As I age, I’m realizing the only person I can control or change is myself. One of my go to responses when I’m stressed or frightened is fight or flight—most often fight. This has caused many relationships to crumble, including my first marriage. I don’t know about you, but I intend to have meaningful relationships with those I love. This means being vulnerable, which can lead me back toward that fight or flight cycle.

The solution I have found best when I feel the warning signals blaring within my body, is to take a step back and determine why I’m feeling that emotional response. If you also struggle in this area, follow these steps:

• Acknowledge your feelings and don’t push past them too swiftly.

• Feel the emotions and find the motivation behind them.

• Remind yourself that there is nothing wrong with emotions, but you may also concede that having self control is proof of spiritual wisdom.

Finding the cause behind our feelings can lead to emotional endurance. I’d like to finish this life race well, and the only way I can see that happening is becoming prudent with my moods. My emotions tend to be more heightened than the average person. Probably, due to the fact that I am highly creative. Yet, this doesn’t mean I am unbalanced. Instead of allowing my emotions to dictate and control my circumstances, I wade through my sentiments, and in doing so, I honor the woman I was crafted to be.

You may call me emotional, dramatic, and passionate, and you’d be correct. I’m all of that and so much more. No longer will I apologize for my emotions, or allow others to diminish my worth because I feel too deeply.

Sorry, not sorry.