From Victim to Empowered

by Merci Gracia | Aug 29, 2019 | Feelings, Responsibility, Self-Awareness

Our feelings are self-created. They may be activated or catalyzed by others’ behavior, but it’s our interpretation that causes us to feel the way we do. The swirling brew of our programming, experience and nature create the background against which we...

Anger

by Merci Gracia | Jun 23, 2019 | Feelings

Although most of us don’t really like to experience our own or others’ anger, it’s a normal emotion. Just watching any baby shows us how natural it is. When babies don’t get what they want, they go ballistic until they’re soothed and...

The Child Lives On

by Merci Gracia | Jun 21, 2019 | Feelings, Handling Emotions

Most children are taught by their (well-meaning) parents to ignore their feelings. Phrases like “you’re okay, don’t cry, there’s nothing to be afraid of and act like a big boy or girl” are designed to help us (and them) avoid discomfort....

Communicate

by Merci Gracia | Apr 30, 2019 | Communicate lovingly, Feelings

Rather than communicate our feelings, it’s tempting to avoid confrontation and let things slide, especially when we anticipate defensiveness or hostility in response. However, allowing emotional baggage to buildup isn’t worth the temporary comfort of...

100% Responsibility

by Merci Gracia | Apr 25, 2019 | Feelings

It may sound radical to state that no one has the power to make us feel anything. Our egos will insist on blaming outer circumstances or people for causing our feelings, but it’s not true. No one can completely get inside our heads, plant and cultivate specific...

Our Feelings

by Merci Gracia | Apr 22, 2019 | Feelings, Self-Awareness

Feelings help us know what’s working and what’s causing stress in our lives. They can be natural reactions to the environment or, if we’re willing to listen with an open mind, they can also inform us when we’re over-reacting or misinterpreting....