survive Archives - MY EXPERIENCE | MY EXPERTISE
Advertisements

MY EXPERIENCE | MY EXPERTISE

Tag: survive

  • Why do we give in to our emotions?

    Why do we give in to our emotions?

    Emotions like anger, fear, sadness, and anxiety are some that we feel in our lives. We tend to give in to these feelings and either we make the right decision or the wrong one. We may make people happy or hurt them at the moment or for a long time.

    These emotions can have a powerful impact on our decision-making processes, leading us to either make the right choices or veer off course. The influence of these feelings isn’t limited to our own experiences; they can also affect the people around us, shaping their emotional well-being in the moment and potentially leaving a lasting impact on their lives. It’s important to recognize the depth of these emotions and the significant role they play in influencing our actions and interactions with others.

    Why do we give in to our emotions? Even the most disciplined person would, at some point in his/her life, let the emotions flow and affect his/her decision thus producing the action that may or may not help anyone.

    It’s a complex interplay between our rationality and our emotions. Our emotions are a fundamental part of human nature, influencing our thoughts, behaviors, and decision-making processes. While we strive to make logical and calculated choices, our emotions often have a powerful sway over us, shaping our perceptions and influencing our reactions to various situations. In some cases, allowing our emotions to guide our actions can lead to empathy and understanding, fostering positive connections with others. However, there are also instances where succumbing to our emotions can result in impulsive or irrational behavior, potentially causing harm to ourselves or those around us. Understanding the triggers and manifestations of our emotions is essential in navigating the intricate relationship between rationality and emotionality.

    Our emotions are handled by the most primitive part of our brain, known as the amygdala. It developed over time to create a flight or fight response. It’s very purpose is survival. And when our emotions are high, they cloud our judgment and affect our reaction to the situation.

    This small but powerful structure developed over millions of years of evolution to create the famous “fight or flight” response to perceived threats. Its very purpose is survival, and it continues to play a key role in our daily lives. When our emotions are high, the amygdala can override our rational thinking and impact our reactions to various situations, often leading us to make decisions based on instinct rather than logic. In these moments, it is crucial to take a step back and allow our more advanced cognitive processes to weigh in, helping us to make informed choices rather than impulsive ones.

    Whatever we are feeling is true. That gut feel is true. It resulted from a culmination of our experiences and what we have gathered from our interaction with the world. Whatever we are feeling, may it be fear or anxiety that puts us on our toes or anger that makes us hurt other people, that moment we feel it is real. Follow your heart is what they say. There is truth in that.

    Whatever we are feeling is indeed a reflection of our inner reality. Our emotional responses, whether it’s a sense of exhilaration and joy, or trepidation and worry, are deeply rooted in our experiences and the insights we have gained from our interactions with the world around us. Each emotion we experience, whether it’s the unease of anxiety, the surge of anger, or the warmth of love, holds a sense of undeniable truth at the moment we feel it. The notion of “follow your heart” has persisted through time, and it holds a profound truth – our emotions often guide us toward our authentic desires and needs. And while emotions are indeed real and valid, they also offer us an opportunity to explore and understand ourselves on a deeper level.

    Channeling your emotions

    Emotions help us to survive. It helps us to deal with the ever-chaotic world that we live in. It warns us that something is wrong and we need to do something about it. That is what we need to do. When we feel something, trust it, and do something about it. But, we should be careful with the actions that we take as a result of that. When we let emotions control us, we hurt ourselves and other people. We shouldn’t do that.

    Recently, I just said the wrong things to a person because I felt slightly angry about a situation we were in during that moment. I raised my voice and it was very demeaning. The person cried silently. For me, during that time, I got irritated because I got everything planned out and I didn’t want it messed up. In effect, instead of saying calmly what I wanted to say, I raised my voice. I gave in to my emotions without thinking how it would affect her. (If you are reading this, Ne, I’m sorry. I’ll do better.)

    Be considerate

    Sometimes, even if we are so disciplined and know what to do, we veer away from doing what is right and give in to our emotions. We hurt the people we love. It is never a good outcome.

