How Can Emotional Distress Lead to Empowerment?

July 8, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Almost all of us have some point in our lives when we experience significant emotional distress. At the time it is painful and causes us to feel sad, in turmoil, distressed and possibly depressed plus many other feelings. Have you experienced such a time in your life? I have and I can tell you that for many of us emotional turmoil can wreak havoc on us. It can not only affect our minds and spirits but our bodies as well. There is literature to prove that continued emotional stressors can cause heart problems, stomach ailments, and immune disorders among some physical afflictions. However, emotional distress can be a positive change agent in disguise. Sometimes it is the precursor, as it was for me, to making changes in your life that will be of great benefit in the future. So, that is why I am proposing that emotional distress can lead to empowerment. Let me explain a little more for you.

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Suppose a close loved one dies. It might be a parent, grandparent, friend or someone that is important in your life. It is one of the hardest things in life to deal with the loss of a loved one. We go through the stages of grief and mourn our loss. I felt that way when I lost my mother. But after a period of time I started to heal from the loss and started to reflect on the positive impact she had on my life. I realized what she gave to me and that I will never be without her, although in a physical sense I am, but spiritually she is there. I realized also that we only have a certain amount of time on this planet and we need to do the best we can for ourselves. For me, it meant I had to come to terms with who I was and what I wanted for the rest of my life. I made good choices because of that and am in a way better place than before. Although I went through a very heart breaking and emotional time I came out a more insightful and reflective as well as more fulfilled woman.

Suppose you break up with a long time life partner? This also can be a most traumatic time for us, both in terms of spiritually and physically. But when we have loved the most we can, and done the most we can do to save the relationship and it still has not worked, then it must be time to let it go. We can remember the wonderful nature of the relationship and the joy of having known and loved the person and let go of the negative. I believe that in this situation the relationship is over and we are meant to go on living and we will find our next mate was the person we were looking for all of our lives. The next relationship you have will be different, new, and maybe more loving and close because of what you have learned from your past relationship.

Suppose you have just lost your job? This is another example of a very life changing event. We all feel emotional turmoil when our lives change; we are dependent upon our careers and jobs to sustain us. But again, this may be a good thing in disguise. Possibly you are meant to try something new in a career, go back to get that degree you have wanted for so long, or just start fresh with the knowledge you have gained previously.

So, let go and feel the sorrow but remember that we can gain empowerment over our lives by going through emotional distress.

Jay Bartels is the author of many human interest stories. Jay’s own story of
hope and inspiration can be found on his highly resourceful family sites. Jay is
a single father raising two young girls and shares his experiences in several
journals that can be found on his web sites, including http://www.MisterMomsHome.com

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