Mixed Emotions? It may be a strength.

 

 

 

Have you ever felt opposite emotions at the same time?  Happy and sad?  Excited and hesitant?  Worried and hopeful?

Does having these “mixed emotions” have a negative connotation that you are being indecisive, confused, uncertain, or ambivalent? 

What if it is a strength to feel a duality of emotions?

Noticing when seemingly opposing emotions arise, creates an opportunity for inner reflection to continue on our journey to be experts on ourselves.  Are we avoiding and resisting? Or are we connected and being guided?  Is it an indication that we need to pause and delve deeper to find answers, or embrace in gratitude both “sides” of ourselves and our situation?

This past week was a concert week for me. I’ve been feeling tired and exhilarated as new partnerships and collaborations brought new audiences to experience The Symphony. I’ve been feeling concerned and confident as our team brings their care and creativity to help navigate the continually shifting challenges of COVID. I know the power that these dual dynamics play in my life.  I embrace their magical and mysterious-ness, and I learn.  I say what I’m grateful for every day, and clarity, joy and impact build.

If having mixed emotions is creating stress for you, or if you’re not sure what you’re feeling, here’s 4 prompts that you can play with:

1. What are all the emotions I’m feeling? 
2. Why?  Is there an external or internal force creating these emotions? Do you need to make a decision of some kind?  Do you need more information?  Are “should’s” clouding your judgement? How is having a dualtiy of emotions creating stress and how is it helping you?
3. What do I really want?
4. What am I grateful for, and why?

And, always, always, always, remember that – no matter what – we have everything we need to find ways to make a difference, to offer a hand, to have the impact we are meant to have, and to feel joy. 

If you want a guide to help you reveal what makes your heart sing, and how to actively make the choices that create the possibility to have a career and life where you are feeling joy and being joyful every day… I am here to help.  

To your success, and to a month filled with noticing and following your feelings!

Kathryn
Next Chapter Coach
Creator of The Career (Life!) Breakthrough Academy^TM

P.S. – As I was writing this blog, this song by Alanis Morissette popped into my head:

“Hand In My Pocket”

I’m broke, but I’m happy
I’m poor, but I’m kind
I’m short, but I’m healthy, yeah
I’m high, but I’m grounded
I’m sane, but I’m overwhelmed
I’m lost, but I’m hopeful, baby

And what it all comes down to
Is that everything’s gonna be fine, fine, fine
‘Cause I’ve got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving a high five

I feel drunk, but I’m sober
I’m young and I’m underpaid
I’m tired, but I’m working, yeah
I care, but I’m restless
I’m here, but I’m really gone
I’m wrong and I’m sorry, baby

And what it all comes down to
Is that everything’s gonna be quite alright
‘Cause I’ve got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is flicking a cigarette

And what it all comes down to
Is that I haven’t got it all figured out just yet
‘Cause I’ve got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving a peace sign

I’m free, but I’m focused
I’m green, but I’m wise
I’m hard, but I’m friendly, baby
I’m sad, but I’m laughing
I’m brave, but I’m chicken shit
I’m sick, but I’m pretty, baby

And what it all boils down to
Is that no one’s really got it figured out just yet
Well, I’ve got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is playing a piano
And what it all comes down to my friends, yeah
Is that everything is just fine, fine, fine
‘Cause I’ve got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is hailing a taxi cab  

–>> If you are truly at a crossroad moment, ready to take a LEAP into your Next Chapter, I am here to help. By your side. Guiding you. Encouraging you. Seeing you. Every.Step.Of.The.Way. through a proven process.