Emotions that I hate but have not yet named
Sometimes, something bad happens:
A friend disappoints me. I’m too shy to speak up about something. I make a big mistake and feel dumb. I slip on the ice and fall in front of a bunch of other people.
It produces a feeling in the pit of my stomach that is so uncomfortable. It wraps itself around my insides, and spirals up, expanding its girth until it reaches my heart and lungs. It cripples me. It begins to hurt. The paralysis endures.
I try to name it…but I’m not sure. Is it Shame? Disappointment? Embarrassment? These all feel the same to me, as far as I can tell. I was never allowed to express my bad feelings growing up, so they all meld together. I try to decipher them; I’m not sure I have the skills.
Then what am I supposed to do? Of course I want the bad feeling to go away…. Am I supposed to FEEL it for a while, and process it? How does that work? The feeling is so strong, so bad, that I can’t do anything else but feel it. I can’t work, think, do anything. So I do what I always do, try to get rid of the feeling. This is the part where humans take different paths. I, myself, go for the chocolate. Chocolate chip cookies, chocolate ice cream, anything chocolate. Others go to drugs, alcohol, or go shopping for shoes.
How to “normal” people deal with this stuff? I would love to know.
Related articles
- Hunger for Not Always Want Eat (socyberty.com)
- Science of the stomach tension (catholicboyrichard.com)
- Why do we crave chocolate? (berries.com)
SueAnn Porter 
SueAnne, I’ve read several f your posts this morning. Those categorized under the title “emotions” have me mesmerized. You have a tender soul. I can’t tell you enough how sad I am for whatever harm was done to you as a child. There is most definitely a useful story in you stemming from all of that, however, and I suspect that is why God is prompting you to publish. Maybe some day, dear.
Glad we met at Barnes and Noble the other week, and I’m delighted to have found your blog.
blessings,
Catherine
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Catherine, thank you so much for stopping by, and thank you for your kind words. I am glad I met you also!
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