Keeping our Emotional Buckets Emptied

Walking around with a full bucket of emotions if a dangerous thing.  –D.B. 

In my book, “The Invitation, Embracing a Happier Life,” I devoted a portion of chapter ten to discussing the “emotional bucket” which we all possess.  Imagine this as a bucket we all carry around on our shoulders every day.  Over time the bucket fills up with stress related to work, problems, family trouble, financial pressures, and a host of other frustrations that we face as a part of life.  Eventually the bucket will fill up and then begin to spill over in the form of impatience, sarcasm, unkind remarks, and irritability.  It can also be dangerous for the unfortunate person upon whom the entire bucket gets dumped. 

At some point that full bucket will come pouring out on someone who happens to catch us at the wrong moment.  Trying to stop the flow once it begins is difficult if not impossible.  This process explains why a seemingly sane person can be reduced to a ranting and raving lunatic.  If you have even been the recipient of such a tirade you know what I am talking about.  You may also have been the one who blew all your circuits and behaved like a maniac with lots of screaming, shouting, and cursing.   

Consider these strategies for keeping our emotional buckets emptied:

• Learn to lighten up and relax.  The problems we sometimes face can appear to be insurmountable.  Does that mean that we are required to be miserable in the midst of them?  The answer is, of course not.  Make a conscious decision to be upbeat and positive even in the face of stress and difficulties.  Give this time.  You will probably be amazed at how the situation has improved between now and next year. 

• Find a positive outlet for stress.  Take up a new hobby, learn to play an instrument, take up woodworking, try your hand at painting or sculpting, or learn a new skill which you have never attempted. 

• Learn to practice perspective.  So many of the perceived problems we face are nothing more than inconveniences.  Learn to tell the difference.  Stop being upset with situations that in the broad scheme of things are not that big of a deal.  Shake it off and go on.  Stop and count your blessings.  Whatever you are facing right now remember that someone else has it a lot worse. 
  

• Exercise daily.  This is the untapped resource for managing stress.  Daily exercise works wonders in lowering the stress levels in our emotional buckets. 
  

• Stop complaining and start making positive statements.  Believe me when I say that no one wants to hear you or I complain.  But they will welcome positive and affirming statements. 

Rise up, get going, and get those buckets emptied.   

It’s going to be a great day!