Sometimes, even a small comment from someone we love can trigger a cascade of emotions and old coping patterns. Recently, I found myself hurt by a family member’s words. Instead of facing my feelings, I retreated into a familiar distraction…shopping. This is not inherently a bad activity, but when used to avoid feelings, they become barriers to healing.
Why do we fall into these patterns? Our brains seek safety, and when emotional pain arises, it often feels easier to distract ourselves than to sit with discomfort. Recognizing this spiral, the moment when a feeling turns into avoidance, is the first step toward change.
Helpful tools to recognize your spiral:
- Emotional Check-In: Pause regularly throughout your day and ask, “What am I feeling right now?” Try to name the emotion without judgment. journaling can help you track patterns.
- Body Awareness: Our bodies often signal distress before our minds do. Notice tension, tightness, or restlessness. Take a moment to breathe deeply and observe these sensations.
- Mindful Pause: When you feel triggered, pause for 10 seconds and breathe deeply before reacting. This can interrupt automatic responses and create space for choice.
By recognizing these patterns early, we can start to shift from unconscious coping to intentional responses. This awareness plants the seeds for healthier emotional habits.
Remember, growth is not avoiding hurt or triggers but learning new coping responses that allow us to bounce back a little faster each time.
WAVES OF EXPRESSION 
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