I consider emotionally healthy living as understanding who our authentic self is, identifying the negative thoughts we have of ourselves and transforming it into positive truths, reprocessing painful/traumatic experiences and living as an integrated person. On the topic of emotionally healthy living…here are a couple of quotes and concepts I refer to frequently. Here is one on disengaging from a dysfunctional family system. It is hopeful-that all it takes is one person to break the cycle.
I like this illustration about “spiritual bypassing.” For those who have a faith background, or grew up in a church/synagogue or religious home, their emotions and mental health can be “bypassed” (ie, ignored) under the guise of God and being “spiritual.” I want to educate and support others that this is NOT how God thinks about emotions! Much healing is needed for those who in the past or are currently experiencing these false beliefs-whether from an individual, family, hyper-spiritual friend, group or religious community.
Sometimes it is necessary for our well being to end a relationship that is toxic. It doesn’t mean they have to be all out dysfunctional. It could be someone you have known-or even trusted, but who sees you in an untruthful and negative light-or treats you so poorly you have to let this relationship go.
It can be so difficult to change and to address the painful situations (past or present) that keep us in bondage. But staying bound up and in pain takes so much more effort. There is freedom in living an emotionally healthy life-and it indeed takes work.