It’s no secret that we live in a time where our attention is being fought for and bought at a high price.
With all the crazy and chaos of the world and then having immediate access to all the updates (hello, phone notifications), it’s no wonder we feel frenzied and fragmented most of the time. Our brains are on overload ALL-THE-TIME, and we’re running on empty in so many areas of our life.
It’s really crazy, when you think about it, because we’re overcome with the weight of the world, yet the coping mechanism most people use is trying to numb the feelings by (you guessed it!) sitting in front of a screen.
It doesn’t really matter what kind it is; hey, pick your poison!
Regardless of your screen-of-choice, you’re most likely being hit with a few thousand ads a day.
You might be asking, “What does that have to do with anything, Amanda?”
It has A LOT to do with EVERYTHING and it’s wreaking havoc on your emotions, which is completely changing how you’re experiencing life.
Here’s what happens – tell me if this sounds familiar:
You get caught in this loop where your emotions are running high, so you act out on them – then there’s frustration & failures to reach the outcomes you want, so – more emotional rollercoaster riding … and on and on it goes.
Ever been there?
Marketers have your number, sweet thing, and they take no prisoners when it comes to stirring up the emotions of their audience (ahem, that’s you).
They know that when they hit you with a campaign that’s purely targeted at your emotions (versus offering you rational reasons why you should buy whatever they’re selling), they’re twice as likely to get what they want out of you. There’s a reason they call your emotions the “super weapon” of marketing!
They’re sending all these signals to your brain, stirring up your head and heart, and YOU are not in their best interest.
You might consciously notice some of the signals they send, but most of the time you don’t even realize what’s happening in the moment.
This is an intentional manipulation and amping up of your emotions and, unfortunately, it’s typically part of a negative spiral that keeps you…miserable.
As long as you’re discontent, you can be more easily manipulated.
Here’s what I want to tell you:
You don’t have to ruled by your emotions anymore, whether they’re stirred up by manipulators -or- habits you’ve set into along the way.
I want you to have every possible way to take ownership of your life and to live it to the fullest degree possible, so I’m reminding you that you don’t have to fall victim to the emotional terror that’s thrown at you so often.
SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?
First, you know I’m going to tell you that you have every right to walk away from the screens. (You saw that coming from a mile away, didn’t you? :) )
Ask yourself if your devices are serving you or if you’re a servant to them…
I know it sounds overrated and too simple, but being mindful about how you’re feeling has immense power!
In the moment, ask questions of your feelings.
-What am I feeling?
-When did this start? What was going on when it started?
Asking good questions can lead to some pretty incredible outcomes.
Here’s another strategy you can try out for all the times you can’t avoid the attempts made to manipulate your emotions:
Try the Opposite Signal Strategy.
You know those “instincts” you have sometimes? Those times when everything in you is screaming to do something, but you know darn well it’s not the best option for you? – Sidenote: sometimes your instincts lie to you, so don’t be afraid to question those, too!
But, let’s say you’re feeling foggy and your emotions are telling you to just chill on the couch and eat junk food.
Your instinct says, “Yeah, let’s settle in with a good bag of Pizzeria Pretzel Combos with a side of Cinnamon Pop Tarts, turn on Lifetime, and just check out!”
Sure, you have every right to do that. But is that actually going to help you?
The Opposite Signal Strategy is, basically, when your instincts and emotions are telling you to do something but you know that doing that thing won’t truly be helpful. Instead, you make a conscious decision to do the opposite thing.
So, in the example of eating junk food and checking out of life on the couch when you’re feeling foggy – the thing to try instead would be to intentionally choose some sort of activity. Maybe it’s an easy walk or jog, putting on some music and dancing like no one’s watching,… something that will actually help in this situation.
There’s a big, loud world out there that wants to make you feel like you have no say over your life – that you can’t possibly control it all and so you might as well roll over and play dead – just roll with whatever you’re exposed to and be the victim.
I’m here to tell you that’s all a lie.
You have so much more opportunity to take ownership of your life than most people believe.
One great way to start is by intentionally being mindful of what you’re exposing your heart and mind to, and then being conscious of your emotions and different ways to reign them in and make them work for you instead of taking you on a wild ride through negative feedback loops that never end up where you want them to anyways.
No one ever got to the end of their life and said, “Gee, I’m sure glad I let the world own my emotions.”
There’s a high cost to passively allowing outside forces to have free rein of your heart and mind.
I’m here, on behalf of your inner heart, your children, your family … the rest of the people around you looking for an example to follow… I’m here to tell you that it’s worth it to do the hard work of being mindful, drawing boundaries, and living intentionally aligned with your own soul.
You have everything it takes, friend.
Your life is worth the hard work you’re doing to live it to the fullest.
In your corner,
Amanda
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