HOW TO BE EMOTIONAL

How are you?  Are you doing ok?  If the reality is that you’re not doing awesome right now, we’re here to say that’s ok.  You’re not doing it wrong.  
If you’re feeling great, that’s ok, too.  Hang out with this conversation anyway, because if you can show up for your loved ones who are struggling, that’s a good thing. #alwaysbebuildingempathy.
We just wanted to check in with you and spend some time today talking about anxiety and depression and the complex emotional landscape that we are all walking through right now.  It’s a big challenge, but we can help each other and maybe even wind up stronger on the other side.  

We know a lot of podcast episodes (ours included) follow a certain format…. Here’s the problem… Here’s our expertise with this problem…. Here’s three simple steps you can take to solving that problem. Now a word from our sponsors. 

But we’re choosing not to follow that formula and instead just have a rich, rambling, revealing conversation. Because that’s what life is. Because there IS no three step solution. Because healing and growth take place in the presence of a witness, not necessarily an expert or guru. Because we believe we, as pod hosts are part of a community. Because we believe that you are part of this community. 

So… yeah… I have to say that some days I’m not OK. And that those days are more frequent these days. And that’s one of the reasons we’re recording and sharing this podcast. I’m not OK, Kelly’s not OK, maybe you’re not ok ... and that’s OK. ​

Do a Science:
This week’s science assignment is to reach out. Reach out for help, support or connection if you need it. Reach out with support and connection if you have it to give. 
Music Credits: Singing Bowl Meditation by Ahjay Stelino at mixkit.co 

Key Takeaways: 

• Emotions are signals
• Repressing emotion tends toward depression
• Expressing our universal emotions is a way to connect and trigger empathy
• Controlled expression of emotion takes awareness and practice
• Emotions are calls to action, especially anger and anxiety

References:

• Alex Antionio’s Why So Angry? Podcast
• James Hillman Book He
• Dak Prescott Interview
• Zokni post
• Captain Tom Moore raises £1000 by walking in his yard 
• Preet Bahara Podcast The Merit Trap (with Michael Sandel)
• Diana Kander Podcast - The Art of Fear with Kristen Ulmer
• Kristen Olmer’s Book

 Resources: 

• Check out this guide to the best online counseling services:  
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255  https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
• List of all sorts of mental health support agencies in AZ