Imagine evaluating every thought, reaction, emotion, etc. for its “meaning”. Sounds like fun, hmmm? Tedious, maybe? I would agree … the last few weeks have been spent being acutely aware (or at least trying to be) of all of the motivations behind everything. It can be overwhelming at times. Especially when many of the answers are “I don’t know” … with a shrug, of course! 
Tuesday Homework – Collage
My homework assignment for this past Tuesday was to create a collage on “emotions”. There were no other instructions … so, I’ve attached a photo of the collage I created. Some of the edges are cut off and it’s difficult to read some of the words, which is a shame. But it was interesting to put together.
The project is titled it, “A Journey of Leaving Normal Behind” …
hence, one reason for the new blog title. There are four “quadrants” which are somewhat
interactive with one another and the column down the center has specific purpose and meaning. There is a lot of nuance in the placement of words and their meanings. Let me know if you’re curious!
Today’s Homework
Today, my assignment was to take my job and correlate what I see and experience through outreach with my own experiences. For instance, I know when I am working with the refugees that some of what they have experienced includes loss, suffering, death, separation from family, loneliness, confusion, etc. My experiences have produced similar events and reactions in my own life. The question then became, “What open wounds are being “pushed” on in my own life?” and “Where do I need healing?” It sounds so easy …
Validity.
Wow … a word loaded with meaning. Dianne and I revisited this because of my concerns regarding the events and processes that led to “today”, why depression and anxiety have resulted (should they have?), a perception of failure in terms of handling these things well in the past, and especially, concerns (whether real or perceived) whether others consider the events, outcome, and leave of absence as valid.
Lots to think about!
April 5, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Christy,
I have read and re-read your post here. Validity is really a big word for me too. Possibly in different ways for me than for you. Though I do struggle with wondering if other people think my reactions and outcomes are valid, based on my past and things I have been dealing with, there is another area that is hard for me. I really have a problem because so many times I find myself invalidating my own emotions and feelings. I am so able to step into other people’s shoes, and see their side of things, that I am able to completely explain away my own reactions, and thus, invalidate them.
So many times I look at situations in my life, and say, “But I shouldn’t feel angry/sad/hurt/upset/depressed (what have you) about that, because…” and then name various reasons, stemming from the other person’s point of view.
It is sure hard to re-train your thought patterns, isn’t it? This week has been a hard one, especially in that area of re-training my thoughts and how they affect my emotions. Lining the thought patterns up with the Truth, and keeping them there!
God bless, and hope that things are going well for you,
Heather
April 7, 2008 at 11:24 am
Heather … we’re definitely on a similar journey.
Know that as I’m praying for myself that I’m praying for you!
Christy