    We hurt the people we love, causing unnecessary pain and sadness. It is never a good outcome when we prioritize our temporary emotions over our long-term relationships. It’s important to remember that while emotions are valid, acting on them impulsively can lead to regrets and damaged connections. Understanding this can help us develop the resilience to navigate difficult emotions without causing harm to those around us.

    While we should trust our emotions, don’t let them decide for us. Take a deep breath and channel your logical brain to take action better in the hope that we achieve a solution for a possible problem that our feelings are warning and telling us without hurting anyone.

    Taking a moment to pause, taking a deep breath, and allowing our logical mind to come into play can lead to more well-considered actions. By harnessing our rationality alongside our emotions, we can aim to address the concerns raised by our feelings in a constructive manner, striving to find a resolution that not only addresses any potential issues but also minimizes any adverse impact on others.

  • RESILIENT

    RESILIENT

    In the movie on Netflix entitled Mine, while it could be seen as very simple, it showed a good meaning of being resilient. The movie stars Armie Hammer as a Marine soldier who stepped on a mine on their way to a nearby village and is stuck there awaiting help, while his best friend who also stepped on a mine lost his legs and decided to shoot himself instead of going through the pain.

    He waited for 52 hours and encountered various difficulties from lack of water and drinking his own piss, getting hit by a sandstorm, hallucinating, and getting attacked by wolves.

    During his entire ordeal, a black man came to him and kept asking him, “Why step on mine?” He also told him, “I am free man. Take step.” The black man kept visiting him in the morning. He crisscrosses the desert which seemed to show he knows the location of the mine. By the end of the movie, the black man said he lost his daughter digging up mines and he lost his leg stepping on one.

    I would say that the movie does not really have any story built as it is all just about flashbacks of Mike’s (Armie Hammer) life. Of his abusive father during his childhood, of how he had beaten at least four guys to defend Jenny (played by Annabelle Wallis), and how he lost his mother. Not to mention that in that heat, kneeling on one knee, it seems an impossible feat to wait for 52 hours.

    But to me, there is one notable thing in the movie. The moment he stepped on the mine (By the way, there is no mine. It was just a tin can.), he was very objective and rational on how he would survive it. He figured out how to get the radio. He figured out how to somehow last (which is really impossible). He figured out how to survive the sandstorm.

    Like Mike, we all have experienced impossible situations in our lives. Many become very emotional which makes them unable to do anything (just like what his best friend did. Shot himself and just gave up). Many just ignore it and hope things will become better. Many choose to wait for people to help them.

    While there is nothing wrong with that, in my own experience, if we just hope for things to come and get better without doing anything, nothing will happen. It is like wishing.

    When I was in my third year being a real-time analyst, the people I knew at work started moving out. I was being left behind. I asked them to call me if there was an opening and I will apply. So I just waited, hoping, wishing, that they will contact me for anything. Nothing happened. You may say that well, they might not really like me. Maybe. Though we remained friends till now so that’s not the part I want to talk about.

    It is focusing your energy on what you can do, what you must do, to thrive in life. To be resilient. To be strong. To be a winner.

    When we focus on the things that we must do to achieve what we want to achieve, great things happen. Like Mike’s story above, he needed to survive the 52 hours until help arrived so he focused his energy on what he could do – getting the radio, rationing his food, figuring out how to have water, figuring out how to conserve energy, and sleep, and many other things. In my story, I wanted to move to another company too so I started sending my resume, preparing for interviews, and taking exams, to multiple companies until I got hired with a promotion. Goal achieved!

    Don’t let your emotions get to you. If you feel your emotions getting high, take a deep breath and slowly exhale. Repeat until you feel you’ve calmed down. This way, you have programmed your brain to think about how to best approach and solve the problem in front of you.

    Just remember, we can beat everything that life throws at us. It is all about doing what must be done to accomplish what we want to achieve.

    Emotions are an integral part of the human experience, influencing our thoughts, behaviors, and decisions. They can be powerful motivators, but when they become overwhelming, they can cloud our judgment and impede our ability to address challenges effectively. It’s essential to develop strategies to manage emotional responses, especially in high-pressure situations where clear thinking is crucial.

