Do You Need a Moment?

2 min

Do you need a moment?

These were the words gently spoken by a friend to her two-year-old daughter amid her "big emotions." My friend, calm and poised, gracefully stooped to meet her daughter at eye level, her reassuring presence filling the room. As her daughter nodded, my friend allowed her to retreat a few steps, settling into a nearby chair. What unfolded wasn't merely an exhibition of gentle parenting; it was a masterclass in cultivating emotional regulation, a skill honed in childhood.

As the little one sat in the chair, her breathing slowed down. Her arms, once flailing, were now by her side. Minutes later, the little one, now calm and composed, rejoined us at the dining table, radiating smiles that amazed me. In those minutes to herself, she was able to calm down, self-soothe, and return when she was ready.

By posing the question, "Do you need a moment?" my friend empowered her daughter to step away, acknowledging and embracing her emotions. She neither stifled expression nor neglected needs; instead, she gifted the opportunity to navigate emotional landscapes under her watchful eye.

Imagine if you asked yourself the same question amid your “big emotions.” How many regrettable words might you spare? How many impulsive actions could you avoid? Amidst the turbulence of "big emotions," I often find solace in the calming elements of meditation and journaling. These practices become my anchors, guiding me to sit with and fully embrace the truth of each moment, allowing a deeper understanding of my own emotional landscape and helping me regain my balance.

And speaking of journaling, have you considered incorporating the MyKume Journal into your own reflective practices? It's a powerful tool designed to help you connect with your emotions, providing guided prompts and a supportive space for self-discovery. It's not about turning away from life's challenges but confronting, acknowledging, and working to change them.

So, whatever you are going through in life, the ability to take a moment and sit with the emotion, just like my friend's two-year-old daughter did, becomes the initial step toward meaningful change. As you reflect on your own encounters with “big emotions,” consider embracing mindfulness practices. Take a moment each day for meditation or journaling, and witness the transformative power of understanding and accepting your emotional journey.

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