Have you ever thought about your approach to facing trials?
Do you have emotional survival skills for when you feel emotionally weak?
Let me share something I witnessed that might help you re-think your actions in times of distress.
The Mother Duck and Her Ducklings
While walking along the canal that runs through our farm, I watched the reactions of a mother duck and her ducklings as my dog raced towards them.
The mother duck frantically flapped her wings and swiftly glided across the water, creating a barrier between the dog and her young ones.
Meanwhile, the baby ducks, swiftly paddled down the canal and then, as if in unison, dived deep into the water.
I was amazed at how long they stayed underwater. In fact. I never did see them resurface.
After awhile, my dog gave up his chase and trotted on his way.
It struck me as an effective survival technique for the ducks.
Nature had equipped them with instinct and tools to protect themselves, and it worked!
Faulty Survival Skills
This made me think of the survival tools we use as individuals and wondered if they are as effective for our well-being as the diving was for the ducklings.
Knowing that not all survival techniques are of equal value, consider your response to distressing situations.
Do you tend to
-shut down emotionally
-pull away from others
-blame
-question your self-worth
-let your thoughts spin out of control
-lose sleep
-over react
-become overly sensitive
We might want to question why we rely on these patterns when we are struggling.
Are you willing to consider that there are effective survival techniques and behaviors that do work?
Effective Emotional Survival Skills
Effective emotional survival skills might be simpler then you think, but do require effort and practice.
Let’s explore a few:
-Breathe. Conscious, deep breathing is a powerful tool.
-Be Still. Block out external stimuli and listen to your inner voice.
-Self-care. Take time to nurture and strengthen yourself.
-Focus on Truth. Challenge negative thoughts and focus on what is real.
-Accept help. Allow others to support you.
-Serve others. As we lift others, our burdens often become lighter.
These are just a few approaches that can assist in times of emotional distress.
Today, I encourage you to consciously reflect on your own emotional survival skills.
Evaluate what works and what doesn’t. Then make the necessary changes.
By adopting more effective patterns of emotional response, you can build greater emotional strength, leading to increased confidence and joy.
Much love,
