While IAM writing this I know that hurt is a real issue for so many people. Welcome to Becoming Maverick, the journey of learning, healing, and growing. Today we're going to explore a crucial aspect of this journey: Processing Hurt. We've all heard the phrase "hurting people hurt people," but are we aware when we are hurt? And do we know how to process that hurt in a healthy way?
Let me share a personal story that highlights the importance of processing hurt. Recently, someone close to me sent me a message that triggered a deep-seated hurt I had been holding onto. Instead of taking a moment to breathe, acknowledge my own hurt, and process it correctly, I reacted in haste and exploded on another person close to me. The situation spiraled out of control, and a whole bunch of feelings were hurt. I multiplied my hurt instead of neutralizing it.
When we don't process hurt correctly, we run the risk of perpetuating our own misery and suffering. Even worse, we hurt someone we love dearly who does not deserve it. We could activate a ripple effect or a vicious cycle, both of which are nasty and super dangerous.
But there's good news: we can learn to become hyper-aware of our emotions, especially our hurts, and behave in a responsible manner. We can stop hurting others and prolonging our own suffering. As the Bible teaches us, we can love our neighbor (the people around us) as we love ourselves. This is an example of great wisdom that, if practiced, can have life-changing effects. So let's practice some healthy self-love and stop the hurting. When we get hurt, let's be determined to let the hurt end with us.
Let hurt go as soon as possible and learn to practice forgiveness daily. Don't hold on to hurt and don't pass it on. If the hurt brings a lesson, then so be it. Say "Amen" (so be it). Learn the lesson. Teach others if necessary, but only once the emotional has subsided.
You don't have to take my word for it. Other thought leaders, therapists, leadership experts, and prominent teachers have spoken on this subject extensively. Caroline Leaf, for example, teaches that our thoughts shape our reality, and we can change our brain by changing our mind. Dr. Myles Munroe reminds us that we have the power to choose life and that our choices determine our destiny. TD Jakes speaks about the importance of forgiveness and letting go of past hurts to embrace our future. Simon Sinek stresses the importance of empathy and compassion in leadership. Seth Godin teaches that generosity and kindness are the keys to success. John Maxwell encourages us to take ownership of our lives and to focus on the things that matter most.
When we experience emotional pain and don't process it well, it can activate the body's stress response, which is designed to help us deal with stressors in the short term. However, chronic activation of the stress response can have negative effects on our physical and mental health. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, impair digestion, and lead to cardiovascular problems. It can also affect cognitive function, including memory, attention, and decision-making abilities.
These States of mind could lead to worse. Like allowing ourselves to be swept up in the emotions of a group, we become susceptible to crowd hysteria and groupthink. Our fight or flight response can be triggered, causing us to act on impulse and abandon rational thought. In this state, we are vulnerable to being influenced by others, even if their ideas go against our own values and beliefs. This can lead to dangerous situations, both for ourselves and for others.
Groupthink and crowd hysteria have been responsible for many tragedies throughout history, from cults to riots to genocides. When we're caught up in the emotions of a group, we may feel a sense of belonging and validation, but we're also at risk of losing our individuality and critical thinking skills. It's important to recognize when we're being influenced by the crowd and to take a step back to evaluate the situation objectively. By doing so, we can avoid making impulsive decisions that could have dire consequences.
So, let's remember to be kind to our future selves!
As you continue on this journey of becoming a Maverick, remember to be kind to yourself. Healing from past hurts is a process, and it takes time. Don't be discouraged if you slip up along the way. Just pick yourself up and keep moving forward.
One way to accelerate the healing process is to seek professional help. Therapists, counselors, and coaches can help you navigate your emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms. They can also provide you with the tools you need to heal from past hurts and become a more resilient individual.
In addition, surrounding yourself with positive influences can make a significant difference in your healing journey. Seek out relationships with people who uplift and encourage you, and distance yourself from those who bring negativity and drama into your life.
Ultimately, the choice to heal and become a better person is yours. Choose to let go of past hurts, practice forgiveness, and strive to be the best version of yourself. Remember that you are in control of your emotions, and that your actions have a ripple effect on those around you.
So embrace the Maverick mindset, and choose to live a life of purpose, intention, and positivity. Let go of the hurt, and choose to make the world a better place one day at a time. Shalom!
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