Pleasures and pain are deeply involved with our emotions.  Every action we take is the result of emotional forces working inside us.  We like our feelings of empathy, tenderness, affections and attractions.  Then there are conflicts that result in the emotion of anger, jealously, frustration, etc. Our emotions and how we deal with them play a big role in whether or not we enjoy this adventure of life.

John Powell, in his book, Why Am I Afraid To Tell You Who I Am gives the healthy and unhealthy way to deal with emotions.  He explains that the best way  is to be aware of your emotions. It is good to ask yourself while feeling the emotion of anger, "Is it embarrassment or fear or something else that makes me feel angry now?" Acknowledge your feelings, sort it out.  Never ignore  what you feel.  Keeping your feelings in the pit of your stomach is a good way to start ulcers and numerous other health problems. Experts say that the most common cause of fatigue and actual sickness is the repression of emotions.

Mr. Powell says we should investigate our emotions. Trace it back to the origin.  Is it inferiority  that brings out certain emotions?  Is it  feelings of rejection?  You will start to grow toward maturity  in you life if you can determine where the problem is coming from. You start to understand yourself and feel more in control.  

We should never tell another person that it was their fault that we became angry.  After all, it's something within us that brings our emotions out.  These emotions are like steam gathering inside a kettle.  If there is no release, sooner or later there will have to be an outburst. Most people don't want to admit their feelings.  It may be because of fear of rejection or punishment. It may be that we are fearful that the other person will not think well of us if they know our true feelings.  But not reporting our true feelings  produces fraudulent relationships that don't last. The relationship is based on less than honest feelings. Is it any wonder that most relationships are superficial? This happens not only in casual relationships, but in families and even in marriages.

It is not easy to become totally open about who we are and how we feel. It may even be painful at times. But this brings about healing. It's up to us to seek our own answers or ask for professional help.  We owe it to ourself to be all we can be. It is possible to live without fear of not measuring up.

Mr. Powell says in his wonderful book, "My person is not a little hard core inside of me, a little fully-formed statue that is real and authentic, permanent and fixed; 'person' rather implies a dynamic process.  In other words, if you knew me yesterday, please do not think that it is the same person that you are meeting today.  I have experienced more of life, I have encountered new depths in those I love, I have suffered and prayed and I am different."

 Life is an interesting place to be. Let us pursue it with all our hearts.   

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"No one can develop freely in this world and find a full life without
 feeling understood by at least one person."
John Powell, author