“Don’t reach out when u want validation. Wait & let Love move u. Share from the fullness of your Heart rather than the emptiness of your fear” -Mastin Kipp
When I saw this on twitter a couple of weeks ago, it instantly spoke to me. I remember a time when I was just a big ball of emotional neediness; and, more often than not, I dumped those emotions on the people with whom I was in relationships. I related in a hungry, needy way; as opposed to actually opening up and responding to things lovingly. This type of behavior was such a catch 22 because despite their trying, there was no way anyone could ever give me enough; so I was always begging for more. “Feed me (emotionally)!” “Love Me!” “Soothe Me!” “Validate Me!” was what I seemed to be constantly asking with my actions. I tried to suck them dry as I desperately sought to fill a void that could only be filled from within. And, of course, I felt angry with, or hurt by them for not being what I thought I needed them to be. It was an ugly and self-destructive cycle.
Thankfully, I matured and began to understand the importance of self-soothing and self-validation. I stopped verbally dumping my fears and insecurities on the people around me, expecting them to pick up the pieces and solve my issues. I learned to trust myself, and to walk myself through the pain or uncertainty in a logical, reasonable manner—but most importantly, with love. I like to call it “talking myself off the ledge” and I can do it anywhere and anytime now—out loud or in my head. In the past, there would be instances where I would be steaming mad for hours, cause arguments and stew in anger. Now, I’m able to turn those negative emotions around in minutes; or at least calm myself enough to be able to deal with them privately later on.
As a result, my relationships with everyone around me are so much better because I’m not relying on them to fill me up. I come to all my interactions charged and full of love; ready to give, rather than seeking to receive. And if I get that love back, it’s a beautiful bonus.
If the destructive behavior sounds familiar to you, forgive yourself, and know that it’s easy to overcome. You’re human, so you’re going to feel fear, insecurity, mistrust, hurt and anger; expect it and accept it. It’s what you do with those emotions that will matter. When you feel fearful, spend time alone, sit with your feelings and evaluate them. When you have soothed yourself, loved yourself, and been your own cheerleader; you’ll be better able to choose the best course of action and move forward in love, instead of fear.
Improvement in this area is needed for me too. I am emotionally hungry and needy. I am going to work real hard to allow God and me to fill these needs.
Dear anonymous at 10:36. Yes, I feel the same when others fail to reciprocate or listen to my grievances.
* Just because I want it so, does not mean it has to be so. If I have an 8-ounce cup, no matter how hard I try, I cannot make it hold 10 ounces. It's not that the cup is bad, it will just never be able to hold 10 ounces.
* I can't force unwilling people to "see" me
* If something is not completely within my sphere of control, I must let go of it.
* I am learning to set limits on what I allow people to bring to me. I am working to avoid toxic water-cooler conversations, etc.
I will remind myself to NOT enable others. Their poor planning does not necessitate emergency action on my part.
I will refrain from casting pearls before swine (Matt 7:6)
hth
I completely agree! I'm so quick to be bitter, angry, jealous. Any negative emotion you can think of It's so easy for me to feel that way at times. I'm really starting to make an effort of being positive. Starting of with the positives and focusing on that ONLY. I'm quick to point out the negatives so I want to learn to be quick to point out the positives. I have so much to be thankful for than to drown people and MYSELF with drama. Thank you for this! I love self-concept thursdays…
I know exactly what you mean! I'm blaming my issues on genetics, but I'm working through them and I'm a lot better. Can we say, a whole 2 day grudge and being mad and evil is NOT the business!
tiannamae.blogspot.com
I needed this as well, but how do you start? I feel like I am always giving of myself, but when I do need someone to help me release no one understands.
Thank you so much for this post. I really enjoy Self-Concept Thursdays. I look forward to reading the positive articles. I have found that my natural hair journey has become more than just about hair, it's about self acceptance and love. This article speaks volumes.