience these when we think about or engage with our emotions.
Meta-emotions include guilt, shame, embarrassment, and pride, which can follow primary emotions like anger, fear, and joy. Depending on which emotions we choose to think about, it can be good or bad to think about them.
Feelings are valid and worthy of investigation and analysis. Talking about feelings with a friend or writing them down in a journal can be therapeutic.
The process of self-reflection and the recognition of one's feelings is arduous, making it more challenging to control meta-emotions.
What are some ways to cope with meta-emotions?
Acknowledge their existence.
The first step in mastering your feelings is becoming self-aware and recognising your feelings. Then, when you name your emotions, you may move toward determining their origin and developing strategies to deal with them.Distinguish between healthy and unhealthy meta-emotions.
Positive meta-emotions can serve as a springboard for life improvement, while destructive ones may keep you stuck in destructive patterns. For instance, feeling bad about yourself after making a mistake can motivate you to avoid repeating that error. On the flip side, feelings of shame might trigger actions that endanger one's well-being.Express your meta-emotions.
It can help to talk to a reliable person, such as a friend or family member, about your feelings. In addition, keeping a journal or consulting a therapist can be helpful.
Of course, I can't end this note without urging you again to be kind, gaze ahead, and know everything will be alright. Be gentle with yourself and acknowledge your emotions.