Monday Motivation

Something fun to start your week

I have a visual that might help you when you experience flashes of anger or frustration.

You know when you’re roasting a marshmallow…

And then it catches fire! So you have to blow it out!

Well, picture your emotions as the marshmallow.

Someone says or does something that upsets you, and your emotions flare up!

We all feel the urge to respond when that flash of emotion is burning.

But, of course, the better idea is to WAIT. Take a second to blow the fire out and let that initial flash of strong emotion subside.

So picture this marshmallow guy the next time you feel a flash of negative emotion hit you. Imagine him blowing the “marshmallow fire” out. Then respond.

Or you can even take a deep breath yourself, then blow at an invisible marshmallow. A deep breath is always a good idea.

Once that intense fire of emotion passes, you can respond from a more strategic state of mind. Yes, you’re still mad, but you’re thinking more clearly.

I know this isn’t easy to do. So another strategy you can use is to describe how you’re feeling while the marshmallow is burning. For example, I got really annoyed recently, and when I felt that first flash of anger, I said, “Hold on. I’m dealing with an overwhelming rush of annoyance.”

That way you’re saying something, but not anything you’ll regret later.

Anyway, it’s just something to try. See if it’s helpful.

Sorry, marshmallow guy! Yes, we’re done here.

Have a good week, everyone!