#EmotionalDetox: Releasing What No Longer Serves You

Hey there! In our ongoing #DetoxDecember series, we have explored clearing our minds. Today, let's turn our hearts towards something as important  – emotional detox. I now realize the deep effect emotions have on our lives. This is especially true for busy women who juggle many roles. 

I noticed something on my own journey and observing others. Emotions can lead us away from our true selves and goals. It seems that this reality is much more common than our emotions driving us along the highway toward our best selves and better lives. In our chaotic lives, we must sit with our emotions. We need to get to know them, identify them, and take control. Only then can we find fulfillment in our everyday lives. Long story short, our emotions can lead us to disaster. We can regain control and put them in their place. 

To be clear, before we dive into the need to detox our emotions, let’s address that emotions are a part of our humanity. There is no perfect existence where we never “feel.” Just as I’ve talked about in previous posts, thoughts come with no effort of our own and emotions follow those thoughts. But like we’ve learned, we can CHOOSE which thoughts to entertain and give life to through our actions. Same with our emotions.

We can choose to allow fear to paralyze us or push us forward. We can use anger to destroy or identify. We are emotional beings. It’s our divine design. We do not have a choice in having emotions. We do have a choice in how we act and respond to those emotions. So if we have a choice in the matter, this means we can choose to contain the emotions that hinder us and invite more of the ones that empower us. Now let’s talk about taking back our power. 

Emotional detox isn't just a fancy term; it's a vital process for anyone seeking genuine transformation. We often carry emotional baggage - those heavy burdens of past hurts, disappointments, and fears that can cloud our present and future. These hidden weights can affect everything from our relationships to our spiritual life. Remember, "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). It's a divine invitation to release our burdens. Negative emotions are most definitely a burden to carry. 

The first step in emotional detox is recognizing our toxic emotions. Are you often overwhelmed by guilt, anger, or jealousy? Do you find yourself trapped in cycles of negative self-talk or drowning in a sea of 'what-ifs'? Self-awareness is your powerful tool here. It's about acknowledging these emotions without judgment and understanding their roots. I want to say that again - acknowledging these emotions WITHOUT JUDGMENT. The key to self-awareness and self-discovery is accepting that we are imperfect and flawed creations. Without judgment and beating ourselves up, we see the ugly, accept it, and find ways to heal and grow. 

Because I am a survivor of many years of severe depression and anxiety, I want to empower you with this mindset. There are factors that can affect our emotions beyond our management. My journey has taught me to pay attention. Be willing to check for potential triggers and self-sabotaging, self-deprecating habits. Can you find a simple solution? Maybe by developing a closer relationship with God, taking care of your body and mind, or finding a healthier place to live? Or, does this emotional friction run much, much deeper?

We all could use some time with a professional to weed out what we can change and what we need help changing. We have to give ourselves grace for the journey and humble ourselves. God intended for us to have a tribe to help us along the way. A good therapist or counselor should be a part of that tribe to ensure you are operating at a functional and healthy level as you transform your life. 

Now, how do we release these emotions? Here are some transformative practices:

1. Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings. It's a way of letting them out of your system and handing them over to God. Without critique. Write and release. Before I write anything professionally, I dump my emotions and thoughts onto the page first. The page won’t gossip your business out onto the streets. And you can see with your own eyes how you’re really feeling. No mask is needed.

2. Meditation and Prayer: Spend time in quiet reflection and conversation with God. It helps in finding peace and clarity. Taking time to reflect and converse with the Lord makes it harder to overlook blessings. Being ungrateful becomes more difficult. A mind of thankfulness can help you to pinpoint your emotions and the source of them. 

3. Seeking Professional Help: Sometimes, talking to a therapist or counselor can provide the support and guidance needed for deeper emotional issues. I mentioned this already. Having someone who can see your emotions and thoughts from the outside offers a perspective that makes maneuvering your journey smoother and thus swifter. 

4. A Change of Environment: John Maxwell talks about growth environments. Environments where we grow because we’re in a healthy and supportive space. Maybe it’s time to take an honest look at your surroundings and the people that come with them. Do you need to make a change? 

My own testimony is clear. By regularly accessing my mind and emotions, seeking professional guidance, and cultivating a deeper spiritual connection, I have been able to leave self-hate and self-sabotage behind. This practice has also helped me create healthier environments for myself. I have seen young and seasoned women who made only small commitments. They still experienced a shift in their ability to release and welcome transformation. I believe you too want that. 

Emotional detox is not an overnight fix; it's a journey of continuous growth and self-discovery. As busy women, we owe it to ourselves to embark on this transformative path. Remember, you're not alone in this. We're a community, a sisterhood, here to support each other. I encourage you to start this journey today. Reflect, release, and let God guide you to the emotional freedom you deserve. 

Share your experiences, your struggles, and your victories with our community. Your story could be the beacon of hope for someone else. Let's walk together on this path of emotional detox and personal transformation. Be blessed, be empowered, and most importantly, be transformed!