    Understanding Emotions

    The first step in managing emotions is to understand them. Emotions are physiological responses to internal or external events. They are tied to our survival instincts, often triggering the fight-or-flight response. However, in modern society, these responses can be triggered by non-life-threatening situations, such as work stress or interpersonal conflicts.

    Recognizing Triggers

    Identifying what triggers your emotional responses is vital. Triggers can be specific people, situations, or even thoughts that consistently evoke a strong emotional reaction. By recognizing these triggers, you can prepare yourself to handle them more constructively when they arise.

    Breathing Techniques

    One of the most effective ways to calm heightened emotions is through controlled breathing. The act of taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling engages the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps counteract the stress response. This simple technique can be done anywhere, anytime, and it serves as a physical reminder to pause and regain composure.

    Repetition for Calmness

    Repeating the breathing process until you feel calmer is not just about physiological regulation; it’s also a form of mental training. With each breath, you’re reinforcing the habit of responding to stress with composure rather than impulsivity. Over time, this can become your automatic response to emotional stress, making you more resilient in the face of adversity.

    Programming the Brain

    The phrase “programming your brain” refers to the concept of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change and adapt as a result of experience. By consistently practicing emotional regulation techniques, you’re effectively rewiring your brain to handle stress more efficiently. This can lead to improved problem-solving abilities and better overall mental health.

    Approaching Problems

    Once you’ve calmed your emotional response, you’re in a better position to approach and solve the problem at hand. Emotions can provide valuable information about how you perceive the situation, but they should not dictate your actions. A calm mind is more capable of assessing the situation objectively and identifying the most effective course of action.

    Long-Term Strategies

    While breathing techniques are helpful in the moment, long-term strategies are also important for managing emotions. These can include regular exercise, meditation, journaling, or talking to a trusted friend or therapist. These practices can help you develop a deeper understanding of your emotional landscape and build a toolkit for managing stress.

    Emotional Intelligence

    Developing emotional intelligence is another crucial aspect of managing emotions. This involves not only understanding and managing your own emotions but also recognizing and responding appropriately to the emotions of others. High emotional intelligence can lead to better relationships, both personally and professionally.

    Mindfulness and Meditation

    Mindfulness and meditation are practices that can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings without becoming overwhelmed by them. They teach you to observe your emotions without judgment and to live in the present moment, which can reduce anxiety and improve your emotional well-being.

    Seeking Support

    Sometimes, managing emotions on your own can be challenging. Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can provide you with additional perspectives and coping strategies. It’s important to remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, managing emotions is a skill that can be developed through practice and self-awareness. By understanding your emotions, recognizing triggers, using breathing techniques, and implementing long-term strategies, you can program your brain to approach problems with a clear and calm mind. Developing emotional intelligence, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support when needed are also key components of emotional well-being. Remember, emotions are a natural part of being human, but they don’t have to control your actions or your life. With the right tools and mindset, you can navigate your emotional landscape with confidence and grace.

  • DIFFICULT

    DIFFICULT

    When life gets difficult, do you ever feel like giving up? With everything that is going on with your life, do you feel like calling it quits?

    Do you ever think it is too hard, that you just wish that everyone will just shut up?

    Do you think you have hit rock bottom? Like you are suffocating and really just want to get out?

    Like what you see is the end and there is nowhere to go?

    Many times we get eaten up by our emotions. That we feel crying and just curl up in a ball. That it feels so good to cry and let all those tears run down. That everything is so difficult it is so draining and you just want to stop. Push everyone away and be left alone to your worries and pains.

    It is okay. Just let it out.
    There is nothing wrong with it.
    It is the way we cope. It is survival. Just let it out. Shout if you must.

    Then…stand up. No use in forever sulking and crying and feeling sorry for yourself. Life is difficult. Nothing is easy. Accept that.
    What you need to understand is you can do something about it.

    And it starts with standing up.

