Dear Dad/Husbands
When we feel sadness, it moves on. When we feel it, it gets processed and doesn’t linger. I know that many of us were taught not to feel our sadness, but today, I’d like to talk about the emotions of the loved ones in our lives.
Do you find it easy to deal with your children’s upset, with your partners sadness? I know it can be hard to deal with. I know from experience.
However, I’d like you to consider the following: When we allow our children/partners to have big emotions, when we sit with them composed and present, when we acknowledge feelings…THIS is often the medicine they need.
Ironically, trying to fix someone’s problem or distract them from what they are feeling often has the opposite effect, leaving the person feeling unheard, unsupported, and disempowered. As a father and husband, I found this insight to be especially useful when relating to my children, my wife, and anybody else really.
My relationships are considerably deeper and more rewarding when I regulate myself to an extent that I can hold space for those in my life who need it. I’ve also noticed that it really helps the person I’m holding space for as well. Emotions don’t have to be scary, you can learn to deal with them skillfully. It is completely possible.
With Respect,
Drew