    • Stand up. Focus on what’s in front of you.
    • Take that first step. Focus on what you can do now.
    • Take another step. One action at a time
    • And take another step. You’ll see, each action you do will take you away from your slumber.

    Accept your reality.

    Be thankful for your present. Identify what you want to achieve Take one action at a time.

    Don’t worry. You are not alone. Everyone around you is going through something.

    Just don’t forget…you are always stronger than the situation.

    The struggle, the feeling of being trapped, and the overwhelming emotions that can consume us at times can be incredibly challenging to bear. It’s not uncommon to find yourself at a loss, feeling like giving up and wanting to retreat from the world. This is a natural part of the human experience, and it’s essential to acknowledge these emotions without judgment. It’s okay to feel the weight of the world pressing down on you, to feel suffocated and weary.

    In these moments, giving yourself the space to release those pent-up feelings is a form of self-compassion. Crying, shouting, or letting out a deep sigh can serve as a release valve, allowing you to process the intensity of your emotions. Remember, it’s okay not to be okay.

    Taking the time to acknowledge and validate your feelings, without judgment, is an important part of self-care. By allowing yourself to experience and express your emotions, you are honoring your internal experience and taking steps toward healing. It’s a gentle reminder that amidst the storm of emotions, you are deserving of kindness and understanding, both from yourself and from those around you. So, as you navigate through these challenging moments, grant yourself the grace to feel what you feel, knowing that it’s an essential part of the human experience.

    However, after allowing yourself to feel and experience those emotions, it’s crucial to recognize the inner strength that resides within you. It’s about acknowledging that life is filled with hurdles and challenges, but it’s also about realizing that you possess the resilience and determination necessary to confront these obstacles head-on.

    Furthermore, it’s important to remember that growth often occurs outside of our comfort zones. Embracing and navigating through challenges can lead to personal development and a deeper understanding of our capabilities. This recognition of inner fortitude can serve as a guiding light during difficult times, reminding us that we have the power to endure and overcome. Ultimately, the acknowledgment of one’s strength and resilience can be a source of empowerment and motivation, fueling the belief that adversity can be navigated with courage and tenacity.

    Taking that first step, no matter how small it may seem, is an act of courage. It’s about focusing on the present moment and identifying the actionable steps that can propel you forward, step by step. Each action you take, no matter how seemingly insignificant, has the potential to lead you away from the shadows of despair and towards a path of empowerment.

    Remind yourself that you are not alone. Everyone around you is fighting their battle, navigating their way through their own trials and tribulations. In this shared struggle, there’s a sense of solidarity — a reminder that strength can be found in unity.

    It’s easy to feel isolated when facing challenges, but it’s important to recognize that everyone around you is fighting their own battles and navigating their way through trials and tribulations. In this shared struggle, there’s a powerful sense of solidarity, reminding us that strength and resilience can be found in unity. This realization can provide comfort and support as we move forward, knowing that we are part of a community all facing our own difficulties and triumphs.

    Amidst the turmoil, hold onto the certainty that you are capable of overcoming the challenges that confront you. You possess an inner fortitude that transcends the difficulties and setbacks. Embrace your reality, express gratitude for the present moment, and focus on defining the aspirations that you hold dear. With determination, perseverance, and a steadfast resolve, you can chart a course toward a brighter tomorrow.

    Never forget, that you are inherently stronger than the adversities that seek to undermine your spirit. Embrace this strength, nurture it, and let it guide you through the turbulent seas toward the shores of resilience and hope.

    Bearing in mind the profound resilience that resides within us, it becomes clearer that our capacity to confront and transcend adversity is firmly woven into the very fabric of our being. This inherent strength, often underestimated in the face of challenges, holds the potential to carry us through the stormiest of circumstances, allowing us to emerge on the shores of renewed hope and determination.

    Let this reminder serve as a beacon of unwavering belief in your ability to navigate the tempestuous waters of life with courage and fortitude, for within you lies the unwavering resilience that paves the way towards brighter horizons. Embrace this strength, nourish it, and let it illuminate your path, for you are more powerful than the adversities that may attempt to dim the light within you.